Officer, Field Security and Safety - Norwegian Red Cross

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

Job Purpose

The purpose of Security and Safety Officer (SSO) role is to ensure that NorCross international and local personnel in Nigeria are working within an environment consistent with accepted minimum safety and security standards. The role involves advising the Country Programme Manager on security challenges, developing risk assessments and proposing risk reduction measures in addition to developing, maintaining, updating and implementing security rules, reviewing all NorCross field movement plans and providing advice related to security and safety to the teams undertaking the visits.

To achieve these objectives, the SSO regularly monitors, reviews and analyze the humanitarian, political and security environment in order to identify humanitarian and protection needs in NorCross areas of responsibility.

The SSO will be under the direct supervision and management of the Country Programme Manager and will have a functional reporting line to the Senior Advisor Security in Oslo.

 

This position is based within the Norwegian Red Cross country office in Benue, Nigeria.

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

General Tasks –

• Security management, the analysis of various factors impacting on NorCross security and operations.
• Networking with key stakeholders relevant for NorCross projects’ security and activities
• Collaboration with branches of Nigeria Red Cross Societies (NRCS) in Benue
• Implementation of NorCross security regulations.
• Security management of NorCross office, premises and assets in Benue.
• Be well aware of NorCross objectives and activities in Nigeria.

Environment analysis

• Monitor political, social, economic and security environment and identify trends in areas of relevance to NorCross.
• Collect the necessary data and information to develop a comprehensive risk assessment.
• Develop a network of contacts among local actors to facilitate NorCross work to enhance the security of its operations.
• Maintain relations with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, RCRC movement partners and key external stakeholders in matters related to security and safety.
• Ensure that security planning becomes an integral part of day-to-day operations and is integrated into all NorCross supported programs.

Security Management

• Be responsible for overall security management of NorCross projects and staff in Benue.
• Assist the NorCross Country Programme Manager in implementing all security regulations for staff through follow up of recommendations and rules related to security and safety management
• Ensure that NorCross security regulations are in alignment with the IFRC/ICRC movements security regulations and the Movement Security Framework.
• Review all field movement requests and movements, and provide necessary advice related to security and safety, to the FT teams.
• Ensure that all field movements strictly adhere to Field Trip procedures.
• Develop a system to track field movements and remain up to date on whereabouts of staff.
• Organise and circulate relevant safety and security information to the staff
• Participate in internal meetings and in movement security meetings and discussions and contribute
• Oversee security management of NorCross office, premises and assets and provide advice to CPM as needed to ensure or enhance security of NorCross office, premises and assets.
• Coordinate training in safety and security ensuring that staff have the necessary equipment and are trained accordingly.
• Ensure that all incoming visitors receive a security briefing and information
• Work in close coordination with security focal points of movement partners IFRC, ICRC and NRCS
• Any other task that may be assigned from time to time.

Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of safety and security incidents.
• Provide a monthly report on security to Country Programme Manager (CPM)
• Contribute to internal NorCross exercise on context analysis
• Coordinate and share relevant security information and analysis within NorCross (with CPM, Nairobi and Oslo)

Education

Required:

• A bachelor's degree or Higher Education (University or Institute)

Preferred:

• Additional learning/certificate/training in security management.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum 4 years of work experience in a similar role

Preferred:

• Experience in crisis management.
• Experience in security risk assessments.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Team leadership & people management skills
• Strong assessment, evaluation, analysis, and strategic planning skills.
• Self-motivated with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Laws
• Good communication and networking skills
• Very good knowledge of the political, social, and cultural assigned environment

Languages:

• Fluent in spoken and written English

Competencies, Values and Comments

• National Society relations 
• Communication - Teamwork
• Professionalism – Integrity - Diversity
• Judgement-Decision-making
• Results focus and accountability.