Jobs at Cooperazione Internazionale

Description of the role

• The Regional Security Advisor supports COOPI in Eastern Africa Region with particular focus on Sudan and Somalia. The Regional Security Advisor is accountable for providing advice, guidance, and practical support on all matters of safety and security for the Region In accordance with the HQ Security Advisor, the collaborator will develop a regional security risk management strategy, with clear priorities, steps, and timelines. The Regional Security Advisor will contribute towards promoting a safe and secure environment for COOPI’s, program, staff, and assets by providing sound and timely advice, practical recommendations, capacity building, training, mentoring, and critical support to the Head of Mission and Country Security Focal Points. The Regional Security Advisor is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to maximize safety and security. This will include the review of existing Security Plan and development of new plans and measures/SOPs based on the priority gaps identified in the Missions’ safety and security frameworks.

Main responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator and under the functional supervision of the HQ Security Advisor, the collaborator will provide the following deliverables:

Review and Development of Mission Policies and Procedures:

Work with the Country Security focal points and the Head of mission to develop, consolidate, implement, and regularly review operating procedures and security plans. A reviewed set of Security tools is expected, including the following:

• Area Security Plans for the different areas of intervention
• Review of the SOP Movement and tracking system
• Review/re-development of Hibernation and Evacuation plan
• Review & development (for new areas) of Risk Analysis matrix at Country and Area level
• Set-up of safety & security equipment / assets list needed to guarantee the security in the area of interventions for the list to be included in future project proposals and procurement plans.
• In coordination with the Country Logistics and the Head of Mission, review and update of the organization’s security tools.

Monitoring, Analysis and Coordination:

• Collect and report information on safety and security risks in relevant areas.
• Analyze security-related incidents from internal and external sources.
• Ensure the implementation of incident reporting mechanisms and regular security measures checks at the mission level.
• Liaise with humanitarian actors to gather information on safety and security and attend access and security meetings.
• Regularly analyze and update COOPI's vulnerabilities in its areas of intervention, including those related to the emergency programme activities.
• Advise and propose solutions to improve access to beneficiaries.
• Monitor and analyze regional security situations.
• Develop regional trend summaries based on Country Security Reports.
• Share findings with country directors and the regional team.

Safety Procedure

• Regularly update and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure their compliance with COOPI security rules.
• Propose, define and write new SOPs when needed on the mission.
• Carry out field Mission to Somalia and Sudan to verify the knowledge, application and validity of SOPs/plans.

Regional Coordination and Country Supervision:

• Serve as the technical supervisor for Security Focal Point/Managers in each country office.
• Participate in country-level recruitment for security staff.
• Coordinate with the regional team to incorporate security considerations into planning.
• Monitor and audit country-level progress toward improvements.

Training, Learning, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and deliver tailored training and coaching programs for Country Security Focal Points to enhance their capacity in security management.
• Support the rollout of COOPI’s Security strategy, policies, and tools through training and workshops.
• Assist Country Security Focal Points in arranging security training workshops.
• Monitor training and ensure that it remains up-to-date, especially in high-risk areas.

Requirements

Essentials

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international security, access, and risk management in conflict-affected countries or complex relief settings with international NGOs.
• Experience in implementing security strategies, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Strong training and mentoring skills, specifically related to building the capacity of Country Security Focal Points.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of regional languages is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines in difficult conditions.
• Knowledge of Eastern Africa context and dynamics.

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Description of the role

• The Head of Mission (HoM) provides leadership and strategic direction of COOPI's operations in Sudan in collaboration with the Regional Coordinator, and is responsible for the implementation and development of the country program in line with COOPI's organizational and country strategy, policies and procedures. The HoM is also responsible for the management and capacity building of the staff, securing donor funding and to represent the organization to the government, donors, and other appropriate bodies – including clusters, UN agencies and the media.

Main responsibilities

Organization and management

• Strategy and planning : verify and propose to the Regional Coordinator the intervention priorities to consolidate the organization's opportunity to be more involved in the country. Contribute to the definition of the Country Strategy
• Program extension: coordinate the processing, writing and documents' preparation for presenting new projects
• Visibility: cooperate with the Communication and Fund-Raising office for all communication, awareness and fundraising activities implemented in and for the country
• Procedures: coordinate and monitor the projects, guaranteeing the correct implementation in conformity with the contractual obligations and donors' procedures, and in line with COOPI's procedures and management standards

Administration and finance

• Economic and financial management: is responsible for the country's economic result. Supervise the financial management in collaboration with the Country Administrator and ensure – through the administrative function – that all financial reporting deadlines and donor/COOPI's procedures are respected. Participate in the projects/coordination budget preparation. Has the signature for all COOPI's bank accounts in the country

Logistics

• Country office management: is responsible for all different aspects related to the country office management, such as economic and financial situation, local regulations, office organization charts, logistics, local and expatriate personnel management, in conformity with the organization's guidelines. Guarantee the respect of the country's legislation and administrative regulation

Safety and Security

• Staff security: is responsible for the expatriate staff security, for the correct implementation and respect of the general security rules

Human resources

• Staff management: is responsible for the local staff management. Participate and support the Regional Coordinator and the Human Resources office in the selection of the expatriate staff. Coordinate and monitor the country's expatriate management staff

Reporting

• Is responsible for supervising the preparation of project reports and all the monitoring documents requested
• Ensure the transmission of all official and administrative project documents to the central headquarters

Institutional relations

• Manage relations with the main institutional donors for the ongoing projects. Represent COOPI in the country/area by engaging in relationships with institutions, NGOs, local and international organizations and partners to guarantee the quality implementation of the projects. Is responsible for the organization's reputation in country

Requirements

Essentials

• University degree in relevant subjects
• A minimum of five years of relevant working experience is required
• At least three years of demonstrated successful experience in international relief and development in a similar position is required
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication, negotiation skills, multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Experience in liaising with governmental/local authorities, IOs and NGOs
• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful environments and under pressure
• Proven capacity in managing a team is essential
• Fluency in English language
• Computer literate

Plus

• Experience in logistics, procurement and security matters is a strong advantage
• Previous work experience in East Africa is a plus
• Experience in working in conflict-prone environments a plus