Safety and Security Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established to address various interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across multiple fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in more than 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in Northern Ethiopia, where they are implementing integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and Protection projects to assist conflict-affected populations. The organization is now looking to expand its efforts into the Somali Region of Eastern Ethiopia to address the needs of drought-affected communities, collaborating with local organizations such as Pastoralist Concern (PC).

Job Overview:
The Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Assistant position within FHI 360’s Crisis Response Department is crucial for managing humanitarian activities at the field level. The role involves supporting the Safety and Security Manager in overseeing programmatic aspects of the response. The incumbent will play a vital role in ensuring the safety of program staff and activities from the field office. Responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, maintaining relationships with local security agencies, and ensuring effective communication with authorities and international institutions regarding security matters. The assistant will also be involved in emergency preparedness, including evaluating evacuation routes and resources, maintaining fire safety protocols, and conducting security inspections of facilities. This position requires a proactive approach to security management and the ability to respond to non-routine security incidents effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety and Security Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: leading the preparation of task-based risk assessments; establishing and maintaining relationships with host community security agencies; acting as a liaison between senior security professionals and local services; maintaining dialogue with authorities and international institutions; serving on interdisciplinary teams for non-routine security matters; supporting evaluations of emergency routes and resources; ensuring the availability of fire safety equipment; conducting routine security surveys; performing physical security inspections; ensuring staff are informed about security matters; investigating and reporting on incidents; implementing crisis review policies; ensuring emergency communication systems are functional; managing and supervising security personnel; and fostering a security culture within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Safety and Security Assistant position should possess an Associate Degree or its international equivalent in fields such as security management, information management, business administration, political/social science, or international relations with a focus on security management. Additionally, candidates should have 0-2 years of progressively responsible experience in investigation, military, police, or security management, preferably within a police or military context. Previous experience in a similar role with another organization is preferred. Candidates must also demonstrate fluency in the local language (Amharic) and proficiency in English, along with a good understanding of the local context and an unbiased analytical approach.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Associate Degree or its equivalent in relevant fields such as security management, information management, business administration, political/social science, or international relations, particularly with a focus on security management. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of security operations in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 0-2 years of relevant experience, which can include roles in investigation, military, police, or security management. Experience in a similar role with another organization is preferred, indicating that candidates should have some familiarity with the responsibilities and challenges associated with security management in humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency in the local language, Amharic, is mandatory for this position, along with excellent proficiency in English. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders, as well as for reporting and documentation purposes. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This job posting outlines the main duties of the Safety and Security Assistant role but does not limit the tasks that may be assigned. It is important to note that this document should not be interpreted as a contract of employment. FHI 360 reserves the right to review and revise the job description as necessary. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that employment practices do not discriminate based on various characteristics. FHI 360 emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and harassment in its work environments and requires all personnel to adhere to a code of conduct. Employment offers will be contingent upon appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. The organization also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) to ensure transparency in hiring practices.