Job Description

Reference number: Rec/029/22

CORDAID is a Dutch, international non-governmental organization which combines 100 years of experience and expertise in emergency aid and structural poverty eradication. CORDAID believes in a world without poverty and exclusion. We strive for a just and sustainable society where every person counts. We stand for knowledge and talent sharing between North and South, between farmers and businesses, between activists and policymakers. Where poverty, conflict and exclusion tear up societies, we connect people and communities. We also stand for professionalism, expertise and solidarity across borders, to make a difference where it is most needed. Together with more than 600 partner organizations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America we structurally improve the living conditions of the poorest and most excluded populations - the bottom billion.

Purpose of the position/Job’s aim

The Security Officer is responsible to ensure that Cordaid Ethiopia has a viable and operational plan to respond to critical incidents and that Cordaid personnel are working in an environment consistent with accepted minimum safety and security standards.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Management support, security awareness and reporting

• Lead in the preparation of viable and operational safety and security plans for Cordaid Ethiopia;
• Advise the Country Director (CD) and Senior Management Team on security and risk related issues, and possible mitigating measures;
• In consultation with the CD, take a lead role in responding to security incidents as and when they occur in Cordaid’s operational areas, and advise on mitigating measures;
• Provide the CD and the SMT with detailed analysis of real and potential threats and risks to staff safety and security, and to Cordaid asset, and advise on possible mitigating measures;
• Provide the CD with detailed analysis of on-going security related events to enable the SMT make informed decisions and protects the lives of staff and Cordaid’s asset;
• Prepare and submit monthly updates of the Country Security Report, (also) based on security reports per location, organise response in case of serious incidents;
• Analyse reports and statistics for forward planning, develop and monitor the implementation of security contingency plans for a security unit.

Manuals and documents

• Prepare, review and update the Cordaid Ethiopia Country Security Plans and Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), crisis management and emergency evacuation plans associated with specific operations at Country level and ensure the documents coherence with the country plan;
• Periodically review and update the Mission's Evacuation Plan to conform to the existing security situation. Ensure to coordinate with other organisations focal persons and security clusters/networks to obtain updated contingency planning information.

Quality Review and Payments

• Reviews the consolidated invoices and supporting documents submitted by the Data Expert and prepares for the release of funds to the contracted Health Facilities, Woreda Health Offices, Zonal Health Department and Community Based Organizations’ bank accounts as per the approved standing instruction. Conduct reconciliation of payments and submit a trend analysis report of the payments for review and planning purpose.

Security training and capacity building

• Provide a detailed and appropriate safety briefing to all newly arriving staff and visitors; include security protocols, general safety policies and procedures, site-specific issues and an analysis of the present local security situation. Ensure to dissemination relevant security documents;
• Facilitate the issuance of staff security clearance and to address security breach as appropriate;
• Ensure that staff are trained in, and comply with, security procedures, crisis management, incident reporting and protocols as specified in the Country Security Plan;
• Train staff in the proper use of common communications including HF and VHF radio networks and satellite phones according to radio protocols and other communications technologies;
• Lead the planning process for emergency response staff training and safety awareness. Sensitize staff on the evacuation plan by conducting tabletop exercises, simulation exercises and drills. Immediately flag to the Country Director any capacity gaps.

Security networking and awareness

• Develop and maintain a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community and actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation. Attend security information meetings and provide feedback to the Country Director and continuous identifying other sources to collect relevant and reliable information;
• Network with other security officers and organizations to obtain information which Cordaid can use to analyse and better understand the security environment and through this develop standard operating procedures relevant to the security setting in which programs are being implemented.

Risk assessment and mitigation

• Develop risk assessments tools and propose risk reduction measures in addition to developing, maintaining, updating and implementing when necessary, security protocols and operating procedures according to the changing situation;
• Conduct risk analysis and threat assessments of Cordaid assets (in Addis and in the field) and identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures for all operational areas;
• Investigate all safety and security related incidents affecting the program and/or staff and report findings and submit recommendations to the Country Director;
• Maintain an incident database for Cordaid operational areas for trend analysis.

Security preparedness

• Ensuring that all necessary items in terms of security preparedness and awareness are in place, including emergency food packs, medical supplies, vehicle fuel, spares, etc;
• Evaluate air and land emergency evacuation capability and submit recommendation. Ensure to conduct evacuation exercises and recommend appropriate action;
• Determine accessible areas, maintain tracking systems and coordinate the Emergency response system, monitors, conduct or coordinates security operations. 

Job Requirements

Qualification, Skills and Knowledge

• University degree in international relations, Law or a comparable field and significant work experience and training as a professional security manager
• At least 3 years' experience in a similar position with a reputable organization;
• Ability to analyze security information and provide adequate mitigating measures;
• Diplomatic, culturally sensitive, result-oriented, innovative and a strong team player;
• Ability to deal confidently with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders;
• Proven experience in developing security related technical tools guidelines and systems;
• Excellent English writing and communication skills; knowledge of local languages preferred
• Strong reporting, technical, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Willingness to travel frequently to field location with very basic facilities
• Core Competencies:
• Ability to work effectively in harsh conditions;
• Ability to provide strong leadership in especially difficult circumstances;
• Team player;
• Has integrity;
• Responsibility;
• Strong networking skills;
• Ability to correctly analyze problem situations

How to Apply

Interested and qualifying applicants can submit their application letter and CV in English, with both phone and email contact details of at least 3 professional references, via email: hr.ethiopia@cordaid.org

Note: The vacancy reference number(Rec/029/22) along with the title of the post needs to be written in the subject of the email.  CORDAID is an equal opportunity employer and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as interviews are done on a rolling basis and the advert can be closed when a matching candidate is identified An integrity screening will be part of the application procedure.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.