Security and Access Manager

DanChurchAid (DCA) invites applications for an experienced Security and Access Manager (SAM) for its Syria programme. This is a non-family position, based in North East Syria.

The main responsibilities of the SAM are to provide operational input and planning to all DCA projects and work to ensure that organisational security policies and procedures are responsive to the context, adequate and known to all staff and visitors to the programme. You will advise on humanitarian access processes and approaches and will develop and facilitate access in existing and new locations for DCA offices and activities. The SAM is part of the Senior Management Team and reports directly to the Country Director.

You will work in a potentially hostile and arduous environment. You will therefore need to demonstrate a positive and self-motivated attitude. Conditions in Syria require a level head, situational awareness, cultural understanding, a great deal of flexibility and attention to detail. If you have these qualities and skills, and you are looking for a challenging opportunity with a leading mine action and humanitarian NGO then we would like to hear from you.

The main duties relating to this position are as follows:

• Provide technical support to the Country Director on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and programme continuity;
• Travel regularly to field locations and assess all project location access routes;
• Develop, evaluate, review and update the security management plans on a regular basis. Reference and ensure compliance to DCA Security Policies, Manuals and Frameworks within the Security Management Plan and all annexes;
• Conduct and update security assessments for DCA’s areas of operation, formulate and share comprehensive security and risk assessment reports;
• Monitor and analyse security situation in DCA areas of operation, actively anticipating potential developments within security landscape, shifts in DCA security profile, and impact of those on DCA operations;
• Formulate and maintain up to date risk analysis matrix for DCA areas of interest;
• Ensure adequate security measures are in place for DCA premises, DCA staff, DCA assets, and DCA operations;
• Manage, mentor and capacity build the programme’s national safety and access officers, following a structured training plan with clear objectives and target indicators;
• Supervise DCA security guards and ensure they receive all necessary training and equipment;
• Work closely with logistics and financial department on the preparation of well-formulated and realistic security budgets as well as to ensure assets control;
• Work with CD and the Senior Management Team to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans;
• Evaluate, review and keep updated HRE plans for all DCA offices and residences and ensure that the practical preparations are in place, included in the SMP and known to all staff involved;
• Develop and maintain relationships with local authorities, local leaders and other power brokers within DCA areas of operations. Work to ensure that DCA, its mission and work in the areas of operations is known and accepted by all stakeholders. Report outcomes, updates and recommendations to CD;
• Liaise with all relevant local, national and international security actors, and security management counterparts within the humanitarian community including INSO;
• Formulate, collect and compile all security reports for the programmes;
• Provide safety briefings to new staff and visitors;
• Develop security training programme for DCA international and national staff and provide regular trainings for DCA staff on security preparedness, prevention and response. Trainings should include Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; Communication methods and protocols, etc.
• Contribute to project proposal development with relevant security related inputs;
• Any other duties, as requested by CD.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Contribute to culture of excellence, continuous improvement and performance optimisation across all projects;
• Work in accordance with DCA values and humanitarian principles;
• Maintain effective working relationship with other members of the programme;
• Be a role model for diversity and inclusion, as well as a positive role model for contributing to the team spirit.

Applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programmes with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organising and executing humanitarian security operations in the field;
• Tertiary level education in a security related field;
• Understanding of the humanitarian principles linked to NGO field and operations contexts;
• Advanced knowledge in communications technology;
• Strong experience as a trainer; ability to develop, implement, facilitate and impart learning to a wide range of audiences;
• Ability to gain a precise understanding of the various local, regional, country and international policies, operational positions and interactions, providing clear dynamic briefings and analysis of given and unfolding security and political situations when they occur;
• Regional experience strongly preferred;
• Work experience in field locations with limited logistical support;
• Strong leadership, team building and communication skills;
• Flexibility and cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Computer literacy essential including proficiency in Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.;
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic would be advantageous.

We offer:

• 12-month contract with the possibility of extension;
• A competitive salary package;
• 30 days of paid annual leave;
• A generous R&R allowance;
• Insurance as per industry standards;
• An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs.

All qualified candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. Only online applications consisting as a minimum of a CV and a cover letter will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Closing date: 1 May 2020. Interviews are expected to be held in the first two weeks of May 2020. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the closing date.

Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.