Field Advisors 70 views2 applications

Background:

The Mitchel Group, Inc. (TMG), a US-based International Development organization, is the implementing partner of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Ethiopia’s “Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) Contract. The purpose of the PLSO is to serve as a liaison to and facilitate communications between the USAID/Ethiopia’s implementing partners (IPs) and USAID/Ethiopia to enable the IPs to use and share publicly available information as a decision support mechanism. This will entail proactive engagement on the part of the PLSO, including meetings, site visits, and written communications. The PLSO will assist in the more effective delivery of U.S. Government-funded assistance, as it will enhance the IPs’ ability to stay abreast of security concerns and better secure their operations so that IPs can more aptly perform and advance development objectives under their respective agreements.

This operation will be located in Ethiopia outside the US Embassy Compound.  The PLSO will provide security support to USAID/Ethiopia’s IPs operating throughout the country.

Specific Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Keep abreast of and track all USAID Implementing Partners (IPs) safety and security needs at the regional level.
• Maintain regular communications with all USAID IPs in the region to collect security-relevant updates in real-time using a variety of both virtual and in-person mechanisms as appropriate
• Regular, as well as ad-hoc, travel to the field will be required.
• Proactively gather, analyze, and report regarding all security incidents, political issues, economic strains, social/humanitarian issues, and any other issues that may be relevant to safety and security of USAID implementing partners operating in the region.
• Act as a liaison between TMG/PLSO Office in Addis Ababa and USAID IPs operating in the region on security-related issues and submit and report regularly to PLSO DCOP.
• Draft weekly reports on regional security situation to help USAID IPs operate safely and effectively.
• Follow-up on data or analysis needs as requested by the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/Chief of Party (COP) and/or Senior Analyst as needed.
• Become a subject matter expert on the political, social, security, and economic issues within the focus region.
• Although much security-relevant information will be collected from IPs, the position is expected to leverage other regional contacts and information outlets to triangulate and strengthen the data collected and analysis.
• Support the tracking of all USAID implementing partner employees during emergencies in the region.
• Compile security plans provided by IPs and their sub-partners and share it with the PLSO DCOP and Senior Analyst.
• Provide support and guidance to IPs, as needed, to help them improve their security plans based on dynamically changing security situation.
• Meet with IP security POCs, assess security plans and review site security measures as needed;
• Compile IP security concerns or questions, and prepare detailed reports based on the site visits and communicate it to the PLSO DCOP and Senior Analyst;
• Facilitate the sharing of security-relevant best practices and lessons learned across IPs through an established network of IPs.
• Facilitate the organization of periodic and appropriate opportunities for IPs to interact on security issues.
• Position will travel periodically from field to home office in Addis Ababa
• Support facilitation of training for IP staff at the regional level.
• Performs other assignments and tasks as required.

Employment Term:         10 months with the possibility of extension Depending on the availability of Funds

Reports To:               Deputy Chief of Party

Number required:           Six (6)

Supervisory Responsibility:  This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Environment: Work is typically performed in an office environment

Qualifications, experience, and skills:

• A university degree in political science, economics, journalism, humanitarian affairs, international relations, conflict/security studies, or a related field required;
• Experience working with a USAID funded Implementing Partner is an advantage;
• Minimum of seven years of work experience relevant to this position;
• Demonstrated diplomatic and interpersonal skills and robust social network in the region and intimate knowledge of the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the region;
• Strong verbal and written English skills, regional language skills, and critical thinking skills;
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and communicating regarding the political, security sector, and economic issues in the region;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work positively with diverse stakeholders;
• Must be proficient working with computers, the internet, social media, and MS Office suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• A legal driver’s license is preferred.