Deputy Regional Advisor Safety and Security Risk Management, EARO and SARO - (2200009S)

Job Description

Position Title :Deputy Regional Advisor Safety and Security Risk Management, EARO and SARO  - (2200009S)

Department:      Health Safety and Security Unit

Reports to:         Regional Advisor Safety and Security Risk Management

                                EARO and SARO Deputy Regional Directors (Dotted Line)

Location:             Home based

About CRS: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Background: Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peace building.

Job Summary: The Deputy Regional Safety and Security Advisor supports technical, both operational and tactical, safety and security solutions to the East Africa (EARO) and Southern Africa (SARO) Country Programs and Regional Offices. The Deputy Advisor is responsible for coordination, support and where necessary facilitation of safety and security training initiatives and implementation of safety and security systems and policies. The Deputy Advisor will propose updates to effectiveness and efficiency in Country Program security documentation, operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessment processes and continuity of operations preparedness plans. The Deputy Advisor collaborates with relevant national and international security agencies and providers, through representation, relationship building, information sharing and advocacy.

Job Responsibilities:

 Technical Assistance

• Ensure that all security systems and procedures are communicated and adhered to by the EARO and SARO Country Programs and provide technical support and coordination to these Country Programs.
• In close collaboration with the Regional Safety Advisor;
• Provide international, regional and local security information and research, as needed, to support the continued improvement of, as well as technical input to all EARO-SARO CPs in the development and management of their Country Security Plans and other security risk management documents.
• Assist EARO-SARO CPs in aligning safety and security plans and systems with current and future program design.
• Conduct and assist Country Programs with initial security assessments before a new CRS offices/program is opened and staff is assigned to a (country) program. In case of office closures, conduct and assist with the security assessment and closure processes.
• Strengthen and drive the risk assessment process by carrying out regular threat and vulnerability assessments, adapting procedures accordingly and monitoring compliance, together with the CP Security Focal Points.
• Assist in providing guidance on security management procedures, policies and practices, including the management of incidents, to Security Focal Points. Escalates security concerns and incident management as needed.
• Stay up to date with international trends and developments, monitor open sources and cultivate different sources of information and analysis around safety and security trends in the region and share these with the Regional Safety and Security Advisor.
• Monitor and review CRS’ staff tracking systems as necessary, monitor staff compliance and propose adjustments as needed.
• Identify and propose opportunities to interface with regional-level and country-level security committees, key contacts, and staff from other agencies to support the update of Field Security Plans. Carry out regular assessments to review and monitor compliance and propose improvements.
• Support CRS’ continuous process of improvement on safety and security risk management.

Organizational & Systems Implementation and Staff Capacity Strengthening

• Support the implementation of CRS’ safety and security risk management system in the regions.
• Assist and collaborate with CPs in defining roles and responsibilities for safety and security management. Generate recommendations to optimize organizational/departmental efficiency, performance and accountability.
• Support the facilitation of the regions’ community of practice for security focal points and other interested parties to encourage learning and implementation of best practices in the area of security management.
• Organize and Facilitate incident and crisis management trainings and exercises.
• Liaise with other members of the CRS global safety and security community for additional sources of technical or training assistance, best practices and learning.
• Support regional requests for safety and security training.
• Ensure compliance with CRS’s security training and learning policy
• Implement trainings at the regional and country level, including those for drivers and guards.
• Document dates and types of security training staff members have received and make recommendations on training needs.
• Strengthen local training capacity and facilitate trainings as is needed.
• Acting RSSA in case of travel or absence Regional Safety and Security Advisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·     Strong analytical and critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions

·     Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship

·     Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences

·     Ability to collaborate with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams

·     Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Language Required: Fluency in English required, Arabic and French strongly desired, Portuguese a plus.

Travel: Maximum 50% of the time, primarily to/within the regions, and sometimes in remote areas with minimal amenities available. Often with short notice.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Regional Advisor Safety and Security Risk Management, Deputy Regional Director(s), Regional Technical Advisors, Country Representatives, Heads of Operations, Heads of Programs, Security Focal Points, Health Safety and Security Unit and Humanitarian Response Department.

External: International and local partners, including local and US Catholic agencies, US Embassy RSOs within the region, contracted security service providers, security officers of other international and local NGOs operating in CARO.

Job Requirement

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in security management, international development, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years work experience in operational safety and security management with an international humanitarian organization.

Technical/Professional:

• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in security and staff safety
• Experience working in delicate situations with partner organizations
• Knowledge of and working experience in the regions strongly preferred
• Strong cross-cultural skills
• Ability to train and convey information to non-security personnel
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills
• Excellent writing skills and strong communicator
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Diplomatic, able to manage conflict and move groups toward consensus
• Ability to make sound decision, including when to escalate issues
• Excellent organization and planning skills, detail-oriented, ability to work on multiple task simultaneously
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a commitment to humanitarian principles
• Able to work without close supervision
• Quick learner, adaptable and creative

Preferred Qualifications

·     Master's degree in related discipline 

·     Familiarity in working for Non-governmental Organizations

·     Demonstrated experience of successful security program support at regional level

·     Previous experience with partner engagement

·     Ability to present and train different levels and compositions of staff and partners

• Formal technical training(s) in safety and security is a plus

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 

• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

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

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)

Primary Location

: East Africa

Job

: Technical Programming

Organization

: Catholic Relief Services

Schedule

: Regular

Shift

: Standard

Job Type

: Full-time

 Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 50 % of the Time

Job Posting

: Apr 5, 2022, 9:27:20 AM