Senior Safety and Access Officer

Job Description

 About GOAL

GOAL’s mission is to work with the most vulnerable communities to help them respond to and recover from humanitarian crises, and to assist them to build transcendent solutions to mitigate poverty and vulnerability.

GOAL is a non-for-profit organization that has been working in Ethiopia for over 30 years across all the region of the country towards ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental rights of life, including but not limited to adequate shelter, food and livelihoods, water and sanitation, nutrition, healthcare and education. GOAL implements a range of multi-sectoral development, resilience, recovery and humanitarian responses Programmes by being sensitive to cross-cutting issues including gender, accountably, child protection, HIV/AIDS.

 We envision a world where poverty no longer exist, where vulnerable communities are resilient, where barriers to wellbeing are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities. GOAL Ethiopia’s main donors are Irish Aid, USAID/OFDA, EHF, ECHO and other private donors.

 About the Position:

 The Senior Safety and Access Officer role has four primary objectives:

• To inform and advise senior management team in Addis Ababa and in the field on safety and security related issues and ensure that they are kept informed of all security developments and can take appropriate action when required.
• To ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to maximize the safety and security of all GOAL staff, property and that these systems and procedures are always adhered to.
• To work with programme managers at all levels to ensure that safety and security is mainstreamed into all areas of programming, planning and operations.
• To assist the logistics team in providing security information and updates on road access/movement to GOAL areas of operation as required.

.KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY/DUTIES

 Access Coordination:

·         Attend security coordination meetings and report to the Country Director on relevant information.

·         Develop contacts and information gathering systems amongst UN, NGOs, INGO’s, government agencies and embassies and share security information with them on a regular basis.

·         Liaise with external security actors to ensure the safety and security of GOAL staff and property.

·         Serve as the primary focal point for all access and safety related matters.

 Security documentation:

·         Produce weekly security reports for the Country SMT that review any incidents in GOAL sites, summarize relevant external Sitrep, and analyse security/social/political/economic information from the wider range of information sources available that may impact the operation of GOAL's programmes in Ethiopia.

·         Ensure that all incidents are reported, analysed and actions taken where necessary and registered in the incident tracking system.

·         Maintain an Emergency Contact database with updated contact information for all staff.

·         In coordination with the RSA ensure that the Country and Field Safety Security and Evacuation Plans (SSEP) and relevant Annexes are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

·         In coordination with the RSA ensure that the Country and Field Safety Security and Evacuation Plans (SSEP) and relevant Annexes are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

·         In coordination with the RSA ensure that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to safety and security are reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

·         With the Country SMT, RSA and GSA develop contingency plans, ensuring that staff understand their roles in an emergency and that GOAL has the resources to carry out the contingency plans.

·         Keep current and provide all staff with Constant Companion Cards, ensuring that the contact information on the card is up to date.

·         Ensure that all GOAL staff have valid GOAL Identification and that staff leaving GOAL hand in their ID as part of the clearance process.

·         Ensure the Incident Management system is completed and up to date.

 Health and Safety:

·         With the appropriate health staff and SD ensure that all offices and GOAL accommodation have fully stocked, up to date First Aid and PEP kits.

·         Ensure that appropriate fire safety equipment is in place in offices, compounds, and vehicles and warrant that staff are aware of what to do in the event of a fire.

·         Liaise with the Transport Manager/Logs Head /SD to ensure that all vehicles have the necessary safety and security equipment.

·         Ensure that hibernation kits are present in all compounds and review contents on a regular basis to ensure that nothing has expired.

·         Develop security phone trees and maintain the GOAL warden system at both Addis Ababa and field offices guesthouses.

·         In coordination with the RSA / GSA update the security induction materials on a regular basis and provide inductions to all new staff.

 Capacity Development Training and Security Risk Management:

 ·         In coordination with the Senior Management Team, develop and implement quarterly training plans for all staff, focused on safety awareness and skill sets

·         Ensure that GOAL guards are adequately trained and are performing their duties in a professional manner.

·         Ensure drivers are trained on safe driving and basic First Aid; followed with refresher trainings

• Act as a security focal and maintain liaison with UNDSS and FSOs in the regions.
• Maintain HINGO security group and conduct and chair monthly meeting for the group.
• Arrange training/workshop for the security focal from the HINGO member organization

 Others:

·         Undertake regular threat assessments and risk analysis.

·         Ensure that all GOAL staff have a high awareness of the safety and security risks they face while working in Ethiopia and that they take all necessary steps to minimize the risks they face or to mitigate the impact of a safety or security event occurring.

·         Make sure that there is a balance between acceptance and protect security strategies.

·         Regularly conduct field visits to assess the field sites compliance with safety and security procedure.

·         Ensure vehicle and personnel tracking systems are appropriate, fully resourced, and operational

·         Monitor the correct functioning and physical presence of security relevant communications equipment; mobile phones satellite phones HF/VHFs including batteries and check registration documentation as required.

·         Monitor the driver and guards pool adherence to security related issues SOPs and SMT decisions in close coordination with the logistics department and management team

Job Requirement

Do you want to join an exciting organization that brings high level impact to the community and add value to your professional advancement?  Then join us if you have:     

• Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to humanitarian work, security or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years as Senior Safety and Security officer / Senior Safety and Access Officer for an INGO or equivalent in an emergency context.
• Proven experience in context/security analysis and advising humanitarian personnel.
• Experience in developing and updating SOPs, contingency plans, and other risk assessment and management documents and tools.
• Proven in-country experience liaising with UN missions or agencies.
• Proven experience in incident/crisis management.
• Fluent English, and strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Computer literate, able to use common software packages.
• Be able to diffuse tension and remain calm at all times and particularly following an incident.
• Be able to encourage, motivate, and guide team members to approach safety and security issues with confidence especially during crises.
• Be flexible to travel at short notice to difficult and risky areas.

Proven ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

 Key qualities, Skills and Competences: (list of qualities that are considered necessary for the specific post which are believed to be key to the success of the job holder in the specific post):

• Competent and literate in local language, verbal and written, with a sound knowledge of technical expressions.
• Other security management related qualifications

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

REMUNERATION and BENEFITS:

·         GOAL will pay a competitive basic salary based on the salary grading with addition benefits.

·         A chance to develop tangible experience.

·         Being part of a team who continue to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people.  

 Commitments:

GOAL’s recruitment procedure is fair and transparent which is also in line with the organization’s commitment to its integrity, honesty and culture. GOAL is committed to ensure that, its performance complies with the terms and conditions of relevant agreements, applicable laws & regulations. Hence, pre-employment background checks will be conducted, and employees are required to read, understand, sign and implement different polices including safeguarding and child protection policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and abuse policy, sexual harassment policy, code of conducts and any other rules and regulation of the organization. GOAL Ethiopia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety of people who involves in its work and demands all staff exhibit the highest commitment. GOAL Ethiopia will verify skills and commitment of the candidate in the assessment process and perform Background reference check.