Security specialist (North - Center region) in Mercy Corps

Будь ласка, надсилайте свої резюме: Security and Safety Officer (North, Centre) | Mercy Corps Ukraine

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

Program Summary
Mercy Corps’ Ukraine response meets the humanitarian needs of people affected by the war in Ukraine. Since the escalation of the war in 2022, Mercy Corps has supported more than 750,000 conflict-affected people in Ukraine and neighboring countries. In response to humanitarian needs, Mercy Corps has provided cash assistance, food and hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for people in emergency situations.
At the same time, Mercy Corps acknowledges that together with addressing humanitarian needs, it is also important to engage in recovery activities leading to resilience of communities. Therefore, alongside ongoing emergency activities, Mercy Corps is implementing a resilience program, that contributes to stabilization of livelihoods and improved resilience for IDPs and conflict-affected individuals. In line with direct investments to support self-employment opportunities, small to medium enterprise (SMEs) and agriculture sectors, this resilience program works as an adaptive response mechanism and will adjust programming according to ongoing analysis of the context and potentially changing needs. Notably, nearly all our programming is delivered in partnership with Ukrainian civil society organizations matching humanitarian and resiliency action with capacity strengthening and a real commitment to localization.

Position Summary

As a Security and Safety Officer North Centre, you will play a crucial role in our risk management systems, ensuring business continuity and prioritizing the well-being of our staff.

Essential Responsibilities

Safeguarding Responsibilities

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

Main Responsibilities

Security Management:

• Take responsibility for the security management of the assigned geographic area under the supervision of the line management.
• Ensure implementation of Mercy Corps global and Ukraine's minimum safety and security standards applicable to the geographic area as assigned by the line management.
• Develop, implement, and disseminate the Local Security Management Plan, area-specific Contingency Plans, and area-specific mitigation and prevention measures (as required by risk assessments) under the supervision of the line management.
• Monitor adherence to Mercy Corps Ukraine Response security management procedures.
• Conduct security risk assessments, including visits to operational areas of interest such as offices, accommodation, storage, distribution, and training sites.
• Analyze the context and developments related to the security situation, including ongoing risk assessments (including joint risk assessments with applicable team members).
• Be prepared to respond and deploy on ad-hoc security trips with short notice to support incident management.
• Proactively monitor the security management system and provide recommendations for changes or improvements.
• Proofread translations of area-specific security documents.

Training & Orientations:

• Deliver Security and Safety briefings to MCUA staff and visitors.
• Organize Security and Safety training for MCUA staff in accordance with the Training Program.
• Conduct in-house training and awareness sessions for MCUA staff as necessary and in accordance with the Training Program.
• Identify external providers of Security and Safety-related training available in the area of responsibility and liaise with them when needed.
• Suggest changes to the Training Program as needed.
• Inform staff in the area of responsibility about abrupt changes in the context in accordance with MCUA established procedures.

Liaison with local stakeholders

• Establish and maintain effective communication with security staff from other INGOs and NGOs in the same area of responsibility, building a network of contacts, and increasing awareness of security practices used by other organizations.
• Communicate with military and law enforcement representatives in the area of operation during field trips to ensure MCUA's access.
• Ensure MCUA is well connected and actively participate in relevant interagency and security coordination mechanisms in the area of responsibility, attending INGO and other interagency security coordination meetings.
• Represent Mercy Corps at external security meetings.

Staff movement security

• Approve staff movement in accordance with the MCUA established procedures.
• Track staff movement in the area of responsibility in accordance with the MCUA established procedures.
• Work with operations to track staff location and account for staff in the area of responsibility.
• Report violations of security and safety procedures and rules by the MCUA staff or visitors.

Report and manage incidents:

• Serve as the primary focal point for incident reporting in the area of responsibility.
• Ensure all security and safety incidents have been filed and reported.

Office Safety/Security Equipment Management:

• Responsible for ordering, tracking, checking, and issuing security equipment, including regular quality and maintenance checks.
• Perform regular assessments of the MCUA premises, including the office, guest house, and other areas, and identify necessary safety measures.
• Ensure appropriate access control to the MCUA premises.
• Conduct basic office safety drills as required by minimum standards.
• Originate procurement of security equipment in accordance with MCUA standards.

Team Coordination

• Share best practices with other SSOs and department members. Attend weekly team meetings and actively share lessons learned and needs.
• Replace other members of the Security Team as assigned by the line management.
• Perform duties throughout the country as assigned by the line management.
• Coordinate with, report to, and seek approvals from the Security Manager, and Director of Security & Humanitarian Access as required for specific tasks.
• Proactively seek personal professional improvement opportunities and discuss the personal improvement plan with the Line Manager.

Accountabilities:

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. This includes actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Reports Directly To: Security and Safety Manager

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

Accountability: Accountable to Mercy Corps Procurement Policy and Procedures. Maintains accurate electronic and hardcopy files of procurement file and other relevant files.

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• 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.
• 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 Kyiv, Ukraine. Staff will have access to all basic amenities. Given the emergency context, this position requires exceptional work schedules, including evenings and weekends. During the field trips living conditions will be adjusted to the field conditions.

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.   

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

 We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

 We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

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 the 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]< /span>).

Only pre-selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

Persons with disabilities and veterans are welcome to apply for this position.

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