Somalia Security Advisor (Coordinator)

Desired start date: April 2015
Duration of mission: 12 months
Place of work:Nairobi (50%) with regular trips to Somalia (50%)
Title and duration of programme:Wash, Food Sec and Emergency activities in Somalia
Status / allowances and salaries:According to Scale of Salary

Context of the position

Solidarites International joint Kenya / Somalia mission was opened started in march 2007. SI has been directly implementing programs mainly in South and Central Somalia. In 2014 mission includes operations in one region in Kenya (Marsabit) and 3 regions in Somalia (Gedo, Lower Juba and Galgaduud).

Objectives of the position

The Security Coordinator supports the Head of Mission, the field coordinators and the base managers with the security management of the team and its assets. He/she assists with collecting information, the analysis of this information within a security context and establishing appropriate measures. He/she also assists with team training and awareness in security management. He/she is a key player in the management of security crises. In a specific context as Somalia, He/She will be the point of reference in security management and is expected to define ways and means to access vulnerable populations. Security coordinator will assist CD in the design, implementation, review and updating of the SI Security Management Systems in Somalia. He/she will advise the CD in implementation of mitigating safety and security measures. Security coordinator will conduct Security Risk Analysis (SRA) as tasked by the CD, or as situation requires, and as a result enforce to minimize the risk to the operations of SI.
The Security Advisor is a senior member of the national coordination team in Somalia. (S)he will directly reports to the Country Director (CD) and will provide technical support for Field officers in Somalia.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

– Networking – security analysis – security strategy
– To maintain and develop network of contacts with relevant external actors in the areas of responsibility (INGOs, civil society, local authorities..), to exchange information, and co-operate regularly;
– Permanent follow-up of the evolution of political and security situation in each region of operations;
– Define the main security and contextual trends according to the information collected and provide regular analysis for for CD;
– Carry out an annual risk analysis and risk level review for each of SI Somalia’s locations in coordination with the Field Coordinator and CD;
– Define together with CD the appropriate security strategy according to the risks identified for each area.
– Participate in interagency security meetings and share timely reports with CD
– Organize in cooperation with CD the feedback of relevant security information to the Field Coordinators.

Managing the impact of security on operations – operational support to the team

– Assist the CD in reviewing the impact of security factors on SI program designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that programs might have on the stability and security (both positive and negative), making recommendations regarding possible support needs and improvements;
– Provide advice and assistance to Field coordinators, program and Project Managers on the mainstreaming of security risk management in all stages of project planning.
– To participate in the weekly Solidarites “Country Team Management” meetings when in Nairobi;
– Closely cooperate with the Log Co that all the goods and premises are secured;
– Improve and control the application of security procedures;

Reporting

– Prepare and submit a weekly security analysis report for Somalia to CD;
– Review, update and implement SI’s Security Management Systems for Somalia in accordance with SI security guidelines, and in close communication with the CD, logistics coordinator, field coordinators and field officers;
– Monitor, evaluate, and suggest to CD changes and improvements in the SI Security Management System based on observations and inputs from the staff;
– Prepare ad hoc security reports and analyses as requested by CD;
– Improve the gathering and sharing of security information and develop a system for capitalization of security/context information;
– Ensure the monthly update of security plan, evacuation/hibernation / relocation strategies for each base and security phase analysis, risk matrix on agreed SI templates.

Training

– Assess staff’s safety & security training needs;
– Ensure and improve staff compliance to security procedures in coordination with the Field coordinators and field officers;
– Deliver and/or facilitate staff safety and security trainings;
– Training and capacity building of the Somalia-based security staff in liaison with the CD.

Security incidents management

– Report any security incident to the Country Director immediately using agreed formats;
– Intervene in tense security situation, in close cooperation with the Country Director;
– Ensure the direct management of security incident which can occur on the mission in close cooperation with the Country Director;
– Ensure the follow-up of these security incidents: relation with armed groups, local authorities, traditional leaders, in close cooperation with the Country Director;

Critical aspects management

– Direct support, on the field, during critical period for example relocation, reopening or opening of areas, bases, roads, airports, recruitment, renting, contracts awards, firing of staff;
– Support the Country Director to establish the right contacts in case of assessment / evaluation / opening of activities.
– Plan/Organize journeys on the field for local and expatriate staff to SI areas of operations (security procedures, communication tools…)

Profile sought:

Education: Relevant university degree or higher education, preferably in international relations and/or development, political science or social studies (history/political science/social science).

Experience:

– At least 2 years of field experience with NGOs in conflict areas as Security Coordinator or Field Coordinator. This experience should include security responsibilities. This is an absolute requirement.
– At least 2 years of experience in working in Somalia context

– At least 5 years in various professional experiences
– Proven experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL interests and neutrality with a diverse range of stakeholders.

– Demonstrated interest in geopolitical analysis.
– Ideally previous experience with Solidarités (good knowledge of Solidarités procedures). – Demonstrated ability to work under difficult conditions and a high degree of pressure;
– Proven experience in administration, security management and training.
– Proven experience in liaising with civilian, armed groups (AOG), security forces, military, government authorities as well as with regional, national and international institutions required.
– Significant political and cultural awareness and experience of working in settings where insecurity is a major issue
– Analytical skills and experience;
– Demonstrated leadership and management skills
– Significant understanding of complex emergencies and crisis contexts

-Awareness of gender and culture issues
– Proven communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills

Technical skills and knowledge:

– Above average computer literacy
– Holder of a valid international driver’s licence

Languages:

– English : fluent with good writing capacities
– French or Kiswahili remains desirable skills
– Somali is a clear added advantage

Other desirable qualities:

– Ability to work independently, take initiative and live in a sometimes solitary environment with significant restrictions on personal movement.
Goal oriented and visionary
– Ability to handle a large workload, work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision
– Ability and willingness to work and live under difficult circumstances

– Willingness to travel to all areas of the country/region where the programme is implemented, on a regular basis
– Flexible and creative
– Knowledge of the political situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa in general is an asset
– Analytical skills in a high-risk conflict environment.

Context of the position:

Brief overview of SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL work in the country:
Solidarites International has been operational in Somalia since 2007. SI main areas of intervention are WASH and Food Security. In Kenya, SOLIDARITES has field base in North Horr. Resilience and WASH project are implemented in Marsabit county, with funding from EU and DFID. In Somalia, SOLIDARITES has field bases in two regions: Gedo with offices in Mandera (on Kenyan side), Luuq and Elwaq and in Galgaduud with offices in Adaado and Abudwak. Projects are focusing on WASH and food security. SI secured funding form ECHO, OFDA, CHF and UNICEF. At the time of the writing of this job description SI is also considering opening activities in other locations.

How the mission is organized:

The coordination is based in Nairobi. The Field Team dedicated to Somalia Programs is based in Dadaab and Mandera in Kenya, close to the Somalia Border.
Insecurity in Somalia does of course affect our presence on the ground. This situation has deteriorated lastly, affecting all humanitarian activities of all humanitarian actors, and incurring real difficulty of access.

Specific context of the area in which the person will be working

Main Working Location: Nairobi with 50% travel to Somalia
Current Field Visit locations and their security context:
a) Dadaab/Dhobley: Operational base for Lower Juba. Significant security issues. Very few extra professional activities possible. Several other NGOs present. Curfew at night. Base is basic.
b) Adaado: Operational base for Galgaduud. Significant security issues. Very few extra professional activities possible. Several other NGOs present. Curfew at night. Base is basic.
c) Mandera/Dollow: Operational base for Gedo. Significant security issues. Very few extra professional activities possible. Several other NGOs present. Curfew at night. Base is basic.
d) Other locations inside Somalia, where travel might be needed (i.e. Galckayo, Mogadishu, Dollow, Luuq, Elwak, Abudwaq, Kismayo, Garowe)

HOW TO APPLY:

CV & Cover Letter - Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
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