Leading specialist, specialist in security and protection in Mercy Corps

Будь ласка, надсилайте свої резюме: Senior Safety & Security Officer | Mercy Corps Ukraine

About Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.  

Now, and for the future. 

The Program Summary

Considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a significant number of people have been displaced across the country. As the situation continues to evolve, Mercy Corps is actively engaged in providing support and expanding its presence in Ukraine. We are involved in various partnerships, emergency response activities, and initiatives focused on cash, information protection, and other critical areas within this dynamic environment.

The Position

In this position, you will play a crucial role in our risk management systems, ensuring business continuity and prioritizing the well-being of our staff.

Essential ResponsibilitiesSecurity Risk and Safety Hazard Management

• Lead continuous security risk analysis for the assigned area, integrating political, military, social, and humanitarian dynamics into operational decision-making. Develop and maintain risk profiles, threat assessments, and risk ratings to inform program planning, movements, and access decisions, and conduct security risk assessments for locations, facilities, routes, and activities in line with organizational standards.
• Translate analysis into practical mitigation measures and ensure their consistent implementation across field locations in accordance with Security Management and Contingency Plans. Monitor the operating environment, identify emerging threats and early warning indicators, and proactively advise management on implications for safety and access.
• Support day-to-day security operations, including movement planning, access procedures, and compliance with protocols. Coordinate security support to program activities, field missions, and assessments, ensuring safe and sustained operational delivery. Maintain regular field presence and deploy to high-risk locations as required to support operations and incident response.
• Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and analysis of incidents and near misses, contributing to incident response, post-incident reviews, and adaptive mitigation measures, including real-time risk reassessment during critical incidents.
• Monitor compliance with Security Management Plans, MOSS, and internal procedures through regular checks, identifying gaps and providing practical guidance to staff. Maintain and improve security information management systems, including incident tracking, movement monitoring, and reporting tools.
• Support humanitarian access by engaging with relevant local actors and advising programs on access constraints and mitigation strategies. Provide security support to national partners, as appropriate and instructed, through consultations and guidance without assuming direct responsibility for partner security management.
• Contribute to staff safety awareness and duty of care by clearly communicating risks and promoting safe behaviors across teams.

Training & Orientations

• Deliver security briefings, inductions, and organize and conduct Security and Safety training and awareness sessions for staff and visitors in line with the Training Program.
• Identify external providers of Security and Safety-related training and liaise with them as needed.
• Suggest improvements to the Training Program as required.
• Inform staff of abrupt contextual changes in accordance with established procedures.

Liaison with local stakeholders

• Establish and maintain effective communication with security counterparts from INGOs, NGOs, and other relevant actors, building a strong network and enhancing situational awareness.
• Engage with military and law enforcement representatives during field activities to support operational access.
• Ensure Mercy Corps is actively engaged in interagency security coordination mechanisms and regularly attend relevant meetings.
• Represent Mercy Corps at external security forums and coordination platforms.

Staff movement security

• Approve, monitor, and coordinate staff movements in line with MC procedures, ensuring accurate tracking and accountability in coordination with Operations.
• Report violations of security and safety procedures by staff or visitors.

Report and manage incidents

• Serve as the primary focal point for incident reporting, ensuring all security and safety incidents are properly reported, documented, and followed up.

Office Safety/Security Equipment Management

• Manage procurement, tracking, issuance, and maintenance of security equipment, including regular quality control checks.
• Conduct regular safety and security assessments of offices, guest houses, and other facilities, identifying and implementing necessary measures.
• Ensure appropriate access control to MC premises.
• Conduct basic office safety drills in line with minimum standards.

Team Coordination

• Share best practices and lessons learned within the team and actively participate in regular coordination meetings.
• Provide surge support and temporarily cover functions of other Security Team members as assigned.
• Perform duties across different locations as required by line management.
• Coordinate with and report to the Safety Security Coordinator, Security Manager, and Security, Safety & Humanitarian Access Director as required.
• Proactively pursue professional development and maintain an agreed personal improvement plan with the Line Manager.

 Safeguarding responsibilities 

• Actively learn about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practice the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourage openness and communication in their team; encourage team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms, e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Supervisory Responsibility NoAccountability

Reports Directly To: Security, Safety & Humanitarian Access Director

Works Directly With: Operations team, the Senior Management Team – Program Departments, IT/Information, Senior Safety/Security Officer, People’s Team

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Master’s degree in international relations, Security Management or Police.
• Experience in similar role 5 years.
• Professional and Approachable Demeanor:
  • Demonstrates a professional and approachable demeanor in interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
• Problem-solving and Bureaucratic Skills:
  • Possesses strong problem-solving abilities to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate program activities for Mercy Corps throughout the region.
• Ability to Work Under Pressure:
  • Thrives in high-pressure situations and can effectively manage tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Diplomatic Approach:
  • Adheres to Mercy Corps protocols on representation and reporting, demonstrating diplomacy in all interactions.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English:
  • Required fluency in both Ukrainian and English languages for effective communication.
• Independence and Initiative:
  • Capable of working independently, taking initiative, and demonstrating proactive behavior.
• Good Organizational Skills:
  • Exhibits excellent organizational skills, ensuring efficient management of tasks and responsibilities.
• Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Works effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Teamwork and Leadership:
  • Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team, while respectfully following instructions from leadership.

Success Factors

• Trustworthy and Professional Demeanor:
  • Demonstrates professionalism, confidentiality, and non-judgmental behavior, earning the trust of the entire team.
• Promotes, demonstrates, and follows MC Ukraine values:
  • Assuming positive intent
  • Is solution oriented
  • Practice respectful candor
• Understanding of Programming Modalities:
  • Possesses a solid understanding of programming modalities and priorities, aligning security and safety practices accordingly.
• Effective Team Player:
  • Collaborates closely with the Operations team, Crisis Analytics, and other departments, fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Strong Decision-making Skills:
  • Capable of managing a daily top-down go/no-go process efficiently and effectively, ensuring timely and informed decision-making.
• Adaptability in Rapidly Changing Contexts:
  • Plays a key role in the Security Risk Assessment process, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in rapidly evolving situations.
• Curiosity and Program Alignment:
  • Values curiosity and shows genuine interest in understanding the program objectives, going beyond military or law enforcement experience.
• Commitment to Humanitarian Principles:
  • Possesses a solid understanding of humanitarian principles and demonstrates a strong commitment to following them.
• Effective Communication Skills:
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Analytical Thinking:
  • Exhibits strong analytical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, identify risks, and propose effective solutions.
• Conflict Management:
  • Possesses strong conflict management and resolution skills, promoting a peaceful and collaborative work environment.
• Cultural Competence:
  • Demonstrates cultural competence and sensitivity, working effectively with diverse teams and local communities.
• Resilience and Stress Management:
  • Displays resilience in challenging and high-pressure environments, effectively managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset.
• Knowledge of Security and Safety Protocols:
  • Has a solid understanding of security and safety protocols, including risk assessment, emergency response, and incident management.
• Technical Skills:
  • Possesses relevant technical skills and knowledge in areas such as security systems, communications equipment, or information management.
• Problem-solving and Decision-making:
  • Demonstrates strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, taking into account available information and considering potential consequences.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Mykolaiv and it requires up to 50% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited.  Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Ethics Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]). 

Deadline for submission of applications: 31 March 2026

Тільки попередньо відібрані кандидати будуть запрошені на співбесіду.

Ласкаво запрошуємо осіб з інвалідністю та ветеранів відгукнутись на цю посаду.

Mercy Corps створило робоче місце для працевлаштування осіб з інвалідністю та veterans, and good working conditions for this position, but this does not limit the number of people who can apply for this vacancy.