Position Title: Program Manager II – Security Coordinator
Dept/Location:Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR)
Region: Central Africa (CARO)
Job Band:D
FLSA:Exempt
Reports to: Country Representative
Length of Assignment: One to two years
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:
CRS has been working in CAR since 2007, with the main office in the capital Bangui and current field offices for a USAID-funded program in the cities of Obo, Zemio, Rafai, Bangassou and Bakouma in the southeast of the country; and Bossangoa and Bouar in the northwest; and Boda in the southwest. CRS program portfolio includes: community-based early warning systems, food security, agriculture recovery, and peacebuilding, social cohesion and reconciliation.
Job Summary:
The Security Coordinator provides leadership and oversight on all matters relating to security and staff safety in CAR and ensures staff compliance with CRS security and safety policies and procedures. Key working relationships involve country program, security and staff safety to ensure that Juba-based staff are fully apprised of, prepared for and responsive to potential emergency and security threats. The security coordinator is also responsible for preparing documented security updates to be sent on a regular basis to the country program staff, the region and HQ. An important part of the security coordinator’s job portfolio is mainstreaming and planning security and staff safety management into country program activities and strengthening technical and management capacity of CRS staff.
SPECIFIC RESPONSABILITIES
Security Risk Assessment
· Determine and assess the specific threats to CRS staff, premises, and programs.
· Identify and make recommendations for systems, procedures and resources to mitigate risk to manageable levels. Develop and monitor an implementation plan of recommended measures.
· Assess capacity of professional security guards at residences and office related to their security training needs.
Programming
· Advise the Country Representative, Project Director/Program Managers and other key personnel how to mainstream security in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
· Review the impact of security factors on CRS program designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that program might have on stability and security (both positive and negative), and make appropriate recommendations.
Security Plan and Minimum Operating Security Standards
· Act as an integral member of the CRS CAR Crisis Management Team.
· Ensure that staff members are provided with and are proficient in the use of safety equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
· Ensure CRS CAR compliance with agency staff safety and security policies and protocols, including: development and updating country-level field security plans at least annually; staff/visitors receive appropriate orientation and training for assigned posts; all staff utilize the Employee Locator when leaving their post of assignment; and all safety and security incidents are reported to CARO and HQ within 24 hours of incident, including after-action reviews, as appropriate.
· Remain continuously informed of the security situation in CAR. Develop a security action plan for reinforcement of security measures at the office and the residences of CRS international staff. Coordinate closely with security colleagues – UN/INGO, CCO/INSO, MISCA, Sangaris.
· Document the dates and types of security training staff members have received and make recommendations on training needs. Facilitate training, as needed.
· Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.).
· Ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.
· Develop medical support and evacuation procedures as part of the security plan.
· Provide comprehensive security analysis based on knowledge, observation, key informant information and discussions with other security coordinators.
· Provide timely and accurate security advice to CRS’s senior management, Project Director/Program Managers and other key staff.
· Immediately report all security-related incidents and potential threats affecting CRS staff and programs to the Country Representative.
· Ensure that staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security related information generated both within CRS and from external sources.
· Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for program implementation.
· Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts and represent CRS at security meetings.
Office and Residential Security
· Conduct appropriate security assessments of CRS CAR premises and equipment and advise on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions.
· Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for regional and project offices.
· Ensure that there are mechanisms in place so that security costs are included in all project proposals.
General
· Due to the inter-relatedness of Logistics and Security in this operating environment, he/she may be required to advise and assist in logistics matters.
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.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
CRS Emergency Competencies:
Each CRS staff member working in emergencies is expected to have the following competencies to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:
· Communicates strategically under pressure
· Manages stress and complexity
· Actively promotes safety and security
· Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Operations, program team, logistics team
External: Contracted security service providers, security officers of other international and national NGOs and organizations operating in CAR.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor degree in Arts, Social Sciences, or any related field. However, a diploma backed by strong relevant technical experience will also be considered.
- At least 6-7 years professional experience in safety & security with NGOs, INGOS. Previous work experience in emergency context, particularly in a hardship country.
- In-depth knowledge of NGO security management and risk management.
- Experience working in delicate situations with local partners.
- Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
- Solid familiarity with communications equipment (satellite phones, handheld radio, internet and emails, etc.).
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills.
- Experience working for or in collaboration with UN agencies is an advantage.
- A willingness to work in high risk environments.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong analytical as well as administrative skills.
Required Foreign Language:
Professional fluency in French; Sango a plus
Required Travel:up to 50% of the time to provincial towns and remote villages, as required.
Physical Requirements/Environment
Difficult work and living conditions requiring frequent travel (up to 50% of the time) to provincial towns and remote villages, as required.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, 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
