Security Focal Point ( National position) 264 views2 applications

The Security Focal Point (SFP) is responsible to provide leadership on all matters relating to security management, staff safety and ensure that staff are in compliance with HFHE security management policies and procedures. The Security Focal Point will work closely with the National Director to regularly monitor and evaluate risks, threats, and other vulnerabilities targeting HFHE staff and property in Ethiopia. S/he/they will assess and improve the security systems already in place and will make recommendations for improving the safety and security of HFHE staff and property in accordance with HFHI guidance on the safety and security of its personnel.

The SFP shall also ensure adherence to HFHE standards and the availability of necessary staff and systems to develop and implement quality security management support with high levels of accountability and transparency and shall continually review, refine, and strengthen systems, as necessary. Whereas, the HFHE security policy is based on community acceptance, the SFP also acts as the representative of HFHE in the field, working with targeted communities and partners to ensure transparency and open communication. The SFP will work to ensure accountability towards communities, as outlined in the Accountability Framework. The SFP reports to the National Director.

I. Security Management:

• Develops proactive and responsive policies to protect HFHE staff, assets and programming in the field, including input to the regular revision of the SMP (Security Management Plan), including annexes (Evacuation Plan, Ethiopia Security Levels).
• Provides leadership and direction to HFHE in all areas of security capacity building, including preparedness, training, orientation, learning, technical assistance, and advises on specific security situations.
• Develops programming guidelines for security and communications for HFHE Emergency programs.
• Conducts on a regularly basis, the Security Risk Assessments for HFHE and updates the policies related to the Ethiopia security level (Security Level – Family Post – Curfew – staff movement) and makes recommendations to ensure compliance with personnel safety and security standards
• Ensures that all HFHE Security documents, including visitor briefing papers, are up to date and include information about new program areas.
• Ensures that all staff have access to and have read and have fully understood the HFHE Security Management Plan. Carry out regular assessments at the offices and in the field to ensure compliance.
• Develops and maintains a security incident mapping and reporting system to improve security decision and on a regularly basis, in agreement with the National Director, ensures the posting of security incident reports.
• Provides information on the general socio-political and security situation daily to the National Director and to all Ethiopia staff as appropriate.
• Informs HFHE Management of any potential threats for the staff, HFHH properties and assets.
• Gathers security information from HFHE sub-offices and forwards with recommendations as appropriate.
• Establishes and maintains effective liaison with local Police, security forces, embassies, and other relevant organizations.
• Helps with and monitors public relations and community engagement programs as part of the wider security risk program
• Ensures that the security briefing is done for all visitors within 24 hours of arrival
• Ensures that the Welcome to HFHE book is updated regularly and shared with the Admin Travel and logistic staff.
• Manages the contract with the security company and ensure that the guards are at their post all the time and follows up with the security company on security related issues with all HFHE premises.
• Works with HFHE administration to ensure proper functioning of security equipment in HFHE offices, residences, and storage facilities (fire extinguishers, cameras, generators, alarms, etc.),
• Provides guidance on improving current security plans at offices (and residences), including evacuation gathering points
• Locates premises for HFHE staff and monitor their management to ensure staff is secure

II. Crisis Management

• In times of security emergencies, supports the National Director in fulfilling his role in the context of the EMEA Critical Incident Management Plan.
• Maintains an active network of external contacts that can be called upon in case of a security-related emergency.
• Ensures that HFHE Security Management Plan continues to be a living document, organizing simulations to practice incident response on a regular basis. Collects relevant information and implements lessons learned.
• Continuously ensures the use of mass SMSs/WhatsApp messages, or other updated means for rapid information dissemination to staff for all critical and security related communication.

III. Representation

• Represents HFHE within the Security Forum and other safety and security related forums, contributing to close collaboration with peer agencies around common safety and security management priorities.
• Represents HFHE at other external meetings or conferences that relate to HFHE policy, advocacy, or operations regarding staff security interests.
• Verifies the development and implementation of accountability systems across HFHE programs to ensure beneficiary feedback and participation.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management or related field.
• Five or more years of experience with direct responsibility for security management and or community relation management.
• Experience in developing and implementing security management systems in the field.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint.) and information management systems.
• Experience in hostile and stressful environments and ability to cope well under stress.
• Demonstrates excellent judgment.
• In depth knowledge of security requirements as they relate to international humanitarian assistance agencies including standards for physical security and communications and excellent understanding of “acceptance” methodologies and procedures.
• Availability: 24/7 to provide support for major security emergencies as requested.

Personal Skills

• Very good planning, organizational and time management skills
• Ability to make sound judgment and good decisions
• Strong customer service orientation with very good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ethical conduct and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented
• Skills in English and Amharic (other languages welcome)

Key Working Relationships:

• Supervisory: Provides oversight to designated security support staff
• Internal: National Director, Management Team, Operations and Program Staff
• External: Other international organizations, security contacts, government security services, other government, and private sector agencies

Agency-wide Competencies

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of HFHE and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Trusting Relationships
• Professional Growth
• Partnership
• Accountability

Working Environment

At times under difficult and stressful situations. Staff will be expected to travel domestically at times with little to no advance notice. International travel will be limited

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.