Safety and Security Assistant at Damnaish Human Capacity Building Initiative (DHCBI)

Appointment Type: Full-Time Contract

Contract Duration: 10 Months

Location: Damboa/Askira Uba

Number of persons: 2

Working Condition: 100% Field Location

General Description and Job Brief

• Under the direct supervision of the Safety and Security Officer, the Safety and Security Assistant (SSA) upholds the responsibility of ensuring that staff safety and security management are a priority and 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 training or briefings to DHCBI staff and visitors within the area of responsibility.
• The SSA 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 networks to proactively collate and source relevant security information.
• The SSA will assist Safety and Security Officer as well as the Safety and Security Team in conducting collaborative security risk assessments with all field-based staff in line with the standard DHCBI security management structures.
•  The SSA will support Safety and Security Manager/ Logistics Officer in the enforcement and implementation of existing SOPs and other risk mitigation plans guided by the acceptance, protection and deterrence strategies.
• The SSA will act as a liaison link between DHCBI and other external security functionaries within the areas of responsibility and represent DHCBI in security forums as directed by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the safety and security officer, he/she will:

• Be in charge of carrying out continuous monitoring of the environment in the operational areas for which he/she is responsible and report to the Safety and Security Officer daily.
• Ensure that the Base Office SOPs and associated documents are kept up to date and reviewed regularly, and staff is constantly kept aware of their contents.
• Brief and supervise staff on daily basis with the contracted guards and drivers to ensure the guard force and fleet are aware of DHCBI SOPs and are effectively enforcing the required regulations.
• Accompany program staff on field missions, in order to better develop an awareness of the challenges faced by DHCBI staff in the field.
• Help in Liaising with government, Army, Police, DSS, Local Heads and other key external stakeholders to ensure that DHCBI staff can maintain regular and safe access to program areas.
• Using standard training developed by the safety and security unit, conduct regular refresher training for DHCBI staff on personal safety, fire prevention, and defensive driving among others.
• Prepare weekly reports for the Base office and update data on available incident data tools.
• Report immediately to the Maiduguri Office when significant security incidents occur.
• Submit formal post-incident reports to the Head of Office, Safety and security manager/ HR/Admin Manager, Project Managers and Safety and Security Officer.
• During a critical incident, he/she will support the Head of Office and Safety and security Officer/ Logistics Officer in critical incident management giving all the required support as outlined in the DHCBI Security SOP.
• The SSA will be available 24/7 to respond to any staff concerns or incidents that might require urgent attention.
• Track and monitor DHCBI staff movement within the areas of responsibility and report any breaches of SOP to the Safety and Security Officer and HR/Admin Manager.

Skills & Experience
Essential:

• At least 3 year of security-related experience with UN/INGOs/CBOs operating in North-East Nigeria either in safety and security, logistics or administration. Relevant experience from any other institution will also be considered.
• Ability to comprehend security-related subjects such as threat/risk assessment, security management, and personal and organizational physical security awareness.
• Previous services with any of the Nigerian Disciplined forces (Police, Army, NSCDC, etc) will be a desired advantage. A certificate of discharge or recommendation from an immediate supervisor will be required as proof.
• Proven experience or ability to work effectively in complex security environments and situations with an articulate understanding of the conflict in the northeast.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of the local language (Hausa and local language).
• Willing and able to be based and travel regularly within remote areas, where services are limited.
• Ability to work closely, professionally and constructively with all others regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, race, tribe, or cultural background.
• Sound judgment/ open-minded and the ability to work 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 and to be deployed on short notice.

Miscellaneous:

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Safety and Security Officer and/or Manager.

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse:

• Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within DHCBI and amongst beneficiaries.

Compliance & Ethics:

• Promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout DHCBI. As applicable to the position, maintains a clear understanding of WFP and DHCBI compliance and ethics standards as well as adhering to those standards. Conduct work with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.

Requirements

• A Higher National Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Security Operations and Management / Criminology / Disaster Management / Public Administration / International relations / Business Administration / Education – Languages or a field related to humanitarian work. A bachelor’s degree in a similar field will be added advantage.
• Mandatory Computer use skills (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet)
• Must have completed NYSC service or have an exception certificate
• Training in First Aid and Fire Safety.
• Relevant security management certifications will be added advantage
• Basic Mapping or GIS skills
• Disaster management and response training/ certification.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathize with all beneficiaries.
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
• Capacity and willingness to base at DHCBI field locations.
• Strong report-writing skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English and local languages.
• Very good interpersonal skills, particularly in networking, and working with communities, local civil society and local authorities.
• Good understanding and knowledge in the application of do-no-harm, conflict sensitivity principles and DHCBI standards and ethics for protection work.
• Good understanding of protection concerns, including GBV, PSEA and AAP issues in displacement, human rights, and international humanitarian law.
• Experience working in north-eastern Nigeria, preferably Borno State.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action, and to DHCBI’s mission, values and policies
• Excellent computer knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for beneficiaries.
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, coordinate multiple tasks, and maintain attention to detail.

Gender Equality Commitments

• Foster an environment that supports the values of women and men, and equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, and children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, race, colour, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures.

NOTE:

• DHCBI do not solicit fee from interested jobseekers. Please note that DHCBI will not request any monetary payments from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.
• DHCBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. DHCBI considers all applicants on the basis of merit without prejudice to race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, colour, national origin, marital status, or veteran status.
• We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence.