About Us

 Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African-based international health development organization, currently implementing more than 150 programs which directly reach more than 20 million people across 35 countries in Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref has fully-fledged offices in Ethiopia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, South Sudan, and Zambia; eleven advocacy and fundraising offices in Europe and North America; and a staff complement of over 1,500.

The Ethiopia Country office is registered in 2002 and operational for more than two decades. Currently, we are operational in all regions of Ethiopia with more than 300 staffs and wide portfolio of PHC, RMNCAYH-N, Youth Development, WASH and DPC including NTDs.

Our vision is to bring about ‘Lasting health change in Africa’, by supporting Ethiopia’s vision of healthy, productive and prosperous society.  We believe that the power to transform Africa's health lies within its communities, and therefore strive to ensure that health systems are not only functional but that communities are empowered to hold these systems accountable for the delivery of quality and affordable health care.

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.

Job Requirements

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.

How to Apply

Interested applicants please visit our website to submit your application by using THIS LINK. You will be directed to our online portal where you will need to create an account in order for you to be able to submit your application. Your application should include quoting Safety and Security Officer in the subject line of a cover letter, detailing why you are the best fit for this position, and your CV with relevant skills and experience. Closing date will be May 12, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

 If you face any challenge applying on our website contact us at  ETrecruitment@Amref.org.

 Duly note that Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process and has not retained any agent in connection with recruitment. Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-smoking environment policy.