Security officer

Duty station Mekele

Position summary:  

• The Security Officer (SO) responsibility is to monitor and analyze the overall security situation in the Tigray region, apply security principles and facilitate with team members, risk analysis and development of SoPs. The post holder will also engage with security stakeholders and provide regular security situation analysis and sound and timely advice to the Emergency Response Coordinator and Area Manager and staff in order to support the safe access and efficient delivery of program activities in the designated areas of operations in the south east of Tigray. She/he will provide humanitarian access and security risk management advice on building relationships with stakeholders, assessing and advise on humanitarian access, contextual understanding, managing critical incidents, and providing timely advisories.

About Helvetas Swissintercooperation:

• HELVETAS Swiss Inter cooperation is an international development organization based in Zurich, Switzerland and has been operating for several decades worldwide. HELVETAS is registered in Ethiopia as a foreign charity to operate in the working areas of Rural Infrastructure, Natural Resources Management, Support to Civil Society Organizations and Local Government, Skill Development and Education, and Emergency Responses. Visit our website

About Alliance2015:

• Alliance2015 is a strategic partnership of eight European non-governmental organizations engaged in humanitarian and development activities. In Tigray, 4 of the Alliance2015 members (Concern Worldwide, Helvetas Swissintercooperation, Welthungerhilfe and People in Need) will start operations in May 2021 to support conflict affected population in the South East region of Tigray. The Alliance2015 members operate with a team composed of the different organizations that are part of the response.

Hiring member: Helvetas Swissintercooperation under overall responsibility of Concern WW.

Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Location: based in Mekele, with field trips to project locations in Southeast Tigray and Addis Ababa.

Reports to: Response Coordinator (and Concern Security Focal Point)

Key objectives:

• Network with relevant stakeholders in the region, notably authorities, INGOs (OCHA, UNDSS), Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement
• Represent A2015 at relevant coordination and working group meetings
• Collect, triangulate and collate information from various sources (contacts, news, UN information, etc.)
• Define, implement and improve prevention and protection measures to mitigate security risks; measures to be known and adhered to by every staff member are contained in adopted approach to security.
• Assess and advise on access to current or potentially new field locations (projects locations, distribution sites, etc.)
• Identify and analyze security risks; report on them regularly to the response coordinator
• Establish close links with all relevant stakeholders in the project locations, including other humanitarian agencies, authorities, local leaders, and community members.
• Conduct regular field visits to facilitate communication with community stakeholders and understanding of the situation in project locations
• In accordance with the overall approach to security, regularly facilitates risk analysis to inform adaptations to security SOP to reflect the the changing situation
• Define and build up the required competencies for staff working for joint operations including trainings on the security SOP, how to respond in certain risk situations, etc.
• Arrange external trainings as required and available (I.e. first aid training, defensive driver training, etc.)
• Assess potential new facilities (offices, guesthouses, warehouses) and make recommendations on their suitability and any required security upgrades
• Ensure that minimum safety and security equipment is available and maintained (I.e. first aid kits, fire extinguishers, etc.)
• Uphold the Humanitarian Principles of Humanity, Independent, Neutrality, and Impartiality 

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Practical experience of safety assessment, planning and implementation of procedures (min 2 years) 
• Previous experience working in non-governmental humanitarian organization
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to facilitate risk analysis sessions and meetings.
• Advanced computer skills on MS Office programs
• A demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action
• Ability to work under pressure and with very short deadlines & strong communications skills.
• Strong work ethics and commitment to the humanitarian principles.
• Ability to speak, read and write English, Tigrinya and Amharic.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. 

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by sending their application & updated CV through hr.ethiopia@helvetas.org before/on May 14/2021

HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Ethiopia is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

Please make sure you write the position title " Security Officer"  in the subject line. Failure to do so will lead to application disqualify. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.