Safety and Security Officer at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world's leading crisis response agencies, providing life-saving assistance and supporting recovery and reconstruction for people affected by war and natural disasters. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Safety and Security Officer

Requisition ID: req6328
Location: Yobe, Nigeria
Sector: Safety & Security
Employment Category: Fixed Term
Employment Type: Full-Time
Open to Expatriates: No

Contextual Background

• The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectorial, integrated approach for conflict affected populations
• IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri, Gwoza and Monguno of Borno State and Damaturu of Yobe State
• Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs focused in primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection, child protection, education, food security & livelihoods.

Job Overview/Summary

• This is an exciting and challenging role for a highly motivated, dedicated and competent safety and security professional willing to work in a complex humanitarian context
• The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Area Manager (SAM) with technical supervision and backing of the Safety and Security Manager (SSM)/ Safety and Security Coordinator (SSC)
• The SSO will work closely with IRC program staff to facilitate easy access to program location, conduct regular security risk assessment of IRC program location and facilities
• She/He will develop a wide web of relevant contacts of stakeholders to engage with positively to address access challenges, collate and disseminate relevant security information
• The SSO will further assist in building up the capacity, awareness and preparedness of staff to deal with security-related risks, threats and incidents through the delivery of high quality, regular trainings or briefings to national and international staff and IRC visitors within the area of responsibility
• The SSO will maintain a high level of contextual awareness of his/her operating area and strong coordination with Program and Operations support teams at the Field level.  The SSO will support in conducting collaborative security risk assessments with all field based program staff in line with the standard IRC security management structures
• The SSO will support Senior Area Manager in enforcement and implementation of existing SOPs and other risk mitigation plans guided by the acceptance, protection and deterrence strategies
• The SSO will act as a liaison link between IRC and other external security functionaries within the areas of responsibility, represent IRC in security forums as directed by supervisor to objectively ensure that the operations and program needs of IRC are well addressed.

Major Responsibilities

• Safety and Security Management, and Technical Quality
• As part of IRC Safety and Security Team (SST), continuously monitoring the environment in the operational areas for which he/she is responsible.  As required, and at a minimum of once per quarter, support Safety and Security Manager/Coordinator in updating the FSMPs, CP and SOPs.
• Ensure that the Field or Base Offices FSMP and associated documents are kept up to date and reviewed regularly, and staff constantly kept aware of their contents.
• Supervise and liaise on daily basis with the contracted guards to ensure the guard force is trained and aware of IRC SOPs and are effectively enforcing the required regulations.
• Accompany program staff on field missions on as need basis in order to better develop an awareness of the challenges faced by IRC staff in the field. Prepare regular field site reports and submit to the supervisors.
• Liaise with government, Army, Police, SSS, Local Heads and other key external stakeholders to ensure that IRC staff can maintain regular and safe access to program areas.
• Regularly coordinate with peer organization safety staff/focal points to get the current contextual information.
• Ensure that Hibernation, Relocation and Evacuation plans are updated for the area of responsibility with the support of Safety and Security Coordinator.
• Using standard trainings developed by SSC, conduct regular refresher trainings to IRC staff on personal safety, VHF/ Satellite Phone communication, fire prevention, defensive driving among others.
• Prepare weekly reports for the Field offices and update data on available incident data tools.
• Submitting when required voice, email or SMS immediate advisories to Field staff when significant security incidents occur. This will include updating and testing on a bi-weekly basis the IRC warden and Bulk SMS systems. Ensure that he/she keeps an up to date staff contacts and reviewed regularly.
• Ensure that the formal incident reporting procedures are maintained through submitting Immediate Incident reports and  post incident reports to the Senior Area Manager and Safety and Security Coordinator.
• Regularly assess IRC field premises to ensure that the exiting physical security mitigation structures are well maintained and initiate any relevant repairs or upgrades. Prepare building assessment reports and submit to Supervisors.
• Work closely with the Senior Area Manager, to ensure that Security Focal Group (SFG) meeting are held and minutes submitted to SSM/SSC as required.
• Conduct access assessment to existing and new program location within the area of responsibility and submit report to supervisors.
• During a critical incident at he/she will support the Senior Area Manager in critical incident management giving all the required support as outlined in the CP.
• The SSO will be available 24/7 to respond to any staff concerns or incidents that might require urgent attention.
• Will attend relevant external coordination meetings from time to time as requested by the supervisors.
• Track and monitor IRC staff movement within the areas of responsibility and report any movement breaches to SAM/SSM/SSC.
• Conduct mandatory safety and security briefing to all newly recruited staff, and visitors and on a daily basis to all field staff before commencement of field activities. He/She will keep track/record of all staff briefed and provide monthly update to supervisors.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Hold high-quality meetings with supervisor on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Research, Learning and Analysis:

• Continuously using different established sources such as UNDSS, UNOCHA, INSO and other independent sources, collate or research security information, produce objective analysis which can be used to make informed decision to the security management plan.

Coordination & Representation:

• Attend any local stakeholder’s coordination meetings/forums within Maiduguri, Monguno or Gwoza or any other meeting as might be directed by the supervisor.
• Liaise with government, Military, Police, DSSS, Local Heads and other key external stakeholders to ensure that IRC staff can maintain regular and safe access to program areas.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Senior Area Manager
• Indirect/Technical Reporting: Safety & Security Manager/ Coordinator
• Position directly Supervises: N/A

Key Internal Contacts:

• Country Program:  Program Managers /Coordinators
• Region/Global: None

Key External Contacts:

• IRC external contacts.

Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Security Management/Disaster Management/Military Science/International Relations/Public Administration or a field related to Humanitarian Work or Risk Management.
• Computer skills (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and internet)
• Professional training and certification with recognized Security bodies will be considered.

Work Experience:

• 2-3 years of relevant work experience in preferably in an INGO or UN set up operating in the Northeast or other hostile areas as a security focal person or in a similar role of security management.
• In-depth knowledge or work experience in conflict or post-conflict and/or complex emergency environment.
• Previous service or work experience with the Nigerian Disciplined Forces will be a desired advantage. Certificate of discharge will be required as proof.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Security Risk Assessment in INGO hostile environment set up.
• Competency in using and maintaining field-based communications systems (HF, VHF radios and Satellite phones).
• Security incident analysis and report writing skills.
• Good communication skills is a key success factor. The candidate must exhibit good (verbal and writing) skills and interpersonal relationships development skills.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in security management, advisory, analysis and capacity building role in an international organization setting.
• Proven ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in fast-paced team environments and to be available 24/7 whenever a security incident occurs.
• Training and facilitation skill using different training media.
• Ability to use basic online mapping tools like google maps or GIS software.
• Ability to develop Security Plans and SOPs
• Languages: English, Local language in the northeast of Nigeria is mandatory

Computer/Other Tech Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use mapping software or applications.

Ability to Travel: Regularly to IRC sites in Yobe State and any other locations as may be assigned by supervisor.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability
• In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Working Environment:

• IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
• The position is based in Damaturu covering all IRC program sites in Yobe State Successful candidate will be provided with a comprehensive on job inductions, trainings and mentoring to further develop his/her capacity and career in INGO Security Management systems.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Gender Equality

• IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
• Qualified Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.