Job Openings at Search for Common Ground (SFCG)

Location: Abuja with 40% travel

Reports to: County Directory

Position Summary

• Search for Common Ground seeks a Safety & Security Manager to direct the development, implementation and monitoring of an effective strategy to mitigate risk, maintain continuity of operations, and provide for the safety and security of all employees.
• The ideal candidate shall also serve as the subject matter expert on all safety and security related matters.
• S/He will be responsible for establishing policies and standards affecting safety and security of staff members, field facilities and assets, and program activities globally. 
• Will also ensure security protocols and mechanisms are in place to address country programs’ unique security challenges.
• The Safety & Security Manager will provide direction and technical support in developing and maintaining country programs’ context-specific field security plans.

Roles and Responsibilities
Department management:

• Support the recruitment and selection of qualified security field staff, Support and mentor national security officers, focal points, guards and drivers
• Make frequent site visits to SFCG premises to carry out performance assessments and provide constant support to the security and project team
• Maintain open lines of communications with all field staff

Context & Risk analysis:

• Develop and regularly update the country security profile (with regards to the socio-economic, political and/or military situation in country, the country criminality profile, the nature of ongoing conflicts or crises climatic & seismic hazards and health risks,)
• Follow-up on major country events and developments
• Analyze and locate key local stakeholders
• Develop security trend analysis
• Ensure internal incident tracking system is utilized properly: create an security incident database and perform incident mapping and analysis
• Fill in and regularly update the Risk Analysis Matrix (threat, likelihood, impact, level of vulnerability, level of risk)
• Carry out security assessments of new SFCG areas of intervention or areas under consideration.

Develop and update Country Security Plans, SOPs and Contingency Plans:

• Draft and regularly update the Country Security Plan (CSP) for validation by the Country Director and endorsement by HQ
• Recommend changes in the Country Security Plan to Country Director and HQ Security department
• Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) adapted to the local context
• Draft and regularly update evacuation and contingency plans across all in-country offices
• Ensure preparedness to evacuation and contingencies (check contingency kits, first aid kits etc.).
• Design and drill a security communication tree (warden system), emergency radio network, and provisioning of emergency supplies for field personnel

Daily Security Management:

• Coordinate and monitor security activities to ensure that safety and security policies and procedures are implemented
• Ensure that all field staff are fully cognizant of prevailing security threats and fully advised on means to reduce their vulnerability to those threats
• Monitor the security preparedness of country staff and enforce staff compliance with internal security rules and SOPs, ensuring they are communicated to all staff and understood
• Set up and control the implementation of mitigation measures and security rules according to the local context
• Ensure compliance with Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) and develop action plans for security upgrade
• Carry out security assessments of new SFCG facilities, ensure a standard level of facilities protection, and supervise guards.
• Ensure offices have adapted communication means, and ensure maintenance to support the Logistic team in Country. Ensure constant update of the emergency contact list.
• Ensure a proper level of preparation before movement on the field, ensure transportation means are adapted, ensure a good fleet maintenance, and set movement rules which are adapted to the local context to support the Logistic team in Country. Ensure operational follow-up of movements.
• Ensure logistics follow a servicing and maintenance schedule for vehicles
• Spearhead security assessment missions prior to SFCG staff deployment to a new area and ensure minimum security standards are in place before their installation.

Crisis management:

• Adapt crisis management protocols to local situation
• Act as a key member of the Crisis Management Team so that safety policies and procedures are implemented

Reporting:

• Ensure weekly/monthly security reports are completed and sent to Country Director and HQ as the case may be, providing timely updates of all situational and security developments including investigation of security incidents
• Produce real-time incidents report using the security incidence report template
• Ensure lessons learnt are quickly documented and infused into policies and processes.

Training and briefing:

• Conduct security briefing for each new international staff arriving in country and new staff during onboarding.
• Design security training modules for Country Director’s approval and HQ endorsement.
• Determine training needs for the security staff
• Train national staff to increase their awareness and sense of responsibilities
• Conduct any staff security training that is warranted (HEAT, training to drivers and guards, evacuation drills, fire safety etc.).
• Carry out investigations and capture lessons learned to be incorporated into future staff trainings

Develop and maintain a security network:

• Actively participate in Weekly and Monthly Coordination Meetings
• Create an information network in country, identifying key informants
• Build strong professional relationships with UN agencies, local authorities, other NGO’s (local and international), and all relevant stakeholders

Ensure external representation:

• Attend security coordination meetings and update Country Director and HQ on current security issues
• Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the SFCG Code of Conduct, values and policies with regard to internal and external stakeholders
• As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Qualifications & Required Experience
Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in International Relations, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Security Administration or related area or ability to demonstrate a work-based equivalent;
• Experience in INGO security, military or law enforcement background;
• Some familiarity with USAID and other donor agencies policies and procedures;
• Experience working in conflict and post-conflict settings

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years implementing security programs and procedures and a strong knowledge of security management in complex environments;
• At least 2 years of working experience in similar capacity in an insecure environment;
• Demonstrated communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to train, mobilize, and manage both international and national staff and ability to multi-task under pressure;
• Ability to work well in unstable and frequently changing security environments;
• Willingness to work and live in often remote areas under basic conditions;
• Proven ability to work creatively and independently both in the field and in the office;
• Exceptional communication skills for explaining complex security concerns, policies, protocols, and procedures to senior management, employees, consultants, volunteers and consistently apply them at all levels
• Knowledge of local language where SFCG operates and/or regional experience is highly desirable

Reporting Line and Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Successful candidate will report to the Country Director and support all other staff in the security unit, while working closely with the Heads of various offices.

Salary
N6,360,000 - N7,272,000 Annually.

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Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Employment Type: Full Time
Reports to: Head of Office NE with dotted line to PAL Manager
Start Date: 1st January 2022

Job Description

• We are searching for a Procurement and Supplies Coordinator for an upcoming UNICEF funded project. The successful candidate will have the responsibility of ensuring that procurement processes at the field office level are being done in line with Search procurement policies and that the office has available fleet of vehicles to support program activities.
• S/he will ensure that the fixed assets at the field office are managed in line with the asset management guidelines and records are properly maintained.
• S/he will also ensure that the stores are well managed with records properly maintained.
• S/he will also support the field office in managing administrative functions including office management, security property management, stores and other related support functions.
• S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Admin and Procurement Manager and closely with the Programs team.
• The position holder may supervise Procurement, admin and logistics assistants and/or interns. There may be possible travels to other locations.

Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities include:

Procurement Management:

• Promptly coordinate Search procurement activities in collaboration with the Admin and Procurement Manager in line with search and donor policies.
• Ensure Search procurement guidelines are adhered to in all Search offices in Nigeria.
• Enforce compliance with procurement threshold and procedures.
• Ensure Search procurement processes are legal and ethical.
• Ensure proper use of retainers selected through a competitive and transparent process, maintain the retainer tracker and provide monthly utilization reports, provide timely feedback on renewal needs.
• Regularly update the PR tracker to reflect stages of procurement for each request and provide monthly analysis reports.
• Review Vehicle fuel usage and maintenance tracker and ensure timely monthly, quarterly and annual analysis reports.
• Ensure the Asset registers are updated monthly, follow up with Compliance/Finance team for quarterly spot check and report preparations.
• Review Store records and ensure monthly utilization reports.
• Conduct quote analysis and draft selection memos.
• Interact with contractors in coordination with Admin and Procurement Manager.
• Ensure prompt and correct filing of procurement related documents both hard and e-copy.
• Responsible for all Invitation to bids at country coordination office.
• Administer contract performance, including delivery, receipt, warranty, damages and insurance.

Collaborations:

• Coordinate with Admin team to document and deliver items meant to be warehoused.
• Work with Admin team to draft LPOs for contractors.
• Collaborate with the Admin team to ensure a regularly updated inventory tracker for all assets purchased.
• Coordinate with the Procurement Admin and Logistics Manager to draft Contracts.
• Coordinate with finance unit to ensure payments to vendors are timely

Asset Management:

• Ensure proper tracking of all Search assets throughout the country.
• Accountable for proper tracking of assets using Equipment Issue / Receipt forms.
• Support asset verification process and submission of asset reports to the Admin and Procurement Manager for review.
• Ensure spot-checks are done Quarterly, documented and reported for all Search assets, inventory and equipment.

Qualities should include ability to:

• Actively engage and support the program teams in procurement planning to ensure timely delivery of project inputs and activities.
• Plan and engage with Project Managers to understand contract specifications.
• Plan and engage with suppliers to develop a profile of delivery capability which results in effective market engagement.
• Identify, negotiate and implement contract & framework agreements which result in efficiencies in line with financial and forecasting requirements.
• Maintain accurate auditable records of all procurement process which result in high process compliance.

Expected deliverable - Monthly and Quarterly reports provided showing updated:

• Vendor database
• Inventory database
• Purchase request tracker
• Lease tracker
• Contract database.

Knowledge Skills & Ability
Required to meet the following qualifications:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in similar role.
• Candidate should have a minimum of Bachelor's Degree or its equivalent in Business administration, Finance, Procurement, Logistics or Supply Chain Management.
• Master's Degree and Professional qualification in the relevant field is an added advantage.
• Experience working with donors including USAID, BPRM, UN Bodies, DFID, ECHO, or EU, and knowledge of specific donor guidelines.
• Experience in working with international organizations at least for 2 years.
• Leadership, supervision, good interpersonal and decision making skills are required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Strong writing skills.
• Very good analytical skills.
• Ability to delegate duties or request assistance when required
• Strong computer competency with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Demonstrate high level organizational and time management skills, including the ability to plan and manage workflows and balance competing priorities to ensure timely processing to meet deadlines in a complex environment.
• Demonstrate ability to respond effectively to challenges, work effectively in a cross functional, diverse and busy team environment with minimal supervision.

You are Expected to Demonstrate:

• Leading and supervising: Has the ability to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of SFCG. Is able to build trust within team and acts with integrity.
• Accountability: Being accountable and passing on accountability for one's own actions and those of colleagues and the organization.
• Attention to detail: The ability to process detailed information effectively and consistently
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others in order to achieve a shared goal - even when the object at stake is of no direct personal interest possibilities.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with original and innovative ideas and solutions, to adopt points of view outside the usual parameters.
• Focus on Quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Learning Ability: The ability to absorb new information readily and to put it into practice effectively
• Adaptability: The ability to remain fully functional by adapting to changing circumstances (environment, procedures and people).

Salary
N3,720,000 - N4,260,000 annually (Depending on experience)

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Location: Maiduguri, Borno

About the Position

• Search is currently recruiting for an Internal Audit/Compliance coordinator to support Search's program based in Borno State.
• The Internal Audit/Compliance Coordinator will mainly monitor and evaluate adherence to project/organizational policies and procedures to meet organizational strategic objectives at all levels of the organization.
• Reporting to the Country Director, with dotted lines to the Senior Manager, Global Financial Compliance and Audit, He or She will work in ensuring the system of internal control is adequate to achieve management objectives in an efficient and effective manner, established procedures are being properly followed, assets are safeguarded and that resources are judiciously utilized, Management information is sound and adequate, risk management and analysis framework including those of partners are developed and enhanced.

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate recording, accounting, and reporting of all financial transactions, review and analysis of reports, development of budgets, and financial management.
• Ensure implementation of HACT financial procedures are enforced in activity expenses.
• Participate in data gathering, analysis, risk assessment and risk ranking for audit planning.
• Review of compliance of the financial system, internal controls and organizational policies.
• Plan and perform special investigations of systems, policies, procedures and activities, as required
• Participate in monitoring the effectiveness of the organization’s risk management systems
• Implement initiatives for building the capacity of staff and partners to enhance a ‘control environment’
• Ensure adequate preparation for the internal audit and support any spot check and the external audit processes.
• Ensure compliance to AML/CFT regulations

Competencies

• HND / B.Sc in Accountancy / Finance or related discipline
• Professional qualification (ACA, CA, CPA / ACCA) is mandatory
• Experience working on a donor funded project is an added advantage
• Professional internal audit/ risk qualification such as CIA, CISA is an added advantage.
• 3 - 5 years' experience in internal audit, consulting, assurance services, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of computerized accounting systems.
• Knowledge of Nigerian Financial Regulation and Tax Laws.
• Knowledge in executing and implementing risk assessments and programs in the audit area.
• Knowledge of IFRS Standards.
• Good knowledge of FATF/ AML/CTF laws
• Strong knowledge of UN HACT( Harmonized approach to Cash Transfer) protocols
• Stakeholder Engagement and Management.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, accounting software packages and related report writing modules; Working proficiency with databases, spreadsheets (Excel), and Microsoft Office,
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and management skills, written/oral communication skills, and data management, analytical, and computer skills,
• Ability to interact effectively with staff regarding detailed financial information and business-related inquiries into financial matters in a highly diverse multicultural environment,
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork in a fast-paced work environment,
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to meet prescribed and self-imposed deadlines,
• Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks.

Salary
N3,700,000 - N4,560,000 Annual Base Salary.

Anticipated Start Date
1st January, 2022.