Security Advisors at Christian Aid (CA) - Abuja & Maiduguri

Christian Aid (CA) is a UK-based international NGO, partnering with others to end poverty in Africa. At the heart of this vision is the transformation of the lives of people who live in poverty, empowering them to have a brighter future. Christian Aid works in more than 30 countries and has been operating in Nigeria since 2003. The Nigeria Country programme focuses on Community Health and HIV, Accountable Governance including humanitarian response and Gender.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Security Advisor

Ref Number: 1171
Location: Abuja and Maiduguri
Type of contract: Fixed Term

Job Description

• The post holder will provide in country security cover and assessments for the staff, the programme and the offices in Nigeria.
• This will be done by applying Christian Aid’s security protocols, in country assessments, contacts with the local security community, the UN, INSO, IMF and other appropriate sources.
• The post holder will manage security, safety and associated risks to Christian Aid Nigeria staff, visitors, partners and the organization’s physical assets.
• He/she will line manage the guards and drivers at all office locations, whilst being answerable to the country manager.

Role Purpose

• The main purpose of this role is to provide in country security cover and assessments for the staff, the programme and the offices in Nigeria.
• This will be done by applying Christian Aid’s security protocols, in country assessments, contacts with the local security community, the UN, INSO, IMF and other appropriate sources.
• He/she will line manage the guards and drivers at all office locations, whilst being answerable to the country manager.

Key Outcomes

• Strong and diverse information network (local, UN, INSO, IMF etc) established from which reliable and up to date information on security may be obtained and applied by the team.
• Sound cultural and situational advice, especially to the Country Manager and other staff within the country team.
• As delegated by the country manager, ensure the security and crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and up to date and, providing security briefings prior and on arrival in country to visitors.
• All Christian Aid staff – programme, office, drivers and guards are regularly trained on security and communications procedures.
• Field security assessments carried out and provided to the Country Manager as required prior to submission of travel requests. Thereafter provide security support and presence during field trips.
• Line manage the guards and drivers at both locations, ensuring vehicle, communication & security equipment are checked and maintained accordingly, whilst all understand their role.  Technical supervision provided for drivers on matters related to safety and security and to supervise the guards.
• Regularly up-date and communication with Corporate Security Manager.

Role Context 

• The role fits within the International Department and specifically within the Nigeria country programme.
• The individual is responsible for ensuring that the Country Manager is up to date on all security issues pertaining to the programme and country.
• He/she will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of security for all the office locations, the staff whilst working with the various security networks.
• He /she will ensure that the guards and drivers are proficient and trained in their respective role and duties.
• Monitoring and supporting Programmatic work ensuring all staff and volunteers operate within Christian Aids Security protocols.

Role Requirements
Relationships:

• External Networking closely with other agencies covering security, with partners and visitors.
• Internal Line managed and reports to the Country Manager and matrix managed by the Corporate Security Manager.
• Works closely with the whole Team - programme and Administration Officers within the clearly defined responsibilities approved by his/her supervisor.
• Responsible in Line managing the guards and drivers.

Decision Making:

• Budgetary/savings responsibility  This will be in Line with programmatic work, there will be a budget for security and safety equipment and training.
• Carry out all assignments by following policy and procedures established in office and other relevant Christian Aid policies and procedures. Spending authority is only with prior approval from supervisor.

Security Networking and Alliance Building Skills:

• Weekly reporting to Country Manager on security situation covering country security developments during the previous seven days and making recommendations as appropriate. Immediate reporting to Country Manager on security issues or incidents affecting Christian Aid operations or involving staff, premises and assets whilst making recommendations taking proactive measures. 
• Monthly reporting to Country Manager on security situation in overall country context related to the previous month.
• Monthly Skype calls with the Corporate Security Manager to update on the situation and be provided with guidance and advice.
• Be able to make critical security decisions/response during or after incidents.
• Analytical skills.
• Able to carry out risk assessment and apply solutions to migrate against in country threats both to staff and the field programme.
• Monitoring and reviewing security protocols for the two offices and taking action to address or improve them on a regular basis.
• Incident reporting and analysis.

Developing Self and Others:

• The ability to take security initiatives whilst being self-motivated to develop his/her security knowledge and skills.
• Provide capacity building to the drivers and guards and, regular security training / awareness /dates to Team.

Role Related Checks:

• Child protection clearance Standard.
• Counter terrorism screening Required.

Person Specification
(Applied Skills/Knowledge and Expertise)
Essential:

• Secondary school or above
• Possessing driving license
• Knowledge of roads and traffic rules
• Fluent in verbal and written local language
• Good command in verbal and written English language
• Intermediate computer skills – able to Skype, email and ppt presentations
• Previous similar professional experience from NGO or security organisation with clean record
• Familiar with best practices and systems for security, logistic, procurement and HF/VHF communications
• Knowledge and application of risk and threat assessment plus mitigation.
• Driving bad weather conditions and off-road
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic management skills covering the support staff (drivers and guards)
• Logistic / procurement support experience

Desirable:

• Vehicle repair and maintenance
• Familiar with travel system and field operations.

Digital/IT Competencies Required:

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint  Intermediate Web content design & development.

Basic:

• Internet based collaboration tools and video calling
• Intermediate Social Media N/A
• Data Visualisation Basic     

Competency Profile Level 2
You are expected to be able to:

• Build partnerships:
  • Take on different work when necessary to achieve a team or organisational goal. Actively consult with others to ensure you understand their needs or goals.
  • Listen to and take on board fresh perspectives and views, even if you initially disagree with them.
  • Maintain relationships with individuals and networks, based on mutual understanding and respect.

• Communicate Effectively:
  • Make complex things simple for the benefit of others.
  • Actively listen and question to check your understanding and draw out others when they are not expressing themselves clearly or seem to be holding back.
  • Be sensitive to what others may be feeling, based on what they say, how they say it and their non-verbal behaviour, adapting your approach accordingly.
  • Address difficult issues when they arise, being honest and open.

• Steward Resources:
  • Implement ways to reduce inefficiency in use of resources or pass the ideas on to someone who can make them happen.
  • Estimate the resources needed to achieve your own work plans or objectives and deliver them in the most efficient and cost effective way.
  • Set and communicate realistic timelines for achieving tasks, working out how best to adapt if priorities change or unforeseen circumstances arise.

• Deliver Results:
  • Prioritise, plan and monitor your work to meet your own and team deliverables to agreed standards.
  • Acknowledge others’ priorities whilst being prepared to say ‘no’ if there are genuine reasons why their needs cannot be met.
  • Use logical processes and relevant tools and techniques to report on information or analyse options.
  • Make timely and considered recommendations or decisions based on analysis of available data, information and evidence.

• Realise Potential:
  • Evaluate your own work and actively address gaps in knowledge and skills, without prompting.
  • Recognise how you react to feedback and manage reactions positively, acting on specific feedback from others.
  • Share your knowledge where it will help others to be more effective.
  • Provide instruction, constructive feedback and guidance to others to help them learn.

• Strive for Improvement:
  • Constructively challenge existing practice.
  • Seek better ways of doing things, taking into account the possible implications.
  • Make positive suggestions on a way forward when faced with challenges, even if these fall outside the scope of your own work.
  • Look inside and outside Christian Aid for new ideas and evaluate their potential for your own work.

Salary (Full Time)
N7,324,662

Interview Date
5th April, 2017.

Application Closing Date
17th March, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here to view more information (pdf)

Note

• Further details of specific tasks and duties will be agreed with the line manager as part of the performance agreement.
• Any reasonable duty may be assigned that is consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility.
• This role profile is not prescriptive; it merely outlines the key behaviours the role-holder requires to be successful in the role; the key behaviours and responsibilities are subject to change.
• Any changes will be made in consultation with the role-holder.
• You will be expected to abide by the Code of Conduct, policies and procedures within Christian Aid which may be updated from time to time.
• You must be in sympathy with the aims, beliefs and values of Christian Aid as it seeks to work on relief, development and advocacy for poverty eradication.