Safety & Security Advisor

Job Title:                                              Safety & Security Advisor 

Department:                                        Operations

Division:                                               Safety & Security

Duty Station:                                       Odesa, with frequent travel to Mykolaiv, Kherson, Kharkiv, Donetsk Oblast and other NP field locations as                                                                  needed

Line Manager:                                     Deputy Head of Mission – Operations and Security 

Line Management Responsibility:    Safety & Security Officer

Position Type:                                      Full-time

 Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organisation. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.  

Overview:

NP first established a presence in Ukraine in 2014/2015 working on peacebuilding and conflict mediation. NP has had a sustained presence in Ukraine since April 2022. NP occupies a unique space in the protection response in Ukraine; simultaneously providing direct protection to at-risk civilians and providing hands-on support to front-line volunteer collectives to directly contribute to the sustainability and safety of their actions.

Job Summary:    

The Safety and Security Advisor is a member of the Senior Management Team. The successful candidate will lead the NPUA Safety and Security operations. Roles and responsibilities include department and staff development, safety and security policy revision and upholding, reporting, engagement with internal and external stakeholders in security matters, support of programs and other departments with analysis and security input, oversight of the in-country mechanism(s) for implementation and enforcement of security, as well as direct focal point for security in Odesa and security referent for all operations in country. The Advisor will facilitate an ongoing culture of learning and growth as it relates to safety and security and build the capacity of NPUA in safety and security. 

Key Responsibilities:  

 Country Office Senior Management Team member.  

• Serve as a member of the incident management team.  
• Monitor the political, country and state level contexts closely; disseminate noteworthy updates to teams on a daily basis.  
• Review all mission/travel plans and SOPs for movements outside of normal operating area.  
• Assess program activities, project proposals and their impact on staff security; make recommendations to reduce staff vulnerability.  
• Organize and facilitate safety and security trainings for all NPUA staff on a rolling basis. Maintain a register of all safety trainings conducted. 
• Regularly visit field sites to ensure all NP premises, guesthouses and vehicles uphold minimum operating safety standards and make recommendations based on those assessments.  
• Review the country office and field site’s Risk Analysis, Minimum Operating Safety Standards checklist and contingency plans on a monthly basis. Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities and provide feedback on how to mitigate them.  
• Collaborate with Program Development, Program Management and Logistics departments to manage safety and security budgets and procure related materials as outlined by NP Minimum Operating Safety Standards, as well as provide key input in project design, grant proposal and budgeting for safety and security.  
• Monitor the security landscape closely and make recommendations to adjust security policies and procedures as needed.  
• Maintain and update the NPUA incident report log on Machforms as incidents occurs and ensure that any recommendations are followed through with the respective departments.  
• Maintain and revise the NPUA Security Plan; ensure consistency with NP standards and train all staff on its contents.  
• Develop security-briefing materials and ensure all incoming staff, consultants and visitors receive a security orientation within 24 hours of arrival.  
• Act as accommodation and office main security focal point, monitoring movement of staff, accommodation, and ensuring all security requirements are in place.  
• Regularly assess communications needs; ensure availability of appropriate communications technology, update the emergency communication contact list, brief staff on emergency communication procedures and test the emergency communication systems monthly.  
• Liaise with government, security analysis organization, humanitarian partners, UN, diplomatic and consular officials and community leaders to inform context when conducting analysis.  
• Provide a weekly “two pagers” security update for all staff and, a relevant and concise security update at the management weekly update meeting. Present written quarterly (or as needed) safety and security reports to Senior Management Team and/or NP HQ. 
• Undertake field missions to field locations and potential field locations as requested by the SMT or field teams, including assessments for opening new projects.  
• Review and log staff visitor requests, staff overnight requests, etc.  
• Support SMT with any investigations that involve security and safety of staff (i.e. HR, Safeguarding, etc.) upon request and with confidentiality and sensitivity.  
• Comply with and promote all NP policies such as Safeguarding, Whistle Blowing, Fraud, PSEA and Health and Safety. Always adhere to NPUA Code of Conduct.  

Qualifications:   

Essential:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with at least 4-6 years related work experience with at least two years in a conflict environment. 
• A minimum of two years of relevant security management experience within an INGO in conflict related humanitarian settings. 
• Understanding of various communications technologies commonly used, including VHF and HF radio systems, satellite phones, cell phones, etc. 
• Strong analytical skills and able to provide nuanced safety advice. 
• Strong training and facilitator skills; ability to develop and implement successful training sessions.  
• Ability to work well under pressure in unstable and frequently changing security environments. 
• Willingness to work and live in often remote areas under basic conditions. 
• Strong communication, people management and interpersonal skills with experience leading multicultural, multi-location, values driven teams. 
• Strong coordination and self-organization competencies; ability to organize a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse, tasks. Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions. 
• Commitment to and understanding of NP’s methodologies, core values and mission. 
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English and Ukranian. 
• Strong computer literacy, particularly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases (Power BI). 
• Valid driving license.  
• Knowledge of and commitment to safeguarding, whistleblowing, PSEA and anti-corruption.  

Highly desired:  

• Knowledge of the Ukrainian political, conflict and humanitarian context. 
• First aid or more advanced health trainings. 
• Access and database/mapping systems, GIS software knowledge. 

Skills and Competencies:

Independent Judgment/Analytical: 

• Ability to manage information with discretion.  
• Ability to set priorities, solve problems and analyse information.  
• Attention to detail.  

 Interpersonal: 

• Flexible, energetic and adaptable.  
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment.  
• Proven ability to build relationships.  

 Languages: 

• Ability to interact confidently with and present information effectively to colleagues and external contacts in verbal and written Ukrainian and English.  

Information technology:  

• Ability to use the MS Office suite, email and the internet proficiently.  

Working Conditions:  

• Ukraine is a complex security environment, and the evolution of the war is completely unpredictable – experience in insecure environments is essential to success in this position. 
• This posting can be physically demanding that may require driving long distances. 
• A strong motivation to do what’s necessary in a complex logistics environment and rough living conditions is required. 

Application Process:

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.https://nonviolentpeaceforce.bamboohr.com/careers/466?source=aWQ9MzA%3D
• The closing date for applications is 5 November 2024.
• This position is open to International and National recruitment.
• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
• Interviews could be on a rolling basis therefore a candidate may be identified before the closing date.  
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview. 

SPECIAL NOTICE 

 Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

 Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

 The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

 All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the InterAgency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

 NO FEE

 We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.