Safety and Security Officer at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Job Description
Main Responsibilities and Tasks:

• The Security Officer will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of staff, assets and operations under the project.
• Operating in volatile and conflict-prone areas, the officer will monitor local security dynamics, advise field teams and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• This role requires strong contextual awareness, discretion and a proactive approach to humanitarian safety management.

Duties and Responsibilities
Security Monitoring & Risk Assessment:

• Continuously monitor local security trends, threats, and incidents across project LGAs.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and update security plans accordingly.
• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and security networks to gather intelligence.
• Provide timely alerts and recommendations to field teams during high-risk situations.

Staff Safety & Movement Coordination:

• Support safe movement of staff and assets between field locations.
• Ensure pre-departure briefings and movement tracking protocols are followed.
• Maintain updated contact lists and emergency communication procedures.

• Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure vehicles are equipped with safety kits and communication tools.

Incident Response & Reporting:

• Lead initial response to security incidents involving staff or assets.
• Document and report incidents using standardized formats.
• Support post-incident debriefings and lessons learned exercises.
• Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity in handling security-related information.

Training & Capacity Building:

• Conduct safety inductions for new staff and refresher sessions for field teams.
• Promote awareness of Do No Harm principles, conflict sensitivity, and personal safety.
• Support community mobilizers and volunteers with basic safety guidance tailored to their roles.

Compliance & Coordination:

• Ensure adherence to COOPI’s safety protocols and donor security requirements.
• Participate in coordination meetings with other humanitarian actors and security agencies.
• Maintain updated documentation including security SOPs, contingency plans, and risk maps.

Additional job responsibilities:

• The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within the reasonableness level of skills and experience.

Qualifications
Essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Security Management, Criminology, Political Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in field security roles within humanitarian or development settings.
• Strong understanding of local conflict dynamics and community structures.
• Fluency in English and at least one local language spoken in target states.

Desired Experience:

• Prior experience working in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, or Katsina.
• Familiarity with NGO safety protocols and INSO coordination mechanisms.
• Basic first aid and emergency response training.

Skills and Technical Competencies:

• High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing security environments.
• Proficiency in using mobile communication tools and GPS-based tracking apps.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and inclusive safety practices.

Desirable:

• Prior experience working in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, or Katsina.
• Familiarity with NGO safety protocols and INSO coordination mechanisms.
• Basic first aid and emergency response training.

What We Offer

• A chance to contribute to transformative climate and peacebuilding initiatives.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.

Application Closing Date
8th September, 2025.