Somalia Security Advisor (Coordinator) | ReliefWeb

Desired start date: ASAP
Duration of mission: 6 months renewable
Place of work: Nairobi (50%) with regular trips to Somalia (50%)

Context of the position

Solidarites International joint Kenya / Somalia mission was opened in march 2007. SI has been directly implementing programs mainly in South and Central Somalia. In 2015 mission includes operations in one region in Kenya (Marsabit) and 2 regions in Somalia (Lower Juba and Hiran).

General objectives:

• In a specific context as Somalia, the Security Advisor will be the point of reference in security management and is expected to define ways and means to access vulnerable populations.


• Assist the Country Director (CD) in the design, implementation, review and updating of the SI Security Management Systems in Somalia.


• Advise the CD on implementation of mitigation measures that will reduce exposure to threats and therefore improve safety and security by decreasing the risk level.


• Conduct Security Risk Analysis as tasked by the CD, or when situation requires it. As a result minimize the risk to the operations of SI.


• Provide advisory and technical support to SI Somalia staff and operations.


• Develop and maintain a security culture within the mission


• Ensure security protocols are properly disseminated among staff and understood by all in order to ensure compliance.

The Security Advisor is a senior member of the 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;


• To develop a strategy to optimize the information/contact network even for those who are not managed directly by the security advisor;


• Report the contact changes in a weekly report, focussing on SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) area of operation and any changes that could affect the safe implementation of the projects;


• 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 CD;


• Carry out a regular 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 threat identified and the subsequent risk level 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

• Support the CD and the management team in ensuring the mission always has the capacity to manage security of ongoing operations despite any internal and/or external changes;


• 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 at all stages of project planning;


• Participate in the weekly SI “Country Team Management” meetings when in Nairobi;


• Closely cooperate with the Logistics Coordinator that all the goods and premises are secured.

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, 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


• Ensure proper tracking of security related incidents;


• 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;


• Produce every month an actor / power mapping and update whenever it is necessary;


• Maintain and update whenever necessary a contact list of all contacts developed by the mission.

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;


• Recommend external training when necessary.

Security incidents management

• Report any security incident to the CD immediately using agreed formats;


• Intervene in tense security situation, in close cooperation with the CD;


• Ensure the direct management of security incident which can occur on the mission in close cooperation with the CD;


• Ensure the follow-up of these security incidents: relation with armed groups, local authorities, traditional leaders, in close cooperation with the CD;


• Ensure that all incidents are properly managed and closed with lessons learn finalised, shared and integrated in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Critical aspects management

• Support the Country Office in term of preparation for crisis management by proposing simple exercises and case studies and facilitating their realisation;


• Anticipate crisis management by identifying the external sources who might be necessary in case of real situation to deal with (psychologist, translator, communicator….);


• Direct support, in 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 CD to establish the right contacts in case of assessment / evaluation / opening of activities;


• Plan/organize journeys in the field for local and expatriate staff to SI areas of operations (security procedures, communication tools…).

PROFILE:

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, Country Director 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


• Ideally, previous experience with SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (good knowledge of SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL’s procedures);


• Proven experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL interests with a diverse range of stakeholders;


• Demonstrated ability to work under difficult conditions and a high degree of pressure


• Proven experience in context analysis and training;


• Proven experience in liaising with civilian, armed groups (AOG), security forces, military,


• Governmental authorities as well as with regional, national and international institutions required;


• Significant understanding of complex emergencies and crisis contexts; political and cultural experience of working in settings where insecurity is a major issue;


• Demonstrated leadership and management skills;


• Awareness of gender and culture issues.

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Above average computer literacy


• Holder of a valid international driver’s license

Languages:

• English: fluent with good writing capacities


• French or Kiswahili remains desirable skills


• Somali is a clear added advantage

Deadline for applications: 30th of September 2015. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is an equal opportunities employer

CONDITIONS:

Salaried post: According to experience from 2000 euros gross per month, plus 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly, and a monthly Per Diem of 700 USD. Solidarités International will cover accommodation and travel expenses from the expatriate’s home country to the site of the assignment.

– Social and medical cover: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

– Vacation: During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of one break every three months. For a one-year assignment, the expatriate will have a 7-day break during the 3rd and the 9th month (with 500 euros allocated by Solidarités). He or she will also be entitled to go back to his or her home country for a 14-day period after six months spent on the mission (Solidarités will cover travel costs).

CONTACT: Marie Sophie OLIVERA, Recruitment & Follow Up Officer