Safety and Security Officer (SSO) at West Africa Network for Peace-building (WANEP)

General Position Summary

• The Safety and Security Officer (SSO) will operationalize WANEP-Nigeria’s security policy, ensuring the safety of staff, partners, and program operations across various intervention sites.
• Working under the supervision of the Operations Manager, Chief of Party, and National Network Coordinator, the SSO will oversee the implementation of security protocols, conduct regular security checks, and provide travel security briefings to staff members.
• This role is crucial in maintaining a secure environment that enables the smooth operation of WANEP-Nigeria's peacebuilding programs.
• The SSO will also support the coordination of security-related responses and engage in strategic planning for risk mitigation in challenging operational settings.

Essential Job Responsibilities
Security Management and Coordination:

• Oversee the implementation of WANEP-Nigeria's Security Management Plan (SMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), contingency plans, and regular risk assessments.
• Ensure that security protocols are updated regularly, disseminated to staff, and translated into local languages for accessibility.
• Provide regular security briefings to staff, especially when traveling to intervention sites, and ensure they understand all safety measures before departure.

Security and Contextual Information Analysis:

• Monitor and analyze the local security environment, including political, social, and environmental factors, to identify emerging threats and security risks.
• Compile and disseminate written reports detailing security situations, incident mappings, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain and regularly update site-specific risk assessments, Go/No-Go area maps, and political economy analyses.

Security Planning and Preparedness:

• Implement emergency response plans, crisis management protocols, and evacuation procedures for field staff operating in high-risk areas.
• Ensure the availability and operational functionality of necessary safety equipment, including communication tools and protective gear.

Incident Response and Management:

• Serve as the lead contact in the event of security incidents, managing the response and ensuring timely incident reporting.
• Liaise with external agencies such as local authorities and security forces to coordinate incident management efforts.
• Maintain detailed incident reports and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to resolve security issues effectively.

Staff Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide comprehensive security orientation to new field staff upon arrival.
• Identify security-related training needs and organize capacity-building sessions to enhance staff awareness and preparedness.
• Foster a culture of security consciousness within the organization, ensuring staff adherence to security protocols and reporting mechanisms.

Coordination and Partnerships:

• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with local authorities, international agencies, and other stakeholders to share critical security information.
• Represent WANEP-Nigeria in security forums and networks to stay informed on best practices and emerging security trends.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Ensure that all Security and safety practices are inclusive and reflective of the needs and voices of the communities WANEP-Nigeria serves.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in security management, preferably in an NGO setting, with demonstrated expertise in conflict zones or insecure environments.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments, preparing contingency plans, and crisis management in high-risk areas.
• Proven track record of liaising with security forces, local authorities, and international stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and mapping/database systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, with proficiency in local languages an advantage.
• Ability to assess complex security situations, devise mitigation strategies, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team and in a highly sensitive environment.