Security Advisor 145 views0 applications

We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.

The International Assistance department has opened a vacancy (dependent on funding) for a Security Advisor to support Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) for a period of 6 months.

Position title: Security Advisor

Duty station: Addis Ababa

Time period: 6 months (dependent on funding)

Starting Date: January 2021

Status: Single posting

Purpose of the position

Support to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society in security and safety for ERCS staff, volunteers, Red Cross Delegates and visitors.

Background

Ethiopia is relatively safe country in which to live and travel, however over the past two years the security situation in Addis Ababa and the countryside has deteriorated considerably with a marked escalation in intercommunal violence and increased criminality in major cities such as Addis Ababa. Disruptions in communications during periods of civil unrest add to the risk.

The COVID crisis has immediate primary and secondary impacts on the population’s livelihoods, the damage of food resources caused by desert locusts, seasonal flooding and its destruction as well as the upcoming elections – postponed from August 2020 to the 2nd or 3rd quarter of 2021. – are all having their impacts on the security situation for ERCS staff, volunteers, Red Cross Delegates and visitors. Ethiopia is currently at a critical political juncture. With the current situation in the Tigray region plus underlying political tensions, combined with unresolved socio-economic concerns, the coming 12 months will see heightened security challenges.

It is within this context that NLRC on behalf of Ethiopia Red Cross and Partner National Societies present in Ethiopia intend to hire a Security Advisor for the period of 6 months to support ERCS Security Unit in the development of a security framework including, but not limited to, risk assessments, policies, standard operating procedures and information sharing.

Position in the organization

The Security Advisor will have a contract with the Netherlands Red Cross and be line managed by the NLRC Ethiopia Country Representative, while reporting to the in-country to the Security Working Group which consists of six representatives from the Red Cross movement and will be chaired by the Deputy Secretary General Support Services.

Summary statement and responsibilities

• Support the establishment of a robust security framework to support international staff and ERCS operations;
• Draft, Review and update ERCS safety and security policies and plans, which could include;
• o prepare and facilitate a risk assessments across Ethiopia to assist in the development of mitigation strategies and plans.
• o identify and establish links with key information sources and liaise with the INGO and UN Security Forums.
• o assure close collaboration with the ICRC and IFRC Security Units to ensure alignment of plans.
• Establishing standard operating procedures – including communications during field travel and communication measures during civil unrest and possible internet shutdown;
• Develop contingency plans, which would include;
• several scenarios for election preparedness
• recommendations for additional support to the ERCS Security Unit, if needed.
• Act as technical advisor to support the capacity of the ERCS Security Unit in their tasks and responsibilities.
• Align with the safety, security and contingency planning activities underway in the EU Humanitarian Aid funded project, “Conflict and Pandemic Preparedness and Response Project” in coordination with the NLRC Project Delegate.
• Any other tasks deemed necessary to support the overall objective of the position as assigned by NLRC.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Degree in Security/Risk Management, Strategic Studies, International Relations;
• Previous experience as a security professional at least 3 to 5 years: Red Cross Movement experience preferred;
• At least three years of relevant experience in security management for humanitarian or international organizations;
• Sound knowledge of INGO security practices with proven experience in Security Risk Management;
• Knowledge of Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement’s security approach, assessments, security planning and crises management in the humanitarian context;
• Demonstrated experience in threat assessment in humanitarian operations;
• Excellent verbal and written English essential. Amharic desirable;
• Internationally recognized qualifications in Risk Management or Business Continuity;
• Politically and culturally aware with working experience in Ethiopia/ Horn of Africa;
• Diplomatic and confidential.

Key competencies

We expect the Security Advisor to be a teamplayer, working hand in hand with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. We need somebody who is able to work under challenging circumstances. A hands on person, who can take initiative, but who also understands the complex context and is able to roll out the action plan. Organisational and cultural sensitivity is a must.

We offer

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 6 months
• A flexible and human centred working environment in an international environment with a variety of international organizations.
• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.