Hiring organization: Catholic Relief Services
Job location: Kenya
Regional Safety and Security Advisor (RSSA), Remote EARO and SARORemote Full-time Mid-Senior level
Job Description
Internal title: Advisor II
Department: Global Safety and Security Unit
Reports to: EARO and SARO Deputy Regional Directors
Global Safety and Security Director (Dotted Line)
Location: Home based in the East or Southern Africa Region or Remote in Countries where we have CRS offices.
NOTE: This is a remote position; CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens OR permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for remote employees.
About CRS: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Background:
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
Job Summary:
The Regional Health, Safety and Security Advisor provides operational –technical and tactical– safety and security solutions to the East Africa (EARO) and Southern Africa (SARO) Country Programs. The Advisor is responsible for coordination, support and where necessary facilitation of safety and security training initiatives and implementation of safety and security systems and policies. The Advisor will ensure effectiveness and efficiency in Country Program security documentation, operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessment processes and continuity of operations preparedness. The Advisor collaborates with relevant national and international security agencies and providers, through representation, relationship building, information sharing and advocacy.
Job Responsibilities
Technical Assistance
Provide technical support and coordination to EARO and SARO Country Programs to ensure that appropriate security systems and procedures are in place and are fully operational.
Advise senior regional and country program leadership in decisions affecting the health, safety, and security of CRS staff and partners.
Provide international, regional and local security information and expertise, as well as technical input to all EARO-SARO CPs in the development and management of their Country Security Plans and other security risk management documents.
In close collaboration with the Deputy Regional Security Advisor and other Technical Advisors assist EARO-SARO CPs in aligning safety and security plans and systems with current and future program design.
Conduct initial security assessments before the opening of new CRS offices/programs and assignment of staff to a country and in case of office closures.
Strengthen and drive the risk assessment process by carrying out regular threat and vulnerability assessments, adapting procedures accordingly and monitoring compliance, together with the CP Security Focal Points.
Provide guidance on security management procedures, policies and practices, including the management of incidents, to Security Focal Points.
Follow up on reported health, safety, and security incidents and close out incidents in the CRS reporting system. Support incident trend analysis and learning from incidents through periodic dashboards.
Stay up to date with international trends and developments, monitor open sources and cultivate different sources of information and analysis around safety and security trends in the region and share these with the Deputy Regional Safety and Security Advisor.
Monitor, review and adjust CRS’ staff tracking systems as necessary and monitor staff compliance.
Identify opportunities for interface with regional-level and country-level security committees, key contacts and staff from other agencies to support the update of FSPs. Carry out regular assessments to review and monitor compliance.
Feed into and support CRS’ continuous process of improvement on safety and security risk management.
Organizational & Systems Implementation and Staff Capacity Strengthening
Support the implementation of CRS’ health, safety and security risk management system in the regions.
Support Country Programs to roll out minimum standards, track and manage compliance.
Assist and collaborate with CPs in defining roles and responsibilities for safety and security management. Optimizing organizational/departmental efficiency, performance, and accountability.
Support the facilitation of the regions’ community of practice for security focal points and other key staff to encourage learning and implementation of best practices in the area of health, safety, and security management.
Organize and facilitate incident and crisis management trainings and exercises.
Liaise with other members of the CRS global safety and security community for additional sources of technical or training assistance, best practices, and learning.
Act as the regions’ key point of contact for safety and security training requests
Ensure compliance with CRS’s security training and learning policy
Implement agency wide trainings at the regional and country level, including those for drivers and guards. Guide the full regional roll-out of the (Advanced) Personal Security Training curriculum, both in person and virtually.
Document and visualize (i.e., through periodic dashboards) dates and types of security training staff members have received and make recommendations on training needs.
Strengthen local training capacity and facilitate trainings as is needed.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Deputy Regional Advisor Safety and Security Risk Management, Deputy Regional Director(s), Regional Technical Advisors, Country Representatives, Heads of Operations, Heads of Programs, Security Focal Points, Global Safety and Security Unit and Humanitarian Response Department.
External: International and local partners, including local and US Catholic agencies, US Embassy RSOs within the region, contracted security service providers, security officers of other international and local NGOs operating in EARO and SARO.
Supervises one Deputy Regional Safety and Security Advisor
Language Required: Fluency in English required, Arabic and French strongly desired, Portuguese a plus.
Travel: Approximately 50% of the time, primarily to/within the regions, and sometimes in remote areas with minimal amenities available. Often with short notice.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in security management, politics, international development, non-profit management, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 5 years work experience in operational safety and security management with an international humanitarian organization, preferably at a regional or multi-country level.
Technical/Professional
QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in security and staff safety
Experience working in delicate situations with partner organizations
Knowledge of and working experience in the regions strongly preferred
Strong cross-cultural skills
Ability to train and convey information to non-security personnel
Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills
Excellent writing skills and strong communicator
Proficiency in MS Office
Diplomatic, able to manage conflict and move groups toward consensus
Good judgment and sound decision-making skills
Excellent organization and planning skills, detail-oriented, ability to work on multiple task simultaneously
Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a commitment to humanitarian principles
Able to work without close supervision
Quick learner, adaptable and creative
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Strong analytical and critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions
Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship
Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences
Ability to collaborate with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience of successful security program support at regional level
Experience engaging partners
Ability to present and train different levels and compositions of staff and partners
Formal technical training(s) in safety and security is a plus
Agency REDI Competencies (for All CRS Staff)
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies
Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
What We Offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)
Job location: Kenya
Regional Safety and Security Advisor (RSSA), Remote EARO and SARORemote Full-time Mid-Senior level
Job Description
Internal title: Advisor II
Department: Global Safety and Security Unit
Reports to: EARO and SARO Deputy Regional Directors
Global Safety and Security Director (Dotted Line)
Location: Home based in the East or Southern Africa Region or Remote in Countries where we have CRS offices.
NOTE: This is a remote position; CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens OR permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for remote employees.
About CRS: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Background:
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
Job Summary:
The Regional Health, Safety and Security Advisor provides operational –technical and tactical– safety and security solutions to the East Africa (EARO) and Southern Africa (SARO) Country Programs. The Advisor is responsible for coordination, support and where necessary facilitation of safety and security training initiatives and implementation of safety and security systems and policies. The Advisor will ensure effectiveness and efficiency in Country Program security documentation, operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessment processes and continuity of operations preparedness. The Advisor collaborates with relevant national and international security agencies and providers, through representation, relationship building, information sharing and advocacy.
Job Responsibilities
Technical Assistance
Provide technical support and coordination to EARO and SARO Country Programs to ensure that appropriate security systems and procedures are in place and are fully operational.
Advise senior regional and country program leadership in decisions affecting the health, safety, and security of CRS staff and partners.
Provide international, regional and local security information and expertise, as well as technical input to all EARO-SARO CPs in the development and management of their Country Security Plans and other security risk management documents.
In close collaboration with the Deputy Regional Security Advisor and other Technical Advisors assist EARO-SARO CPs in aligning safety and security plans and systems with current and future program design.
Conduct initial security assessments before the opening of new CRS offices/programs and assignment of staff to a country and in case of office closures.
Strengthen and drive the risk assessment process by carrying out regular threat and vulnerability assessments, adapting procedures accordingly and monitoring compliance, together with the CP Security Focal Points.
Provide guidance on security management procedures, policies and practices, including the management of incidents, to Security Focal Points.
Follow up on reported health, safety, and security incidents and close out incidents in the CRS reporting system. Support incident trend analysis and learning from incidents through periodic dashboards.
Stay up to date with international trends and developments, monitor open sources and cultivate different sources of information and analysis around safety and security trends in the region and share these with the Deputy Regional Safety and Security Advisor.
Monitor, review and adjust CRS’ staff tracking systems as necessary and monitor staff compliance.
Identify opportunities for interface with regional-level and country-level security committees, key contacts and staff from other agencies to support the update of FSPs. Carry out regular assessments to review and monitor compliance.
Feed into and support CRS’ continuous process of improvement on safety and security risk management.
Organizational & Systems Implementation and Staff Capacity Strengthening
Support the implementation of CRS’ health, safety and security risk management system in the regions.
Support Country Programs to roll out minimum standards, track and manage compliance.
Assist and collaborate with CPs in defining roles and responsibilities for safety and security management. Optimizing organizational/departmental efficiency, performance, and accountability.
Support the facilitation of the regions’ community of practice for security focal points and other key staff to encourage learning and implementation of best practices in the area of health, safety, and security management.
Organize and facilitate incident and crisis management trainings and exercises.
Liaise with other members of the CRS global safety and security community for additional sources of technical or training assistance, best practices, and learning.
Act as the regions’ key point of contact for safety and security training requests
Ensure compliance with CRS’s security training and learning policy
Implement agency wide trainings at the regional and country level, including those for drivers and guards. Guide the full regional roll-out of the (Advanced) Personal Security Training curriculum, both in person and virtually.
Document and visualize (i.e., through periodic dashboards) dates and types of security training staff members have received and make recommendations on training needs.
Strengthen local training capacity and facilitate trainings as is needed.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Deputy Regional Advisor Safety and Security Risk Management, Deputy Regional Director(s), Regional Technical Advisors, Country Representatives, Heads of Operations, Heads of Programs, Security Focal Points, Global Safety and Security Unit and Humanitarian Response Department.
External: International and local partners, including local and US Catholic agencies, US Embassy RSOs within the region, contracted security service providers, security officers of other international and local NGOs operating in EARO and SARO.
Supervises one Deputy Regional Safety and Security Advisor
Language Required: Fluency in English required, Arabic and French strongly desired, Portuguese a plus.
Travel: Approximately 50% of the time, primarily to/within the regions, and sometimes in remote areas with minimal amenities available. Often with short notice.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in security management, politics, international development, non-profit management, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum of 5 years work experience in operational safety and security management with an international humanitarian organization, preferably at a regional or multi-country level.
Technical/Professional
QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in security and staff safety
Experience working in delicate situations with partner organizations
Knowledge of and working experience in the regions strongly preferred
Strong cross-cultural skills
Ability to train and convey information to non-security personnel
Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills
Excellent writing skills and strong communicator
Proficiency in MS Office
Diplomatic, able to manage conflict and move groups toward consensus
Good judgment and sound decision-making skills
Excellent organization and planning skills, detail-oriented, ability to work on multiple task simultaneously
Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a commitment to humanitarian principles
Able to work without close supervision
Quick learner, adaptable and creative
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Strong analytical and critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions
Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship
Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences
Ability to collaborate with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams
Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience of successful security program support at regional level
Experience engaging partners
Ability to present and train different levels and compositions of staff and partners
Formal technical training(s) in safety and security is a plus
Agency REDI Competencies (for All CRS Staff)
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies
Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
What We Offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)