Safety and Security Officer Full Time

Job Summary:

 Under the supervision of the Admin and logistic Manager, the Safety and Security Officer will perform the following duties: He/ she is in charge of managing the organization’s security strategy, guidelines, policies, and procedures, collaborating with field operational staff and third-party providers and identifying security risks concerns; and developing responding plans at varying risk levels.

All Amref employees are expected to work in accordance with the Amref’s core values: dedication, innovation, inclusivity and accountability. These attitudes and believes shall guide our actions and relationships.

General Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the AMREF Security Management Systems and Procedures at national level
• Review AMREF Security Management Systems and Procedures and revise based on changes to the context
• Provide SMT with strategic advice based on changes to the context
• Ensure all staff, are fully aware of security context of the country and all operational areas.
• Act as an adviser to SMT during a crisis and take lead as and when delegated
• Minimize/mitigate security risks to staff, assets, operations, and image of AMREF
• Management of security focal person at regional and field offices

Network & Access

• Establish and maintain contact with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces, etc.…).
• Attend NGOs/UN/Government security meetings on behalf of the organization.
• Work with program teams to build network and acceptance in local communities
• Advise the leadership on the possibilities of access to the different implementing regions and zones
• Develop ongoing relationships with community leaders and other power brokers within the Amref operational areas. Work to ensure that Amref, its mission, and work within the Amref operational areas are known and accepted. Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the Amref in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue program implementation activities.

Planning and Documentation

•  Organize and produce Security Risk Analyses (SRA) in a participatory and regular manner as needed.
• Participate in the development of Security management Plans (SMP) including appropriate procedures and contingency plans.
• Ensure that all documents are up to date and operational.
• Evaluate and maintain contingency plans adapted to the local context, in particular for evacuation, hibernation and travel.
• Follow up on contracts, invoices, service level Agreements (SLAs) and other documents from outsourced security companies.
• Follow up for permits, approvals or any letters from government as appropriate for Amref events/functions where applicable.
• Take part in Assessing the recommended Hotels for staff accommodation

Information and Analysis

• Identify and report all the security information and events, especially those could have an impact on Amref operations.
• Work closely with all staff to ensure that safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with Amref standards.
• Provide and share daily situation report and weekly security updates.

Security Training/Briefing and Orientation of Staff and Visitors

•  With the support of the HQ security team, provide Safety & Security trainings to Amref staff, based on the findings of the Security Risk Assessment.
• Maintain, review and update the On-Arrival Safety & Security briefings in the Amref operational areas.
• Maintain, a tracker of briefed Staff and visitors on Orientations, and Trainings.
• Provide an on-arrival security briefing to all the visitors and new staff
• Identify staff training needs, Provide ongoing training for staff and outsourced guards as necessary.
• Liaise with relevant authorities for first aid and fire marshals training for staff.
• Attend security trainings where applicable

Building safety

• Ensure the installation, monitoring, servicing, and replacement of safety equipment in Amref buildings (fire extinguishers, etc.).
• Ensure the renewal of emergency stocks in Amref offices.
• Ensure that each Amref office has an evacuation plan in case of fire
• Conduct regular security & safety assessments of offices, Regional offices, Field offices, warehouse to identify any vulnerabilities and give appropriate recommendations.
• Ensure having security guards in all Amref facilities with supervision and planning.
• Conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRA) for all new Amref field offices before occupation and regular re-assessments after occupation.
• Approval of security clearance for all local in country travels
• Field visits support of staff and donors enabling completion of project tasks.
• Maintenance of staff lists and the international/national warden plans to ensure staff are able to be contacted in a crisis.

Monitoring, Analysis and Incident Management:

•  The safety and security officer (SSO) will provide support in the event of a safety or security incident affecting an Amref staff member.
• The SSO may work on any other task requested by his/her supervisor, including support to the program or support services teams.
• Compile and submit daily security reporting that track incidents and trends within the Amref’s area of operation. Submit contextual updates as needed.
• Conduct investigations for Amref related incidents, guide and work with relevant government authorities accordingly as appropriate.

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety and Security Management or related field with security training, licensing, and registration.
• At least five years’ experience in a similar role Security training or experience in the field;
• Good knowledge of MS Office and computer tools used by Amref;
• Good knowledge of the environment and humanitarian principles;
• Highly organized
• Ability to work independently;
• Flexibility to work in different locations with frequent travel including at short notice.
• Excellent level of written and spoken English and Amharic – Other local languages will be a plus
• Previous experience working in Amhara, Oromia, Afar, Southern Nation Nationalities People region (SNNPR)and/or Somali regions will be an advantage.
• Advanced ability to coordinate responses to security breaches and threats.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Availability to respond to security alerts outside of business hours
• Excellent networking capability and ease to engage with NGOs and other security stakeholders.
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• A team player, remains calm, confident, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Maintains non-partisan approach as an enabler to support all staff and operations.