Safety and Security Officer at Center for Civilians in Conflict

Job Summary

The Safety and Security Officer will oversee and provide advice/guidance on safety and security risk management through increased capacity, technical support, and advice to the country program(s) on all aspects of staff safety and security and ensure appropriate systems are in place at the country level. The SSO will monitor the country-wide situation, identify inherent threats and minimize risks to the program in line with CIVIC’s Security Policy and Standards. Under the guidance of the Regional Director (East Africa), the Safety and Security Officer in Kenya will be responsible for safety and security management of the country staff, and will respond to emergency and crises situations where and when needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Regular collection, collation and analysis of all security information across the country and field locations in Kenya – as well as Uganda and Somalia, when needed. The network may include INSO, relevant security agencies, embassy security networks, etc.
• Collect and keep movement tracking records, follow-up on movement tracking timing and file a trip completion records and report trip stoppages and hitches for immediate follow-up.
• Prepare reports that document safety and security breaches and the extent of the damage caused by the breaches.
• Carry out incident/actor mapping and produce relevant reports and advisory for the country office/program team.
• Support the planning of team travel to high threat areas, including primary and secondary routes/modes of transport.
• Assist in the preparation and conduct of security trainings for staff/visitors/partners.
• Support the development and refining of scenarios and contingency plans.
• Support the implementation of improved security SOPs across country offices.
• Support the ID-Card Management System in the Country Office (CO).
• Carry out periodic and occasioned Security field contextual assessments and generate reports for the use of both the program team and the CO.
• Carry out/support incidents investigations both in the CO and Field Offices (FO)
• Regular updates of security contextual changes in Kenya and various CIVIC locations to the CO team.
• As directed by the Regional Director, represent the CIVIC at any external security network meeting.
• Carry out any other reasonable duty as assigned by the Regional Director.
• Coordinate closely with Regional Operations Manager and HQ-based operations staff on security plans and responses to incident.

Educational qualification & experience requirements:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in related field (such as Security studies, or International relations). 
• Minimum 5 years in of field safety experience in hostile environments.
• Extensive knowledge to security context, local structures, procedures and correspondence in Kenya.
• Good knowledge of security context across East Africa in general, and Uganda and Somalia in particular.
• Previous experience working in NGO(s) for at least 5 years.
• Well networked within government, local authorities, and NGO sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historical and socio-political context of Kenya and neighboring countries.
• Competent and literate in English and Swahili (including verbal and written), with a sound knowledge of technical expressions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong assessment, evaluation, analysis and strategic planning skills
• Solid IT skills and command of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email systems.
• Experience in developing safety related technical tools guidelines and systems
• Demonstrable expertise of Humanitarian risk management.
• Strong demonstrated negotiation and inter-personal skills in a multi-cultural/ethnic environment.
• Ability to make good judgment on staff safety and provide appropriate advice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated supervisory ability, sound judgment and the ability to work effectively with others at all levels.
• Good knowledge of communications equipment (e.g. Satellite phones, VHF/UHF radios, etc).
• Familiarity with Track24 is an advantage.
• Certificate in Medical Response/First Aid.
• HEAT Course within last five years.:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

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Language required:

Fluency in oral and written English and Swahili is required.

Travel:

Up to 40% required (Domestic and/or within the region).  Might be required to travel overseas to attend trainings/workshops overseas.

Key working relationships:

• Internal-All staff (Program & Operation staff)
• External - Relevant security forces

Equality Opportunity

CIVIC is an equal –opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, etc.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Statement of Commitment to Protection:

CIVIC recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Note to applicants:

CIVIC is not able to sponsor work permits, therefore, the candidate shall be either a Kenyan national, or have legal right to work in Kenya. Upon offer, the candidate will be asked to provide a copy of their passport, National ID, work permit, or other necessary documentation which proves his/her eligibility to work in Kenya.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies:

CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. CIVIC does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency.