Safety & Security Officer at Care First Community Initiative (CFCI)

Duty Station: Gwoza
Starting Date: To be announced
Duration of Contract: 6 Months
Reporting to: Program Manager & Executive Director

Role Purpose:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Safety and Security Officer supports efforts to mitigate risks to the safety and security of personnel, assets, and volunteers across all operational areas. The role ensures that safety and security management systems are effectively followed. The Safety and Security Officer maintains strong communication and collaboration with the Executive Director, aligning the area office\'s security practices with the broader organizational framework to ensure a cohesive and consistent approach to safety across all operations. In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside normal role profile and vary working hours accordingly. The officer will contribute 20% of their time to project implementation.

Child Safeguarding:

Level 2 -- The responsibilities of the post may require contact with or access to children or young people.

Scope of Role:

Reports to: Program Manager
Dotted Line: Executive Director
Staff reporting to this post: Security Guards and Safety and Security Volunteers

Key Areas of Accountability:

Security Management and Systems

• Engage management and staff at all levels to facilitate adoption and compliance with CFCI\'s Safety and Security Policy and Standards
• Undertake Security Risk Assessments as per Program Manager request
• Assist the Program Manager in providing safety & security management advice, guidance and support to the program
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to the program in implementing action plans based on assessments and recommendations
• Lead efforts to identify and map safe havens across implementation areas, safeguarding both staff and beneficiaries
• Promote the concept that safety and security is an integral element of programme design and operations and should be amongst the first planning considerations
• Facilitate effective communication and operations for coordination while actively representing the organization in Regional Tension Taskforce meetings
• Follow up on all administrative issues related to the safety and security team

Field Support

• Ensure close coordination with the program managers, coordinators and focal points which is essential for the safe and efficient delivery of aid
• Maintain a continuous field presence and take the lead in ensuring distribution activities in collective shelters, centres or any relevant CFCI perimeter are carried out with the needed measures and recommendations
• Track daily missions and movements of staff members
• Ensure and regularly reassess that vehicles, premises and equipment are compliant with safety and security standards
• Work with relevant logistics staff, programme managers and transport staff to ensure that regulations for travel in the field are implemented in a systematic and timely fashion

Communication and Reporting

• Report to Program Manager, Executive Director and assist in managing safety and security incidents
• Report on safety and security at weekly meetings, and provide updates and information, verbally and in writing
• Ensure that communication systems are adequate and maintained and provide training to staff on the use of such equipment and communications protocols in conjunction with the Logistics Coordinator
• Disseminate and implement Safety & Security Management policy and guidelines

Documentation

• Develop briefing materials and maps to orient new staff on the security situation in areas of operation, highlighting relevant threats and procedures specific to their work locations
• Maintain and update a centralized filing system for all security-related documents (Weekly, By-weekly and Monthly Docs)
• Conduct ongoing threat assessments and prepare reports on the security status of offices, roads, accommodations, field sites, centers, and project areas

Capacity Building and Training

• Assist and lead in building the capacity of the staff in terms of personal safety and security
• Conduct security training for all staff in safety and security related subjects ensuring that policy and guidelines are understood and are being adopted and implemented across the programme
• Act as a team facilitator during the development of Area Security Management Plans

General:

• Carry out any other work with regard to security of CFCI as decided by line manager
• Comply with and promote all CFCI policies such as Child Safeguarding, Whistle blowing, Fraud, and Health and Safety

Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in a related field or at least 5 years comparable related experience
• Fluency in verbal and written English and any local Language

Experience Required:

• 5 to 10 years of experience in non-profit organisations or Military engagement
• Potential experience on Natural Disaster management would be an added advantage
• Advanced level of understanding of various communications technologies, including VHF and HF radio systems, satellite phones, cell phones, etc.
• Solid training skills and the ability to develop and implement successful training sessions
• The ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment
• Computer literacy, particularly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and database/mapping systems
• Ability to balance demands of beneficiary and security actors while maintaining appropriate contextual NGO security advice and coordination
• Sound knowledge of humanitarian principles of impartiality and neutrality as outlined in the Humanitarian Charter and the International Red Cross Code of Conduct
• Resourcefulness and creativity in developing the role of security within the programme and ensuring the most effective support to line management
• Effective coordination and reporting skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks, and responsibilities
• Strong communication, people management and interpersonal skills in English and any local language (if possible), with experience in leading multicultural, values driven teams
• Willingness to work and travel in often difficult and insecure environments
• Commitment to CFCI policies and values
• Valid Driving Licence

Salary: To be discussed during interview.