Safety and Security Specialist 50 views

 Organizational Overview:

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. Habitat for Humanity has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home.

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia (HFHE) is a branch of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). HEHE is currently operating under Africa Habitat for Humanity International. Since it started operation in 1993, Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has supported more than 165,279 families (826,396 individuals).  Initially focused on mortgage houses for families affected by poverty and other vulnerabilities, the organization has expanded its efforts to incorporate vulnerable group housing, urban slum upgrading, urban resilience building, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and Disaster Risk Reduction Response (DR3)-WASH Resilience Building.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Safety and Security Specialist (SSS) is responsible for providing support and guidance on all matters relating to security management, and staff safety and ensure that staff follow HFHE security management policies and procedures. The SSS will work closely with the National Director to regularly monitor and evaluate risks, threats, and other vulnerabilities targeting HFHE staff and property in Ethiopia.  S/he will assess and improve the security systems already in place and will make recommendations for improving the safety and security of HFHE staff and property in accordance with HFHI guidance on the safety and security of its personnel.

The Safety and Security Specialist shall also ensure adherence to HFHE standards and the availability of necessary staff and systems to develop and implement quality security management support with high levels of accountability and transparency and shall continually review, refine and strengthen systems, as necessary. Whereas, the HFHE security policy is based on community acceptance, the SSS also acts as the representative of HFHE in the field, working with targeted communities and partners to ensure transparency and open communication. The SSS will work to ensure accountability towards communities, as outlined in the Accountability Framework. The SSS will provide support to HFHE National Emergency Management Team (NEMT). The SSS reports to the National Director of HFHE.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Security Management:

• Develops proactive and responsive policies to protect HFHE staff, assets and programming in the field, including input to the regular revision of the SMP (Security Management Plan), including annexes (Evacuation Plan, Ethiopia Security Levels).
• Provides assistance and direction to HFHE in all areas of security capacity building, including preparedness, training, orientation, learning, technical assistance, and advises on specific security situations.
• Develops programming guidelines for security and communications for HFHE Emergency programs.
• Conducts on a regularly basis, the Security Risk Assessments for HFHE and updates the policies related to the Ethiopia security level (Security Level – Family Post – Curfew – staff movement) and makes recommendations to ensure compliance with personnel safety and security standards.
• Ensures that all HFHE security documents, including visitor briefing papers, are up to date and include information about new program areas.
• Ensures that all staff have access to and have read and have fully understood the HFHE Security Management Plan.  Carry out regular assessments at the offices and in the field to ensure compliance.
• Develops and maintains a security incident mapping and reporting system to improve security decision and on a regularly basis, in agreement with the National Director, ensures the posting of security incident reports.
• Provides information on the general socio-political and security situation daily to the National Director and to all Ethiopia staff as appropriate.
• Informs HFHE Senior Management Team (SMT) of any potential threats or risks for the staff, HFHH properties and assets.
• Gathers security information from HFHE sub-offices and forwards with recommendations as appropriate.
• Establishes and maintains effective liaison with local Police, security forces, embassies, and other relevant organizations.
• Assists with and monitors public relations and community engagement programs as part of the wider security risk program.
• Ensures that the security briefing is done for all visitors within 24 hours of arrival.
• Ensures that the ‘Welcome to HFHE Book’ is updated regularly and shared with the Admin, Logistics and Procurement Department staff.
• Where required, manages the contract with the security company and ensure that the guards are at their post all the time and follows up with the security company on security related issues with all HFHE premises.
•  Works with HFHE administration to ensure proper functioning of security equipment in HFHE offices, residences, and storage facilities (fire extinguishers, cameras, generators, alarms, etc.),
• Provides guidance on improving current security plans at offices (and residences), including evacuation gathering points.
• Locates premises for HFHE staff and monitor their management to ensure staff is secure.

Safety Management:

• Inspects workplace areas to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Helps to develop effective health and safety policies and procedures and carries out risk assessments.
• Instructs workers in the proper use of protective clothing and safety devices and conducts routine tests on that equipment.
• Compiles statistics on accidents and injuries, analyses their causes and makes recommendations to management accordingly.

Crisis Management:

• In times of security emergencies, supports the National Director in fulfilling his role in the context of the Africa Area Office Critical Incident Management Plan.
• Maintains an active network of external contacts that can be called upon in case of a security-related emergency.
• Ensures that HFHE Security Management Plan continues to be a living document, organizing simulations to practice incident response on a regular basis. Collects relevant information and implements lessons learned.
• Continuously ensures the use of mass SMSs/WhatsApp messages, or other updated means for rapid information dissemination to staff for all critical and security related communication.

Capacity Building of Staffs & Organizational Representation:

• Organize safety and security trainings to staffs and key partners.
• Represents HFHE within the Security Forum and other safety and security related forums, contributing to close collaboration with peer agencies around common safety and security management priorities.
• Represents HFHE at other external meetings or conferences that relate to HFHE policy, advocacy or operations regarding staff security interests.
• Verifies the development and implementation of accountability systems across HFHE programs to ensure beneficiary feedback and participation.

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia has zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of partners, Communities, and Staff. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

Active Supporter of HFHI Values:

Humility: We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Courage: We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Accountability: We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.   

Duration of the contract:  2 years with possibility of extension.

Required number: 1

Minimum Required:

• At least a bachelor’s degree in safety & Security Studies, Safety and Security Management Studies, and Peace and Security Studies with significant short-term training on security management.
• At least five years of direct experience in safety and security management in an international NGO context.
• Experience in developing and implementing safety and security management systems in the field. Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint.) and security management systems.
• Experience in hostile and stressful environments and ability to cope well under stress.
• In depth knowledge of safety and security requirements as they relate to international humanitarian assistance agencies including standards for physical security and communications and excellent understanding of “acceptance” methodologies and procedures.
• Availability 24/7 to provide support for major security emergencies as requested.