Nov 6, 2024

Security Specialist - Mali

Hiring Organization: World University Service of Canada 
Job location: (Bamako/Mopti/Segou and Bandiagara), Mali
Closing date13 Nov 2024
REPORTS TO: Country Director, Mali
CONTRACT TERM: 1 year, renewable
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 13, 2024
LANGUAGES: Fluent French, English (an asset)

CONTEXT

WUSC (World University Service of Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of governments, civil society organizations, training institutions, private sector partners, students, and volunteers who share this vision. Together, we develop education, economic opportunity, and empowerment solutions to overcome inequality and exclusion for young people around the world, especially young women and young refugees. WUSC currently works in 25 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, with an annual budget of approximately $40 million CAD.

The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is currently implementing education projects in Africa and Asia, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, the Girls' Education Challenge (GEC) of the FCDO, and private foundations. WUSC believes in supporting education across the continuum, from early childhood development to higher education, and we place special emphasis on upper primary through secondary school, when many children – especially girls – are most likely to drop out. WUSC's education initiatives work with many conflict-affected populations, particularly refugees and refugee girls.

PROJECT TO SUPPORT GIRLS' SCHOOLING IN MALI (PASCOFI)


WUSC's PASCOFI project in Mali aims to reduce disparities in the learning and academic performance of vulnerable girls affected by armed conflict in the Mopti and Ségou regions. The project mobilizes communities for girls' education by engaging parents, community leaders, and religious leaders to reduce the risks of dropping out of school or accessing school due to factors of insecurity or socio-cultural behaviors. To improve the quality and gender mainstreaming of the education system, the project supports the Ministry of National Education's efforts to train teachers and roll out a new school curriculum that promotes inclusive pedagogical approaches that address the reduction of inequalities between girls and boys. such as the Association of Mothers of Students and other stakeholders in schools, will be sensitized and trained on good health practices and sexual and reproductive rights, forced marriages and early pregnancy that affect the retention of girls in school in the two regions.

RESPONSIBILITIES


Reporting to WUSC's Mali Country Director, and working closely with the Security Advisor at WUSC Headquarters, the Mali Security Specialist will be responsible for:

Do the strategic planning:Provide a review and analysis of the security context on the ground, and the implementation of a security plan in the areas of operations in Mali
Participate in Core Security Requirements (CSR) assessments and ensure that the Country Director is regularly briefed on gaps in CSR compliance.
Ensure that security plans are up-to-date and based on the most recent Security Risk Assessment (SRA).
Depending on the risk level of the local context, provide ongoing levels of assessment of the risk/threat environment in the country and robust analysis of the results that will inform the level of security implementation in the particular context;

Operationalize the security plan:Identify and assess risks (Conducting Threat & Risk Assessments).
In the event of an emergency, take a leadership role and guide the critical steps needed, and then coordinate with the management team on the actions to be taken.
Critical Incident Management (Crisis and Incident Management (including reporting).
Act as a "Point of Contact" (POC) for all safety and security incidents, providing immediate support and coordination during and after the incident.
Conduct regular monthly checks to ensure emergency equipment such as rations, generators, diesel, bunkers and fire extinguishers are in working order in all offices and crew houses and rotate all perishable items such as reserves for hibernation periods like basic food/water – if applicable to operations.
Ensure that all staff emergency contact numbers are up to date and that a phone tree is in place in the office.
Site protection and access control (target hardening, including static or mobile guard force).
Maintain personnel tracking systems and ensure that all vehicles are maintained at an operational level.
Conduct security screenings.

Networking and external linking/engagement:Represent WUSC at meetings of the local NGO safety network in the region and ensure that information from these groups is disseminated to the appropriate managers. Build permanent networks for information sharing and security coordination.
Implement a safety alert system on the roads used by the project teams

Capacity building and technical trainingTraining and instruction of security processes and procedures (to fairly inform personnel, including communication, instruction, organization, facilitation and delivery of training).
Assist the Country Director in managing the planning, training and implementation of evacuation plans (office suspension, hibernation, relocation or evacuations) and medical evacuation plans, as required.
Ensure that all staff receive safety instruction as required and that all visitors receive safety instruction within 24 hours of arrival.
Ensure that staff complete the security training required for their role.
Ensure that WUSC's security policy is widely disseminated to all staff.
Seek to develop a culture of security awareness and monitor staff compliance.
Provide medical or first aid training (knowledge and organization of training according to national/international standards).
Develop the mandate and strategy for the National Security Team in the event of a crisis.
Strengthen the capacity of the security officer(s) on the ground in the country.
Organize training and various capacity building for;

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
EducationTraining in police techniques, criminology, security or any other related fields;
Have completed at least one training course with a recognized security network (HEAT, OCHA, UNHAS, etc.)

Experience and skills:
At least 3 years of work experience in security management for a non-profit organization
Ability to make difficult decisions, in a context of insecurity
Ability to build strong supportive relationships with partners and staff;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French (English is an asset);

Languages:
A perfect command of spoken and written French is required
Ability to communicate effectively in English (an asset)

WHY WORK WITH WUSC?
Join us. Our work is important, forward-thinking, and rewarding. We encourage curiosity, innovation and flexibility.

WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse cross-cultural workforce. We provide exciting opportunities for staff to practice their skills and gain experience while making a difference in the lives of young people around the world. WUSC staff work hard to create lasting change in education, economic opportunity, and empowerment.

CANDIDACY

WUSC's activities aim to balance inequalities and create sustainable development around the world; The work ethic of our staff, volunteers, representatives and partners must align with the values and mission of the organization. WUSC promotes responsibility, respect, honesty and professional excellence and we will not tolerate harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or abuse in any form. Successful candidates will be required to undergo a thorough criminal record check, if applicable.

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates who are involved in all aspects of the selection process. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

How to apply
If you are interested, please apply here on our portal.