Countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia

Organization: Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance

Closing date: 5 Oct 2023

Field Security Coordinator

Job Type: Full Time

Experience: 5 years plus

Duty Station: Mandera, Kenya (with occasional travel to Wajir County, the Gedo region, Somalia, and the Somali region in Ethiopia)

Reports to: Kenya program coordinator

Contract Details: one Year. Renewable Subject to Availability of Funds & Performance

Job Summary:

Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) is a regional non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance self-reliance and prosperity amongst vulnerable communities living in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands through the promotion of better livelihood systems, sustainable use of natural resources and community empowerment. Since its inception in 2005, RACIDA works with vulnerable communities in the arid lands and semi-arid land of Northern Kenya, Ethiopia (Somali and Oromia regions) and Somalia (Gedo region). We seek to consistently implement highly integrated, contextually appropriate, community-based programming. Our programs are part of a comprehensive strategy that sets local communities across the Mandera Triangle at the center of their own development trajectory.

RACIDA places utmost importance on the safety and security of its staff and the communities it serves within the Mandera Triangle. Given the escalating security challenges in our operational areas, RACIDA is actively seeking a capable Security Coordinator. The coordinator will be responsible for diligently implementing safety and security management policies and procedures across all its operational regions. Furthermore, he/she will play a pivotal role in contributing to the development of an access strategy for RACIDA in areas of interest within the Mandera Triangle that are susceptible to security risks.

The Security Coordinator will also offer invaluable support to RACIDA field teams by facilitating seamless information sharing, ensuring the successful execution of projects without jeopardizing the well-being of our staff, communities, or RACIDA's assets

The Security Coordinator will be the RACIDA focal point for the Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia teams, providing technical security guidance to the team as well as playing a key coordination role among various security stakeholders.

The post reports to the Regional Executive Director, works in close collaboration with the Country Coordinators and field-based County/Regional Managers.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Security Management and Systems

• Ensure that all program activities/locations are assessed and monitored relative to their impact on staff safety and security, and recommend – for appropriate onward communication – specific protocols and practices to reduce staff risk and vulnerability

• In consultation with field teams and the regional office team, continuously monitor the security /safety environment, nationally, and locally for all program areas, and make recommendations to the Kenya program coordinator and Regional Executive Director, to adjust security policies and procedures as needed.

• Ensure that contingency plans for Evacuation, Relocation, Hibernation, and Medical Evacuation are in place, disseminated, and adopted amongst staff including a detailed contextual assessment and situational update which is regularly revised at least quarterly.

• Ensure and regularly reassess that vehicles, premises, and equipment are compliant with safety and security standards.

• Research and analyze security-related information from a variety of local and national sources, County/Woreda/Districts offices, the UN and local communities in order to produce a formal weekly security update.

• In conjunction with relevant logistics staff, program managers and transport staff ensure that regulations for travel in the field are implemented in a systematic and timely manner as per the RACIDA security policy and guidelines .

• Ensure that incident report forms are properly compiled by staff and are sent to relevant staff in Nairobi.

• Conduct security assessments in new areas of operation in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia prior to entry by program staff.

Documentation

• Ensure that briefing documents and maps are developed to help orient all new staff (national and local) about the overall security situation in its operational areas and the particular threats and procedures in the areas where staff will be based.

• Ensure that a centralized filing system of security-related documents is maintained in the server

• Conduct ongoing threat assessments and compile reports on security assessments of offices, staff guest accommodations, field sites and project areas. Build capacity of field team leads to conduct threat assessment.

• Systematically map all incidents on a dedicated map and provide timely analysis to identify emerging trends.

Capacity Building

• Build the capacity of RACIDA personnel in terms of personal safety and security. Develop a programme of induction and continuation training for current and new staff. Work with field and Regional staff to build a shared understanding of security analysis and risk minimization.

• Develop a standardized security training method and provide security training for all staff in safety and security related subjects ensuring that policy and guidelines are understood and are being adopted and implemented across the programme. Act as a team facilitator during the development of cluster-based Security Management Plans.

• Guide train and monitor all staff to ensure RACIDA’s Minimum Standards in Safety and Security are followed and respected

Coordination and Networking

• Coordinate and liaise on programme safety and security matters with all relevant actors in the RACIDA area of operation such as CBOs, national and international NGOs, UN, Donor organizations, and government authorities.

• Proactively share information with staff in Nairobi and in the field ensuring high security awareness levels, close situation monitoring and effective two-way communication on security-related issues.

Requirement

• Preferably a Degree or higher in security, law enforcement or any other related field.

• Demonstrated experience in safety and/ or security.

• Advanced training or certification in safety and security preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of security protocols and emergency preparedness. Knowledge of applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

• Experience working in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia is preferred. A good understanding of the political, social, and cultural context of the Mandera Cluster.

• Fluency in English is Mandatory, and understanding the local languages and culture is an added advantage.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to write clear and useful reports

How to apply

Application Details

Interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, should send a CV and Cover Letter only to jobs@racida.org with the subject of the email as the position applied for e.g., ‘Security Coordinator**'. The closing date for applications is 5th October,2023, however, CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis.** Eligible applicants are encouraged to send in their applications.

Each application must include at least three referees who can validate technical expertise. Telephone contacts and email must be submitted with the application.

RACIDA is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.