Security/Liason Officer at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Locations: Damaturu, Maiduguri

Job Purpose/Objective

• Under the direct and technical supervision of Safety and Security Coordinator, the Security Officer will assist in building up the capacity, awareness and preparedness of staff to deal with security-related risks, threats and incidents through the delivery of high quality, regular trainings or briefings to national and international staff and IRC visitors within the area of responsibility.
• The SSO will maintain a high level of contextual awareness of his/her operating area and strong coordination with Program and Operations support teams at the Field level.
• He/she will form a wide web of network to sources to proactively collate and source for relevant security information.
• The SSO will support in conducting collaborative security risk assessments with all field based staff in line with the standard IRC security management structures.
• The SSO will support Base Office Managers in enforcement and implementation of existing SOPs and other risk mitigation plans guided by the acceptance, protection and deterrence strategies.
• The SSO will act as a liaison link between IRC and other external security functionaries within the areas of responsibility, represent IRC in security forums as directed by supervisor to objectively ensure that the operations and program needs of IRC are well addressed.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously monitoring the environment in the operational areas for which he/she is responsible. As required, and at a minimum of once per quarter, support Safety and Security Coordinator in updating the FSMPs, CIMP and SOPs.
• Ensure that the Field or Base Offices FSMP and associated documents are kept up to date and reviewed regularly, and staff constantly kept aware of their contents.
• Brief, supervise and liaise on daily basis with the contracted guards to ensure the guard force is aware of IRC SOPs and are effectively enforcing the required regulations.
• Accompany program staff on field missions on as need basis in order to better develop an awareness of the challenges faced by IRC staff in the field
• Liaise with government, Army, Police, SSS, Local Heads and other key external stakeholders to ensure that IRC staff can maintain regular and safe access to program areas
• Regularly coordinate with peer organization safety staff/focal points to get the current contextual information.
• Ensure that Hibernation, Relocation and Evacuation plans are updated for the area of responsibility with the support of Safety and Security Coordinator.
• Using standard trainings developed by SSC, conduct regular refresher trainings to IRC staff on personal safety, VHF communication, fire prevention, defensive driving among others.
• Prepare weekly reports for the Field offices and update data on available incident data tools.
• Submitting when required voice, email or SMS immediate advisories to Field staff when significant security incidents occur. This will include updating and testing on a bi-weekly basis the IRC SMS warden system.
• Submit formal post incident reports to the Base Managers, Field Coordinator and Safety and Security Coordinator.
• Support the Base Managers and Field Coordinator in investigating any internal incident that might have impact of IRC operations
• Regularly assess IRC field premises to ensure that the exiting physical security mitigation structures are well maintained and initiate any relevant repairs or upgrades. Prepare building assessment reports and submit to Supervisor.
• Work closely with the Base Mangers, to ensure that Security Focal Group (SFG) meeting are held and minutes submitted to SSC as required.
• During a critical incident at he/she will support the Base Managers in critical incident management giving all the required support as outlined in the CIMP.
• The SSO will be available 24/7 to respond to any staff concerns or incidents that might require urgent attention.
• Track and monitor IRC staff movement within the areas of responsibility and report any movement breaches to SSC.

Common Duties:

• Uphold the mission, values, and spirit of IRC Nigeria Country Program.
• Follow IRC WAY codes of conduct and policies and uphold highest levels of professionalism and maturity.
• Actively seek opportunities that will complement ability to fulfill position’s responsibilities as well as further professional development, such as taking part in internal and external trainings.
• To be conversant with IRC Global security principles and ensure that IRC’s neutrality is not compromised.
• Perform other duties as may be requested by supervisor from time to time.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Security Management/Disaster Management/Military Science/International relations or a field related to Humanitarian Work or Risk Management.
• Computer skills (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and internet)
• Competency in using and maintaining field-based communications systems (HF, VHF radios and Satellite phones).
• Fluency in English (written, spoken, comprehension). Knowledge of local north east language is highly desired.
• Training in First Aid and Fire Safety.
• Competent report writing skills.
• Disaster management and response training.

Required Experience:

• 2-3 years’ security-related experience with UN/INGOs operating in the North East Nigeria.
• Experienced and knowledgeable in security related subjects, threat/risk assessment, security management, and personal and organizational physical security awareness.
• Previous services with the Nigerian Disciplined forces will be a desired advantage. Certificate of discharge will be required as proof.
• Proven experience of working effectively in complex security environments and situations.
• Experience in developing safety related technical tools, guidelines and systems

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to work closely, professionally and constructively with all others regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, race, tribe, or cultural background.
• Sound judgment and the ability to under minimal supervision
• Strong assessment, evaluation, analysis and planning skills
• Interpersonal communication and proven written / presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work under stressful conditions
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historical and socio-political context of Nigeria.
• Flexibility and ability to work long hours

Work Environment
The position will work in the Damaturu Field Office. The program site in Northern Nigeria. This is security level 3 - orange

Benefits
Monthly salary, 13Month Salary Inclusive, Health Insurance Coverage for Family, Pension, Creche Facilities available for Women with babies under 24 Months.