Safety & Security Senior Manager

Post location: oPt Country Office – Ramallah with frequent travel to Gaza

Contract Duration and Level of Effort:  2 years and based on availability of funds

The Safety and Security Senior manager (SSSM) role is to ensure that oPt staff operate as safe as possible in a complex and volatile environment, as well as for our partner staff, and deliver programme beneficiaries in a safe way. To do so, the SSSM has to manage safety and security globally and ensure compliance to the global policies and procedures. This will include assessing threats, advising on security risk management; implementing ad hoc documentation, maintaining of appropriate guidelines, reviewing and keeping up-to-date security normative documents and reports; and ensuring that field working practices are robust and that all staff are aware of, trained in, and adhere to these policies and procedures. Integral to the posting is the ability to work successfully with field teams to cultivate capacity and motivation, thereby ensuring field-based responsibility for security analysis and management. 

The post holder holds primary responsibility for negotiating and securing the movement and access of staff, goods, and in certain circumstances partners and beneficiaries, to all areas of operations in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. The post holder serves also as the primary interface with relevant UN and government authorities – Israeli and Palestinian, including de-facto authorities. These include police, militaries, civil defense or civilian/military infrastructure to secure the space for the organization to deliver humanitarian and development programmes to children in need.

The Safety and Security Senior Manager plays a key role in crisis management team and has to ensure the safety and security (S&S) related incidents are reported and managed through the SCI Datix system. They act as direct liaison with the Regional Security Director MEEE.
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

SCOPE OF ROLE: 
Reports to: Country Director (CD)
Dotted Line: Regional Security Director (RSD) MEEE

Staff directly reporting to this post: None, but the Safety and Security Snr Manager will work closely with Security Focal Points (SFP) in the Gaza and West Bank Field Offices. 
Country Dimensions: oPt CO is a high complexity country, multi-member interest, with an annual budget of around $10m, and approximately 70 staff.
 
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Analysis, Planning and Strategic Guidance:
•    Provide timely, accurate and consultative situation analysis, actor mapping, and Security Risks Assessment for Country and Field Locations that will guide decision making for new awards/ proposals and emergency preparedness actions, and inform decisions on geographical reach, program interventions, and partners.
•    Responsible for conflict sensitive analyses and development of relevant and appropriate mitigation measures to inform operational and programmatic decisions.
•    Translate Security Risks Assessments into practical and pragmatic Security Management, Incident Management, Business Continuity, and Contingency plans for all locations. With rapidly changing environment, these plans should be reviewed regularly. 
•    Support the development and monitoring of the Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs) in scenario planning and risk monitoring. 
•    Promote the concept that safety and security plans and guidelines should be jointly developed by the whole team to create ownership and encourage compliance as a natural and integral part of programme planning and implementation.
•    Provide monthly or when required security updates to the CD, SMT, Field Managers RSD MEEE in face to face/ remote meetings and situation reports. 

Operational Security Management and Compliance 
•    Responsible for overall safety and security of Save the Children staff, reputation, and assets for the country programme.
•    Develop a culture of security through consultative approach at all staff and partner levels. 
•    Regularly review performance against the KPIs and S&S Essential Standards of SCI and will strive to achieve full compliance to the Standards.
•    In consultation with the RSD MEE, conduct quarterly reviews of the KPI Standards. The post holder will be responsible for developing and implementing the work plan and to achieve full compliance of the oPt CO. 
•    Provide Security briefings to incoming visitors within 24 hours of arrival and security orientation to newly hired staff within first two weeks of starting.

Humanitarian Access and Stakeholder Engagement
•    Participate in formal or informal NGO/UN security and analysis networks/forums in the area to share information with other partners (contribute and gain access to security analyses).
•    Ensure up to date coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate movement of staff/partners to all operational areas, ensuring robust maintenance of records and timely renewal of necessary permits and coordination.
•    Ensure high level visibility of team members on timelines, related restrictions for coordination or movement.
•    Maintain relationships and liaise with all stakeholders involved in movement and access issues for staff and/or goods to all operational areas, including but not restricted to the UN, Israeli, Palestinian Authority, and De-facto authorities.
•    The SSSM is also responsible for the civilian-military policy and implementation of the civ-mil relationships with relevant actors (i.e. state and non-state) in liaison with the CD, the SCI CIVMIL team and the RO.

Equipment and Communications:
•    Ensure that all SCI sites are secure with the S&S equipment in accordance with S&S policies (alert, firefighting, smoke detector, access system, closed circuit TV (CCTV), IVMS).
•    Ensure appropriate systems Emergency communications tree (ECTs and Warden Systems) are in place to effectively disseminate safety and security information, updates and alerts to SCI staff.
•    Assess security equipment & communications needs and recommend improvements-technological aspects to make sure that all equipment are operational and in good condition.

Incident Reporting and Management 
•    Ensure swift incident reporting from field to country and SCI reporting systems within 24 hours of incident occurrence through Datix system.
•    Develop and update Incident Management Plans for country and field offices. Train Senior Management Teams (SMT/ ESMT) on their roles and responsibilities.
•    With the help of field security teams, develop location specific contingency plans that are resourced with relevant logistics and supplies to respond to critical incidents.  
•    Available 24/7 to respond to critical incidents and ensure earliest possible reporting, using all available means of communication, to the CD and Regional Security Director MEEE. 

Security documentation
•    The Safety and Security Senior Manager will be the custodian of Save the Children’s Safety and Security Policy and Standards for oPt. They will be responsible to manage and implement the policy and ensure programmes are delivered accordingly.
•    Keep all S&S related plans updated in a relevant manner (S&S management plan SSMP, Incident management plan IMP, Contingency plans including medical evacuation, Hibernation Evacuation and relocation plan HERP) but also the PDI Pre departure information, Communication tree, security briefings, and induction briefings.
•    Send the monthly/quarterly reports updated and on time to the RSD (Situational analysis, threat rating scores, Essential standards, PDI)

Training and Development
•    Carry out safety and security training needs assessments for all staff. Ensure that all staff received trainings/briefing and orientation through an elaborate yearly training and development plan. He/ she will design and conduct any necessary trainings.
•    Ensure that the mandatory training requirements i.e. Personal safety and security E-training (PSSE), IT security and Kidnapping and Hostage Survival training for oPt staff is met.
•    In coordination with RSD, conduct a crisis management training/refresher regularly to the SMT members, managers, and coordinators.
•    Design and deliver trainings to improve the skills and capacities of Field Managers and Field safety and security focal persons (SSFP) through a yearly workshop.

Workplace Safety and Security
•    Ensure that all facilities (Offices, guest houses, warehouses, programme sites) are security assessed and security cleared and compliant with the dedicated standards.
•    Ensure site security plans fulfil the SCI Security Standards requirement for critical risk locations and should provide relevant specifications, as well as security enhancements and associated costs. 
•    Acting as the focal point in developing the safe working arrangements during critical incidences i.e. humanitarian crisis, security incidences, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and supporting the CD and SMT in implementing safe/alternate working modalities.

Road Safety and Fleet Management
•    In coordination with the logistics departments, ensure that SCI vehicles, drivers and passengers are prepared and informed of road travel risks and all possible mitigation and training elements are in place for safe road travel.
•    Ensure robust vehicle tracking system is in place that can ensure early detection and relevant response for road accidents and possible security events during field missions.
•    Mission briefings/de-briefing protocols are followed and contribute to decision making for future field missions.
•    Serve as primary focal point for visits, site assessments, group tours, or similar, as needed by the CO to ensure safety and security coordination, and necessary travel permits.

As a member of the Senior Management Team:
•    Ensure that the required support is provided promptly, at scale and in line with the rules and principles during emergencies, working closely with the Regional Office.
•    In close coordination with SMT members and different stakeholders stand accountable for CO Risk & Compliance and Safeguarding plans, implementation and deliverance in accordance with CO strategic plan, objectives and milestones, timeframes and budget.

In order to be successful you will bring/have: 

QUALIFICATIONS  
University Degree, preferably in Risk/ Security/ Crisis Management, Certification in Security / Risk Management is a plus.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential
-    8+ years’ experience of Security Risk Management.
-    Documented experience of leading the development of Security Risk Assessments, Actor Mapping, and Context Analysis along with developing various safety and security plans (Security Management, Incident Management, Contingency plans, and business continuity plans).
-    Hands on experience of managing crisis at field and country office levels. Well versed with humanitarian security management and “Do no Harm” principles as per UN, Interaction and European Interagency security forum (EISF) guidelines and familiarity with the integrated role of safety and security at the heart of programme operations
-    Experience of Humanitarian Emergency response in security critical threat environments.
-    Well versed with Acceptance approach of S&S management and have used it extensively in previous assignments.
-    Excellent understanding of Palestinian conflict and humanitarian situation on ground. This includes familiarity with the various key actors impacting the political and humanitarian environment of the conflict, including the United Nations, INGOs, NGOs, governments, and donors.
-    Superb interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels, establish information networks, and coordinate with country authorities, militias, donors, International Organisations and local NGOs. 
-    Ability to work autonomously in a highly stressful and challenging environment with tight deadlines and limited resources 
-    Proven skills in concise and succinct report writing and using Microsoft office tools.  
-    Excellent time management skills to prioritise and meet deadlines.
-    Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children.  In particular, a good understanding of the Save the Children mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin all aspects of the job.  
-    Resourcefulness and creativity in developing the role of security within the overall country office programmes and ensuring the most effective support
-    Willingness to work and travel in often difficult and insecure environments;
-    Fluent in English, Hebrew and Arabic (written and spoken).

Desirable 
•    Security certifications (CSP, PSP, UN Security Management, NEBOSH)
•    First Aid / HEAT Master Trainer
•    Working with local NGOs/ CBOs

We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector.  This role is offered on the basis of national terms and conditions only.

Save the Children promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, women and people with different abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
The Organisation

Save the Children works in development and humanitarian contexts with children and partners to help families, communities, and governments identify and use innovations to ensure all children survive, learn and are protected.

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.  
 
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday 
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated 
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.