Background:

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian international NGOs, provides relief, rehabilitation and development support to vulnerable people and communities over 30 countries. We began work in Ethiopia in 2000 in response to severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region and are currently providing assistance to Ethiopians and refugees in six regions in Ethiopia, implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery, and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

Scope of work 

Under the direct supervision of Jigjiga Field Coordinator, the Safety and Security officer (SSO) is responsible for facilitating the safety and security of IRC personnel and assets and will be responsible for monitoring, planning, assessing, and keeping up to date security situation of the operation area (Somali Region). The SSO is expected to know local languages, excellent understanding of local context and ability to analyze it.

He/she will directly report to and provide daily situation report (DSR) to the IRC’s Jigjiga Field Coordinator (FC), closely work with Field/Camp managers, program managers & program teams and will receive technical guidance from Country Office Safety and Security Manager (SSM) / Safety and Security Coordinator (SSC) at Addis based IRC’s Security Unit.

Major/Key responsibilities:

Network & Access

• Establish and maintain contact with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces, etc...).
• Work with Field/Camp managers and program teams at field level to build network and acceptance in local communities where IRC operates.
• Advise the leadership on the possibilities of access to the different woredas and zones.
• Develop ongoing relationships with community leaders and other power brokers within the IRC operational areas.
• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within the IRC operational areas are known and accepted.
• Strive to encourage stakeholders to work with the IRC in ensuring that staff and programs are safe, secured and allowed to continue humanitarian activities.
• SSO is required to be ethical and responsible in dealing with various actors for IRC business/operations.

Planning and Documentation

• Organize and produce 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 operation area, in particular for evacuation, hibernation and travel specific for Jigjiga FO.

Information and Analysis

• Closely monitor developing situations, Identify and report all the security information, updates and events, especially those that could have an impact on IRC operations.
• Work closely with all staff to ensure that safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with IRC standards.
• Provide and share daily situation report (DSR), required to comply with standard format and preparation of DSR, and provide weekly security updates.

Trainings and Briefings

• Provide an on-arrival security briefing to all the visitors and new staff
• Identified staff training needs.
• Provide ongoing training for drivers and guards, as well as for other staff as necessary.

Building Safety

• Ensure the monitoring and replacement of safety equipment in IRC buildings (fire extinguishers, etc.).
• Ensure the renewal of emergency stocks in IRC offices and guest houses, assess the physical working environment of offices and guesthouses are not vulnerable.
• Ensure that each IRC office and guest house has an evacuation plan in case of fire
• Conduct regular security & safety assessments of offices, satellite offices, camps, warehouse to identify any vulnerabilities and give appropriate recommendations.
• Ensure having security guards in all IRC facilities with supervision and planning.

Monitoring, Analysis, and Incident Management:

• The SSO will provide support in the event of a safety or security incident affecting an IRC staff member.
• Compile and submit daily security reporting that track incidents and trends within the IRC’s area of operation.
• Submit contextual updates as needed.
• Security Training and Orientation of Staff and Visitors
• With the support of the SSM/SSC, required to provide Safety & Security trainings to IRC staffs, based on the findings of the Security Risk Assessment and/or need of the staff at the field level.
• Maintain, review and update the On-Arrival Safety & Security briefings in the IRC operational area (Somali Region).
• Maintain, a tracker of briefed Staff and visitors on Orientations, and Trainings.
• Leading by example as an active contributor to protection of IRC staffs and assets

Job Requirements

• Has security trainings and/or working in security setting for minimum of 2 years.
• Has good understanding of situation analysis and awareness in Somali Region
• Previous experiences in NGO in similar position.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles and codes of conduct.
• Has excellent written and oral communications skills, must be Fluent (written and spoken) in English
• Local languages spoken in Somali Region (Somali) awareness is a plus 
• Strong communication: networking and representation skills and you can collaborate with stakeholders
• Must know local settings and has previous exposure to working environments in Somali Region.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the above qualifications; please send your CV and application letter only through IRC career site: 

External

CLICK HERE

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information: 

• Name of the position you have applied for
• Date of application 
• Summary of your qualifications and experience
• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
• Please include at least 3 references from current and former supervisors.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality: We are 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

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.