Safety and Security Manager, Iraq

Employer:Mercy Corps
Location: Iraq
Closing date: 28 Dec 2014
Program Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Libya. Mercy Corps has been operating in Iraq since 2003 and currently implements programs with funding from the USAID, US Department of State, Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, the UN and others. While much of Mercy Corps’ work in Iraq to date has focused on addressing the emergency needs of the Iraqi people, increasingly Mercy Corps is focusing its efforts on helping Iraq build a new future through development programs. With the ever-increasing humanitarian crisis currently impacting the entire country Mercy Corps initiated programs in 2013 to support Syrian refugees in the northern KRG areas under Kurdish administration.

General Position Summary
The Safety & Security Manager (SSM) is responsible for managing all safety & security systems in Northern and Western Iraq. This position is largely a result of recent instability, population movements and humanitarian programs that have occurred as a result of both the Syrian conflict and Islamic State (aka ISIS).. This position will also support basic security awareness and planning in the Erbil and Dohuk offices where operational teams are based. The SSM will work closely with the Country Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in developing and implementing procedures and policies specific to each situation including security management plans and provide support and advice on safety and security issues. The SSM will supervise the Erbil and Derik-based Security Focal Points/Officers and provide capacity-building as well as mentoring and provide necessary training of staff and partners, as needed. He/she is expected to assist program teams in incorporating security planning and awareness into program planning. The SSM will have a strong, dotted line of technical reporting to the Syria Safety and Security Director, and work closely with the Global Director of Field Security and Regional Security Teams. The SSM will also coordinate with the Erbil and Iraq Security forums.

Essential Job Functions:
Security information & analysis

• Work with SFPs, SO, Heads of Office and the SLT to monitor the security environment in the designated areas of Iraq and North Eastern Syria.
• Prepare analytical reports, based on information from internal and external sources, to support policy and procedure reviews as well as to mitigate risks to programming.
• Prepare weekly security brief and share with all relevant staff, including international staff and SFPs and Syria security management.
• Feed in to the Gaziantep-based security mapping and analysis team.
• Be readily available at all times to the Country Director and field staff to advise on security developments.

Security system management

• Develop, review and ensure effective implementation of the MC Iraq and NES Security Management Plans including a security plan in assigned offices, together with key actors.
• Develop, review and ensure the effective implementation of hibernation and evacuation SOPs.
• Actively participate in SLT meetings and support members in sharpening their skills in risk and vulnerability assessments, evaluating information and developing security protocols and strategies that work for the team and allow to progress safely and with the lowest risk possible.
• Conduct security assessments in all offices and international staff residences, with recommendations to the Country Director for any necessary improvements.
• Ensure adequate supply of necessary safety and security-related equipment at all offices and international staff residences.
• Ensure that relevant staff members understand and are able to use this equipment, including radios, satellite phones, fire extinguishers, etc.
• Conduct comprehensive security/risk assessment in potential new program/field sites, as necessary.
• Implement and ensure effective monitoring of a vehicle tracking system in each office.
• Ensure implementation of incident tracking and reporting protocols, with key stakeholders.
• Prepare and update as necessary the “constant companion”, both full and pocket-sized versions.
• Review and revise security telephone tree for all locations as necessary, with key stakheolders.
• Conduct routine crisis management exercises for all staff and management.
• Conduct mock drills in all MCI offices (e.g. fire drill, evacuation drill etc.).
• Promote and support efforts by field offices to meet the Inter Action Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) through effective planning and budgeting for security.
• Work with SFPs, Program Managers, Heads of Offices, Director of Programs and CD on community acceptance messaging and other operational strategies.
• Coordinate closely with the Syria Safety and Security Manager.

Staff management and technical support

• Participate in the recruitment and hiring process for the SFPs and Security Officers as necessary. Lead the onboarding and training of these staff.
• Supervise the SO in NES and Erbil, including setting objectives, developing quarterly workplans, performance evaluation, etc. Assist SFP in developing a monthly/quarterly work plan that can be monitored by the Head of Office, and remotely by SSM and Country Director.
• Mentor the SFPs to fulfill their safety and security responsibilities at the field-level.
• Work with CD to include necessary safety and security information in pre-departure information packages for new international staff and visitors.
• Work with the Human Resources Officer (HRO) to develop and implement security orientation for new staff (international and national) and visitors.
• Work with the HRO to identify security training needs of team members and include security awareness as an essential part of program trainings and refresher workshops.
• Assess the training needs of drivers and guards in consultation with SFPs and Logistics staff.
• Significant technical support provided to partner agencies – particularly in tactical skills and them defining their own risk thresholds.

Coordination

• Place high value on inter-agency coordination in security. Actively participate in security coordination activities in Erbil, Dohuk, Sulaimaniya , Baghdad and Basra. Encourage SFP and Heads of Office to participate in coordination activities at the field-level.
• Daily check-ins with the Syria Safety and Security Manager. Keep him informed of updates and programming. Cross-check operational decisions and communications with non-state actors for consistency throughout the region.
• Actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation in security.
• Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community (UN, NGO, ICRC, appropriate governmental offices, etc.).
• Develop and engage Mercy Corps’ internal network of SFPs, SO and Heads of Office, and encourage inter-communications between them.
• Pursue opportunities to engage others in our community in creative solutions to our security challenges through collaborative efforts.
• Any other duties which are not listed but are essential to the safety and security for MCI staff members and properties.

Organizational Learning:As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries:*Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.*

Supervisory responsibility: Security Officers Erbil, Baghdad and Basra.

Accountability
Reports directly to:Country Director
Works directly with:SFPs (NES, Baghdad, Basra Erbil) Director of Emergency Programs, Sr./Operations Officers, Head of Offices, Program Managers, Operations Manager, Finance Director.
Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, Master’s degree preferred.
• 3- 5 years field experience in safety and security with a humanitarian or development non-governmental organization, 5 of which in a supervisory role.
• Extensive experience in setting up and managing safety and security systems and protocols and provide training to staff and partners.
• Prior experience in operations and/or programs in complex emergencies very helpful.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies. Good context analysis skills.
• Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Effective skills in coordination, organization and prioritization as well as in Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
• Proven ability to work and solve problems independently without direct supervision.
• Experience living and working in the Middle East region, preferred.
• Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures highly desirable.
• English proficiency required: excellent written and oral skills.
• Knowledge of Arabic language strongly preferred.

Success Factors
The Safety and Security Manager is responsible for the implementation of security policies, procedures and systems that are appropriate for the conditions in Iraq and North Eastern Syria. It is crucial that strategies and tactics are consistent with regional practices. Critical to this job is problem solving, and the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations. Maintaining strong cooperative relationships with other departments is crucial. The successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with national and international staff members and demonstrate ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and provide relevant advice and support in a fluid security environment. The candidate will have a high degree of professionalism and must be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense environment.
Living/Environmental Conditions
This unaccompanied position will be based in Erbil, with frequent travel to all field offices in Iraq and when allowable to NES. This position will be required to reside in a group living environment, and is eligible for R&R breaks. Living conditions in the staff house are clean and secure, but basic. Mercy Corps' offices experience variable levels of insecurity, with the situation closely monitored. The team member must follow all security protocols at all times. Though the road network is good, fluctuations may occur. Internet is available in the office and staff houses.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Apply Online