Safety and Security Officer at Helen Keller International

Scope of the Position

The SSO will provide technical support for the project, and assist in the development of security protocols for project operations; keeping the UAN project team members informed with up-to-date local information that affects security procedures and day-to-day operations.

S/he must also be able to work with and coordinate with the Chief of Party, SSSO and various stakeholders and partners in all the project locations, while demonstrating sound judgment and a high level of discretion. The position will work under the technical supervision of the SSSO. However, Helen Keller has a matrixed reporting structure. Regular communication and a spirit of teamwork among colleagues, both hierarchically and laterally are essential to make this structure thrive.

This position is based in Abuja, with frequent with travels up to 40% to the project states in the northern and Eastern part of Nigeria.  

Specific Responsibilities the Deputy Chief of Party will be responsible for the following, under each area of accountability

Overall Responsibilities:

• The SSO will work closely with UAN staff to facilitate safe access to program locations, with daily monitoring of the security situation, conducting regular security risk assessment of the project locations and facilities, in compliance with Helen Keller’s Safety and Security Policies and Protocols.
• She/He will develop a wide web of relevant contacts of stakeholders to engage with to address access challenges, collate and disseminate relevant security information before program activities.
• The SSO will build up the capacity, awareness and preparedness of staff and visitors to deal with security-related risks, threats, and incidents through the delivery of high quality and regular safety and security trainings and briefings.
• The SSO will support the CoP to ensure that staff and visitors understand and follow Helen Keller’s Safety and Security Policies, Protocols, and other Standard Operating Procedures, and provide recommendations for improvement when necessary.
• The SSO will act as a liaison between Helen Keller and other external security networks and represent Helen Keller in security forums as directed by the SSSO.

Major Responsibilities

Safety and Security Management, and Technical Quality

• Track and monitor Helen Keller staff movement and report any movement breaches to supervisors.  Assist program staff in developing movement plans as needed.
• Contribute to developing a safety and security culture within Helen Keller by addressing and helping staff to address safety and security-related issues.
• Vet the safety of hotels and overnight accommodations for field staff.
• Support the SSSO in regularly reviewing the Helen Keller-Nigeria Safety and Security Plan, Visitor Guide and associated documents to ensure they are up to date, and staff are constantly kept aware of their contents.
• Supervise and liaise on daily basis with contracted security guards to ensure the guard forces are trained and aware of Helen Keller SOPs and are effectively enforcing the required regulations.
• Accompany program staff on field missions on an as-needed basis to better develop an awareness of the challenges faced by Helen Keller staff in the field.
• Prepare regular field site reports and submit to the SSSO.
•  Liaise with government, Army, Police, Department of State Service, INSO, local authorities and other key external stakeholders to ensure that Helen Keller staff can maintain regular and safe access to program areas.
• Regularly coordinate with peer organization safety staff/focal points to share contextual information.
• Attend relevant external coordination meetings from time to time as requested by the SSSO, Chief of Party or the Country Director.
• Organize and conduct trainings on personal safety and security, first-aid, VHF/ satellite phone communication, fire prevention, defensive driving, among others.
• Prepare and circulate weekly security reports for field offices, highlighting key incidents, risks and other relevant information and analysis.
• Monitor and track Helen Keller and external incidents that have the potential to affect Helen Keller-Nigeria program implementation and security rating (“level”). 
• Maintain incident tracking tool/map.
• Ensure Helen Keller Incident Reporting Procedures are followed.
•  Submitting when required voice, email, or SMS immediate advisories to staff when significant security incidents occur. This will include updating and testing on a bi-weekly basis the Helen Keller warden and Bulk SMS systems. Ensure that he/she keeps an up-to-date staff contacts list and reviews/updates it regularly.
• Conduct access assessment to existing and new program location within the area of responsibility and submit report to the SSSO, as needed.
• The SSO will be available 24/7 to respond to any staff concerns or incidents that might require urgent attention.
• Conduct mandatory safety and security briefing to all newly recruited staff, visitors and to all field staff before commencement of field activities. He/She will keep track/record of all staff briefed and provide monthly update to supervisors.
• Share information and collaborate on security tasks with the SSSO.

Research, Learning and Analysis:

• Continuously using different established sources such as UNDSS, UNOCHA, INSO and other independent sources, collate or research security information, produce objective analysis that can be used to make informed decision to the security management plan.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Security Management/Disaster Management/Military Science/International Relations/Public Administration or a field related to Humanitarian Work or Risk Management.
• Computer skills (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and internet)
• Professional training and certification with recognized Security bodies will be considered.

Work Experience:

•  4-5 years of “hands-on” work experience in security management with international NGO operating in the Northeast, Northwest or other hostile areas.
• In-depth knowledge or work experience in conflict or post-conflict and/or complex emergency environment.
• Previous service or work experience with Nigerian military forces will be a desired advantage. Certificate of discharge will be required as a proof.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Experience conducting Security Risk Assessments in INGO hostile environments, developing security plans and standard operating procedures
• Competency in using, maintaining, and training staff on field-based communications systems (HF, VHF radios and Satellite phones).
• Strong assessment, evaluation, analysis and strategic planning skills

Security incident analysis and report writing skills.

• Strong communication (verbal and writing) skills and interpersonal relationships development skills.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in security management, advisory, analysis and capacity building role in an international organization setting.
• Proven ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in fast-paced team environments and to be available 24/7 whenever a security incident occurs.
• Training and facilitation skill using different training media.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Hausa mandatory

Computer/Other Tech Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use mapping software (Google Maps, ArcGIS, or other applications).
• Ability to Travel regularly to Helen Keller sites in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Sokoto and any other locations as may be assigned by supervisors.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

• Helen Keller staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Helen Keller Code of Conduct. 
•  In accordance with these values, the Helen Keller operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and several others.