Security Director 117 views0 applications

Opportunity

The USAID-funded Integrated Health Programs for the DRC (IHP-DRC) supports USAID’s strategy on Health Systems Strengthening in the DRC. USAID seeks to strengthen the capacity of Congolese institutions and communities to deliver quality, integrated health services to sustainably improve the health status of the Congolese population.

In coordination with the Chief of Party, Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), Abt’s Global Security Office, and project security management teams, the Security Director (SD) will lead a comprehensive security management system. Further, s/he will ensure alignment with Abt polices and practice related to the safety and security of staff and assets in the DRC.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise security planning and operations to facilitate the achievement of program goals.
• Establish a Security Management Team (SMT) consisting of senior field officers that will work closely with and depend heavily on the counsel and guidance of the SD.
• Participate in formal and informal security collaboration networks to collect information and inform Abt operational decisions.
• Develop and maintain plans and protocols relating to personnel safety and the management of security programs and policies to include security management plans, risk assessments, incident and crisis response plans, and pre- and post-arrival security briefings.
• Develop detailed plans to address ground and air alternatives for evacuation, relocation, and hibernation of designated personnel.
• Develop detailed Post Orders for guards assigned at all offices and coordinate Post Orders, as appropriate with security personnel provided by residential landlords.
• Oversee guard force conduct and discipline at all facilities and act as a liaison with all guard service providers.
• Manage and oversee a comprehensive personnel training program to include initial security and refresher training in relevant security topics which may include: security awareness, hostile environment training, travel security awareness, fire safety and first aid.
• Collaborate with the Transportation Manager to select a local hire-car service provider.
• Maintain a comprehensive travel management program. Incorporate the utilization of satellite phones and GPS tracking to ensure personnel accountability and emergency communications.
• Conduct security reviews, internal self-assessments, and audits of all program personnel safety, asset security, and prepare and present a monthly report to Security Management Team(s) and the Global Security Office.
• Establish Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) plans and mechanisms to ensure that all security policies and protocols are being consistently applied and observed across all project offices by all Abt personnel assigned or traveling in the DRC.
• Through direct assessment and/or investigation through the in-country safety and security network, prepare a recommendation list for hotels and other lodging places, and venue locations for project use. The SD will be responsible for preparing this hotel and venue recommendation list and updating it at least on a quarterly basis. The SD, in coordination with the designated operations and safety manager for each office will also be responsible for checking and ensuring that each lodging and/or venue location reservation made, from the list of recommended places as discussed above, remains safe and suitable.
• Review and assess the housing arrangements for all expat/TCN staff from a safety and security standpoint, and make recommendations to the Security Management Teams and Abt’s Global Security Office. Expat/TCN housing must be reviewed at least on a quarterly basis, or anytime there is a “material change” in the safety and security conditions of the locations. All recommendations must be submitted to the project security management teams and the Global Security Office.

Preferred Skills / Prerequisites

• Bachelors degree or equivalent with 10 years of relevant experience in the security field OR training, experience, and success in positions with similar complexity and scope.
• Knowledge of and previous working experience with USAID preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise security staff and security initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, and lead presentations, training courses, and effective meetings in French and English.
• Experience living or working in francophone African countries.
• Experience in the DRC highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated independent thinking, judgment, and respect for others.
• Fluency in English and excellent verbal communication and writing skills in French.