Position Summary:
The Director of Security and Operations will oversee measures to ensure the safety and security of Mali GLEE project staff and assets. A USAID-funded education access program, Mali GLEE aims to increase quality formal and informal education for girls. The position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.
Essential Responsibilities:
The Director of Security and Operations will be the primary security contact point for program personnel for Mali. The primary responsibilities for this position will be to oversee security information collection, security planning and implementation, operational management of Mali GLEE facilities and vehicles, and reporting. These responsibilities fall into three categories, as follows:
Security Planning and Implementation:
- Act as security expert on all emergency preparedness planning and incident responses
- Provide complete oversight and management for the safety and security for all Mali GLEE personnel and assets countrywide
- Develop strategies to continuously improve and refine security management systems for effectiveness and efficiency, considering evolving project needs, team dynamics, and project mission
- Maintain and ensure compliance with project and corporate security policies and ensure subgrantees are complying with Mali GLEE’s security policies and directives
- Review and update the Project Emergency Response Plan (PERP) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently if changing security situation warrants
- Ensure offices have adequate life safety measures and conform to the PERP
- Supervise, update, and test the communication tree
- Review performance standards and conduct regular evaluations of all local security staff and external security contractors and guards at all locations of Mali GLEE operations
- Ensure drivers and vehicles are following safety standards and requirements
- Advise on in-country travel of Mali GLEE personnel, including provision of situational travel security information, and safety measures to be taken by staff while traveling
- Conduct security risk assessments for new venues, offices, annexes and residences, evaluating physical, geographical, social and structural features which may support or detract from the overall safety and security of a properties’ facilities or location; subsequently, provide recommendations for implementation of risk mitigating practices and features for each location
- Develop project Standard Operating Procedures, including but not limited to: access to Mali GLEE facilities, travel procedures, communications, and implementation of Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS)
- Serve as a key member of the Incident Management Team
- As possible, train local staff in security awareness, defensive driving, and first aid, and where not a subject matter expert, identify sources of relevant training and recommend staff to be trained
Security Information Collection:
- Assist the Chief of Party in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country and specifically with respect to Mali GLEE operations
- Collate security information and relays to the Chief of Party and project personnel as required
- Track and records security related incidents throughout Mali GLEE operational areas
- Participate in weekly meetings with the NGO Security Forum, UNDSS, and other Security Focal Points/Security Managers to obtain up-to-date security information
Reporting:
- Report security incidents affecting all Mali GLEE personnel (including subgrantees), offices and assets to Chief of Party, Home Office Project Coordinator and Global Security Director
- Provide security updates on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, of all Mali GLEE security-related activities and issues to Chief of Party, Home Office Project Coordinator and Global Security Director
- Draft, edit and distribute security updates and alerts to all country project staff
- Distribute security related information, alerts, and policies as directed by Chief of Party
- Provide travel recommendations and restrictions to ensure staff receives personal risk mitigation advice specifically tailored to the individual, their personal background, their region of travel and their anticipated task
General Administration:
- Visit all Mali GLEE project locations throughout the country annually
- Oversee the general administrative assistance with respect to security for the Chief of Party and liaise with the Operations Manager with respect to all key functions
- Maintain a database of contacts who are national country security authorities
- Supervise the procurement of equipment related to safety and security upgrades and training
- Prepare and deliver security briefs to staff in country and visiting home office staff
- Maintain regular communication and liaison with the Chief of Party and Global Security Director to ensure integration of Winrock International global security requirements into all security technical and logistical operations
- Respond to other requests by Chief of Party, Home Office Project Coordinator, and Global Security Director as required
Qualifications & Background:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field of security management or a comparable field
- Formal Security Risk Management qualifications highly desired.
Technical:
- Require 7+ years working in the security industry, with experience working in high-risk environments preferred
- Require 5+ years’ experience working in a security management capacity; preferably for a Non-Government Organization or a development organization
- Require 3+ years working in Africa; preferably at least two years working in Mali
- Extensive experience writing, developing, and producing high-quality security reports and assessments.
- Experience conducting security and situational awareness training preferred
Skills:
- Fluent French language skills (oral and written) required; English proficiency required.
- Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, conflict, and ethical management skills
- Ability to coordinate with home office, stakeholders, and clients is essential
- Computer literate in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (Microsoft)
- Current certification in first aid desired
- Driver’s license desired
HOW TO APPLY: