CONTEXT
The West Africa region of Oxfam comprises twelve countries, two of which are categorised as fragile- Chad and Central African Republic. In addition a further three countries, Mali, Niger and Nigeria have experienced security incidences that include kidnapping of civilians and acts of terrorism. The situation in these five countries requires on-going monitoring and a proactive approach to security management.
JOB PURPOSE
The Regional Security Advisor (RSA) will advise the Regional Director on Security both in the region generally, and country specific situations, and support and advise the security lead in each country in the region in order to ensure that the country security strategy is developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed; consistent with Oxfam policies, standards and requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Providing technical support:
- Remotely supporting field security management teams and Country Leadership Teams (CLT).Field visits to countries within the region will be part of the role These visits may be planned, but can often be in a very short notice and in difficult environments (up to 25% visits – TBC)
- Providing support and advice to line managers on the development of security procedures and plans for each country (ensure they are complete, up to required quality and up to date).
- Supporting on incident management, lessons learnt and any follow up actions/ changes to procedures.
- Supporting in the case of crisis management (support to the Crisis Management Team).
- Supporting during the recruitment of security personnel in the countries.
- Facilitating / providing learning & development as well as exchange experiences at all levels. Identifying staff security training, learning and development needs and ensuring access to the training across the region (including appropriate planning and resourcing)
- Providing technical inductions and briefings as required.
- Advising and assisting the Regional Director in discharging Duty of Care for the region as directed by the Oxfam Security Policy.
- As the security expert in the region, providing strategic and operation leadership in the management of security.
Monitoring &Evaluation/ Reporting & Analysis:
- Monitoring compliance to security policies, plans and procedures at a country level, including (but not exclusive): o Completing an annual Stock-take of the country SMPs and incident reports.
o Completing security audits in the countries composing the region and ensure a strong accountability between the region and countries.
o Advise on ‘best practice’ in line with Oxfam security tools and templates. - Reporting security incidents up and down the management line, ensuring advice and recommendations are appropriate in line with Oxfam policy and ensuring follow on actions are implemented.
- Reporting organisational security management performance at a regional level on a regular basis including: o Managing a database of all incidents in the region.
o Providing monthly reports on incidents and associated analysis/ trends to the appropriate line management, the EAs and as well as the Global Security Team (SWG).
Managing available resources:
- Managing requests for support from the countries and forwarding it to the Global Security Team (SWG) when appropriate.
- Ensuring an equitable allocation of resources in the region.
- Potentially covering absence/back-up of in-country security leads for short periods, especially in countries that are highly volatile or high risk.
Representing Oxfam Security in the region:
- Coordinating and following up on Oxfam’s participation to external security networks.
- Facilitating learning & development as well as exchange experiences at all levels.
- Making proposals and recommendations regarding security management coordination to the Global Security Team (Security Working Group).
- Encouraging a transversal approach through coordination with other departments in the region.
- Strongly involved when programmatic emergencies arise, including planning and potentially deploying to new or rapid onset emergencies in support.
TECHNICAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Languages: Fluency in English & French
- University diploma or equivalent.
- Expertise on the general regional security context and trends as well as good understanding of the most volatile areas in the region.
- At least 3 solid years practical experience of security assessment, planning and implementation of procedures in the context of UN or NGO humanitarian operations,
- Relevant working experience in volatile areas due to security and/or politics.
- Proven influencing and negotiating skills with internal and external audiences including in complex and stressful circumstances.
- Proven experience of field based training.
- Demonstrable ability to advise and support field staff from distance and in a consultative manner.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the capacity to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities. Must be organised and efficient.
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
- Willingness to travel at short notice, and often in difficult circumstances.
- A sound understanding of the importance of gender.Committed to Oxfam principles
Desirable
- Experience in health and safety sector.
- Experience with the use of telecommunications (satellite phone, HF, VHF, etc.)
- Experience with the management of vehicle fleet and related security aspects.
- Experience with the management of sites / buildings and related security aspects.
- Basic understanding of air safety
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please forward a motivation letter and your updated CV to Faly Sene : Faly.Sene@Oxfam.org
