Iraq: Safety & Security Coordinator - Iraq

INTERSOS is an independent non-profit humanitarian organization committed to assist the victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable and unprotected people.

1. Terms of reference

Job title: Safety & Security Coordinator

Location: The post holder will be based in Erbil with frequent missions to Tikrit, Baghdad and other Iraqi Governorates where INTERSOS has operations.

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Starting date: ASAP

Duration of contract: 3 months

Supervision of: 1 or 2 National Security Staff

Dependents: No

2. General context of the mission

INTERSOS had been working in Iraq from 2003 till 2010 with programs aimed at responding to urgent material safety needs and enhancing access to basic social services for vulnerable individuals and communities in Central and Southern Iraq, Baghdad and Kurdistan. Over the years, INTERSOS operations developed encompassing activities in health care, legal protection and assistance, warehousing and distribution of essential goods, mine/UXO clearance, shelter, water and sanitation, psychosocial support and education targeting internally displaced people and voluntary returnees, as well as host communities, with special focus on most vulnerable groups (children, women, elderly and persons with special needs).

Following the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation which is negatively affecting also the neighbouring countries, in November 2013 INTERSOS has resumed the operations in the area to contribute towards ensuring emergency relief and social protection assistance for the Syrian refugees fleeing their home in search of safety. Furthermore, since the surge in violence between armed groups and government forces with fighting spreading into Central and Northern Iraq, in July 2014 INTERSOS has extended its operations in the Kurdistan Region and is currently providing services and activities aimed at assisting both Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs in camp and non-camp settings, with interventions mainly concentrated on the Community Services, Protection, Food Security and Education Sectors. INTERSOS is also contributing towards assisting vulnerable conflict-affected civil population in the whole of Iraq by expanding the on-going activities in terms of geographical target areas and sectors of expertise, to properly respond to unmet needs and detected gaps.

3. Tasks and responsibilities

He/She will seek the Safety & Security to direct the development, implementation and monitoring of an effective strategy to mitigate risk, maintain continuity of operations, and provide for the safety and security of all employees. The SSC shall also serve as the subject matter expert on all safety and security related matters. He/She will be responsible for establishing policies and standards affecting safety and security of staff members, field facilities and assets, and program activities in Krudistan and Iraq and will ensure security protocols and mechanisms are in place to address country programs’ unique security challenges. He/She will provides direction and technical support in developing and maintaining country programs’ context-specific field security plans. Specifically the Logistics Coordinator is responsible to:

Generic duties

• Serve as the primary focal point for safety and security for both home office and program offices in Erbil and Tikrit, and provide technical support to the field (including KRI, Ninewa Governorate and Salah al-Din Governorate) in the following areas: a. security/risk assessments;
  b. scenario planning, security plan development;
  c. crisis/contingency planning; and
  d. other security-related functions.

• Hiring and training national security focal points for KRI and for Salah al Din governorate.

• Develop and update security plans, business continuity plans and crisis management plans, and policies and procedures, in accordance with best practices and ensure their implementation;

• Provide advice and counsel to management on matters relating to employee and property safety and security;

• Investigate all safety, security and risk management related issues;

• Develop and facilitate security and safety training both at HQ and field offices; in increased safety, security and risk management capacity; and field offices

• Conducts training needs assessment with key stakeholders resulting in increased safety, security and risk management capacity; andMonitors security conditions and liaise and coordinate with external agencies (UNICHA – INSO) UN, NGO coordinating bodies, local governments, etc.

4. Required profile/experience

· Education: Relevant degree and/or equivalent Logistics working experience.

· Experience: Relevant working experience of at least 10 years and previous Humanitarian experience.

· Familiarity with USAID and UN Agencies along with other Grantors policies and procedures;

· Experience working in conflict and post-conflict settings;

· Ability to deal with stress and demanding working environment

· Readiness to commit and adhere to the values, mission and vision of INTERSOS

· Experience conducting training for small groups;

· Comprehensive knowledge of regional security issues in Middle East

· Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns and appropriate responses to such emergencies;

· Excellent organizational skills in highly complex emergency operation

· Very strong interpersonal skills: strong communication and diplomatic skills

· Practical and problem-solver

· Excellent ability to establish inter-personal relations with Security Government officials.

· Fully proficient in written and spoken English

· Arabic language skills will be considered as an asset

Qualified applicants are requested to submit their curriculum vitae, motivation letter and 2 references to: recruitment@intersos.org, specifying in the subject ‘Safety and Security Coordinator - Iraq****”

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview