Field Security Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary: 

The Field Security Officer (FSO) assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for CRS employees and visitors, premises, and assets as well as maintaining regular communication with staff during field movement. The FSO is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and procedures (Safety and Security Protocols) are in place to maximize safety and security and that they are always adhered to.  The FSO is responsible for coordinating operational security issues and sourcing of relevant security information within CRS project activity areas and in Sokoto state. He supports the Security manager and Program Manager  to ensure that safety and security is mainstreamed into all field operations across Sokoto Office, and at the same time provides a high-quality information for decision making.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Policies and Procedures:

• Be familiar with CRS’s Safety and Security procedures and policies and Safe and Sound Manual and support the Head of Office in ensuring they are always adhered to.
• Work with the Security Manager and the Head of Office to develop, consolidate, implement, and regularly review operating procedures and security plans across Sokoto State operational areas.
• Assist the Security Manager to provide training(s) that may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs), Security Management, Incident Reporting, Prevention and Response Mechanisms, Communications (including satellite phones), and risk/threat analysis.

Communication:

• Provide thorough security briefings to CRS staff and visitors upon arrival in the State.
• Initiate, review, and collate security incident reports for each field site.
• Implement, maintain, and regularly update the CRS State staff and visitors list, Security Communications Tree and SOPs as needed
• Ensure the communication equipment functions at all times (HF radio, sat phone, internet, phone lines). Follow-up on any calls made by satellite phone and radio

Staff and Vehicle Movement:

• In collaboration with the Travel Team, monitor movement and provide security guidance to international and national staff on the current situation in operational areas.
• Daily track and record all CRS field movement within Sokoto State . 
• Maintain strong communication to report and record observations, information, and occurrences during staff movement.
• Serve as focal point with drivers during interstate movement by tracking the location of all vehicles and staff and communicate with CRS Security Focal Points in other states.
• Regularly conduct 30% field visits to assess field site compliance with safety and security procedure during field activities.
• Ensure vehicle and personal tracking systems are appropriate, fully resourced, and operational

Monitoring and Analysis:

• Collect information regarding politics and security in Sokoto State  as well as on safety and security issues concerning CRS.
• Respond to security relevant incidents with information gathering and inform the Head of Office and the Country Security Manger. 
• Undertake continual assessments of equipment (including vehicles) and organizational assets to ensure that minimal conditions for security are met.      Prevent loss and damage by reporting irregularities, informing violators of policy and procedures.
• Ensure that perimeter security staff (guards) have the capacities to perform their duties as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct monthly health and safety inspections such as, but not limited to: fire extinguishers, smoke/fire detectors and inspection of CRS facilities in Sokoto State 
• Regular inventory and stock taking of hibernation kits, first aid kits, and vehicle safety kits; ensure that staff know what is in the kits and how and when to use them.
• Submit regular contextual updates (weekly/monthly situational reports) to the Head of Office
• Work closely with CRS field teams to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written Incident Report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately.
• Take appropriate measures to secure CRS premises, personnel, assets, and properties by regularly monitoring and control of CRS existing security set-up.
• Check that facilities and equipment conform to security norms (closures and doorways are in a good state, open spaces lit up, buildings identified, fire extinguishers present, electrical installations buried, etc.).
• Review lodging options for staff Sokoto State and in field locations, ensuring they meet CRS standard operating procedures.

Coordination:

• Maintain a wide professional and personal network of influential actors and clearly communicate CRS’s status and mission in Sokoto.
• Build acceptance to facilitate continuity of current CRS programs and any future humanitarian or development programming by liaising with local communities, local authorities and other humanitarian actors and stakeholders within the state.
• Coordinate regularly with the Country Security Manger on safety and security issues and fulfill all reporting requirements to the Country Office in Abuja.
• Attend and represent CRS at UN, Sector, and other meetings relating to access and security as appropriate, following guidance from the Head of Office and the CP Security Manger.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups
• Ability to plan and organize work and write clear and concise reports and communicate effectively (both written and verbal).
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Word, PowerPoint). 

 Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: Head of Office, Security Manger, Admin Officer, Security Officer, Deputy Country Representative, National staff, International Staff, etc.
• External: INGOs, UN Agencies, Government Agencies, Partners etc.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelors Degree in social sciences or relevant field is required. Security Management trainings or certifications is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the field of community engagement, risk management, safety and security management or other related field.
• Previous experience in security management with NGOs is added advantage.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of the geography and culture of Northeast Nigeria with proven ability to read maps.
• Proven commitment to accountability practices.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training
• Must be familiar with and committed to gender equity in programming and management practice