Job Opportunity: Country Security Coordinator – Saferworld

Background:

Saferworld has been working to promote peace, democratization, and good governance in Somalia and Somaliland since 2004. We support civil society’s involvement, particularly women’s and youth groups, in crucial decision-making processes on peace, security, and development. With partners, we help community groups to identify and address their own safety concerns, work to improve police services, and make recommendations on security policies. Saferworld has worked in Africa and the Horn region since 1997. We have a well-established program in Somali/land working with six partner agencies across Somaliland, Puntland, and south and central Somalia. We have offices in Hargeisa and Mogadishu and representatives in Kismayo and Baidoa.

Job purpose:

The Security Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating safety and security issues in SW offices and areas of operations in Somalia/land. S/he is also charged with security surveillance and information sharing with SW staff. S/he will also support Kenya program in coordinating safety and security issues. The Security Coordinator reports to Somalia Country Director.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Security Coordinator is mainly responsible for coordinating security operations and providing analysis of specific events, groups or situations that may have security implications for SW. In addition, the Security Coordinator will ensure that an acceptable risk management is in place to minimize the likelihood and impact of threats identified in the region.

• Take the lead in developing, reviewing and updating country security management systems including SMP and area Security Plans in close coordination with the SMT, GSA and CD in line with Saferworld policies.
• Work with the program staff to develop and update operational Area Security Plans
• Gather and verify information from varied sources and keep staff abreast of the security developments, threats, trends via advisories and regular security reports.
• Support the CDs in the overall dissemination of security related information and implementation of the security systems.
• Provide security briefs to new staff members and consultants upon arrival in Somalia and prior to field deployments
• Liaise and network with NGOs, UN agencies, partners and local community persons on security issues/alerts
• Closely work with the GSA and seek advice on key security issues and developments
• Support both CDs in preparing for and managing critical security incidents involving SW staff.

Key working relationships

• Country Director Somalia – Direct work supervisor hence consultation, coordination and information sharing
• Country Manager – Kenya – Security coordination and information sharing
• Program Managers – consultation and information sharing
• HR/Operations Manager – consultation, coordination and information sharing
• Finance Manager – coordination and information sharing
• Global Security Advisor – Technical support and involvement with the SW global security focal point team

Person specification; Knowledge, qualifications and experience

• Degree in relevant fields such as International relations, Political science, Anthropology, Psychology or Equivalent Experience, Knowledge and Skills.
• Security background with at least 4 years of proven field experience within the security industry, INGO or UN within Somalia (essential) and Kenya (desirable).
• Experience of working with local partners
• Able to build a team and coordinate team work with the Security Focal Points and INSO and UNDSS.
• Ability to train and convey safety and security information and good practice to non-safety personnel.
• Ability to fit well within a large team.
• Regional experience strongly preferred
• Have completed HEAT/HEFAT in the last three years

Skills and abilities

• Demonstrated high-level communication skills and proficiency in English and Somali languages.
• Advanced knowledge of, and ability to train others in, communications technology, including VHF, HF radio systems and satellite communications.
• Excellent communication, influencing, negotiation and engagement skills
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Relevant local information networks and contacts.

Personal qualities

• Effective communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Resourcefulness in innovations/initiatives
• Availability and accessibility by staff and partners
• Resourcefulness, flexibility, negotiation and problem solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, make quick positive decisions in emergencies and be results oriented
• Ability to multitask and prioritize a high workload in a fast-paced environment
• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive field work assignments
• Multi-cultural exposure and ability to work with various ethnicities
• Commitment to and compliance with Saferworld’s safeguarding principles and COC
• Commitment to respect and value equality and diversity, and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
• Commitment to own continuing personal and professional development
• Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Saferworld

Other requirements

• Ability to travel widely and frequently within East Africa/Horn of Africa region is required
• Language understanding skills within areas of operation