Safety and Security Officer at Women in the New Nigeria (WINN)

Project Overview

• In collaboration with Mercy Corps Nigeria, WINN is implementing the protection sector of THRIVE consortium project, a project focusing on empowering crisis-affected IDPs, returnees, and host communities in Jere LGA.
• THRIVE seeks to prevent and address GBV by establishing safe spaces, engaging adolescents, training leaders, promoting social cohesion, conducting awareness campaigns, and improving access to essential services

Job Summary

• The Safety and Security Officer will develop a culture that relates to the mandate of the organization, ensure all field offices and operational locations and ensure that all required support is provided promptly.
• He/She will also be responsible for briefing new staff on the context overview of the security situation.

Duties and Responsibilities
Works with the Designated Field Staff and the Program Manager on Safety and Security at the Office and also the various field location to coordinate:

• The development of an organizational culture that reflects our dual mandate values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity, and innovation, and frees up our people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer service for our Members and donors
• Ensure all filed office and its operational locations comply with WINN Security policy on Operating Standards and Standard Operating Procedures
• Ensure that all required support is provided promptly, at scale, and in line with the rules and principles during emergencies.
• Provide support as required to the Field Staffs Team in case of a security-related crisis

Assessment and Analysis:

• Coordinate with the alternate Security Focal Points for the preparation & delivery of high-quality reports, analysis, and security by gathering information from various sources.
• The Safety and Security Officer will submit a written weekly Field security report to the Program Manager and Executive Director.
• The Safety and Security Officer will coordinate weekly security briefings.
• Ensure that incident reports are properly compiled promptly by staff and shared with the Program Manager and Executive Director.
• Monitor events, review incidents and coordinate analysis, follow up actions and recommendations
• Provide security updates which include situational analysis, actions taken, and actions recommended to WINN Field Staff

Policies and procedures:

• Ensure that all staff understand the WINN staff’s security plan and agree to abide by its policies and procedures.
• Monitor the security environment and adjust security policies and procedures accordingly in consultation with the Program Managers and the Executive Director
• Undertake reviews of policies and procedures; identify opportunities to enhance security.

Program Implementation:

• Advise on safe movement for staff e.g. proper vehicle fleet management policies, adequate safety and communication equipment in vehicles, and training drivers in established procedures and requisite skills
• Assist with proposal development to ensure adequate consideration of safety and security needs and inclusion of security costs.
• Undertake security assessments of and field missions to program and potential program areas; report on findings and design necessary improvements.
• Track vehicle movements where and when required until the safe arrival at the destination.
• Give advice regarding road movement as needed before movement (i.e., identifying safe areas, sharing road assessment, etc.
• Provide initial analysis of relevant security development and communicate them to the Program Manager.
• Update and disseminate Local Area Security Plans, Contingency Plans, Security Bulletin Boards, and other documents every quarter or as directed by the Program Manager to relevant staff.

Communication and Training:

• Liaise regularly with other NGOs, INGOs, and UN agencies in the various field location, government, and local administration, and where possible with community leaders in the process of gathering and verifying security information
• Coordinate the gathering and flow of information with other relevant actors; classify security information according to its reliability and accuracy
• Daily check-ins and tracking with field teams on transit on a mission in the field offices.
• Actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation in security.
• Develop security briefing material and provide orientation to incoming or newly appointed staff
• Coordinate Safety and Security training for WINN staff. Training will include medical, communications, guard force, and driving but will also include other higher-level security training.

Staff Management:

• Mentor staff to fulfill their Safety and Security Responsibilities at the field level.
• Work with Program teams to include necessary safety and security information for staff and visitors in the field offices and head office, including on-arrival briefing for new and visiting staff.
• Work with the Program Manager to develop and implement security orientation for new staff and visitors.
• Work with the Program Manager to identify the security training needs of team members and include security awareness as an essential part of program training and refresher workshops.
• Assess the training needs of drivers and guards in consultation with the Program Manager.

Liaison Activities:

• Stay abreast of political developments and humanitarian trends in Nigeria, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in the areas of operation, and informing the Program Manager.
• Ensuring sufficient capacity and knowledge to support policy analysis and strategic planning around the humanitarian architecture and operational issues.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager, Team Leader to act as official representative at meetings with external engagement targets.
• Liaise with leads from relevant international coordination structures.

Experience and technical competencies

• Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree qualification
• A clear understanding of the philosophy and mode of operation of NGOs
• Experience in liaising with civilian, police, and military government authorities, as well as with field-level, national and international institutions
• Minimum of 4 years experience in complex and insecure settings
• Well organized with ‘people skills
• Ability and willingness to travel within BAY states in Nigeria are essential.
• Demonstrable network of contacts within Nigeria
• Computer literate – Able to use Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent written and spoken English leading to the ability to produce a high standard of both written and oral work
• Ability to analyze information
• The ability to work harmoniously in a multinational/multicultural environment.
• The ability to work independently, multi-task and anticipate problems
• Ability to speak the local languages is an advantage.
• Commitment to WINN values.

Desirable:

• Background training and service in any security service.
• Values and Critical Competencies.

Why Join WINN:

• Contribute to a global movement dedicated to empowering women, youth, and communities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation, diversity, and continuous learning.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development through training, mentorship, and impactful projects.
• Play a pivotal role in driving positive change and making a lasting impact on society through WINN's multifaceted initiatives.