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 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 over 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively involved in humanitarian efforts in Northern Ethiopia, focusing on integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and Protection projects to assist conflict-affected populations. The organization is expanding its efforts to the Somali Region in 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, conducting security surveys, and managing fire safety protocols. This position requires a proactive approach to security management and the ability to respond to various security incidents effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety and Security Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: 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 detection and firefighting equipment; conducting routine security surveys and inspections; managing the issuance of identity cards and entry control; keeping staff informed about security matters; investigating and reporting on incidents such as theft or assault; implementing policies for crisis situations; ensuring emergency communication systems are functional; supervising FHI 360 guards and creating schedules; and fostering a security culture within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Safety and Security Assistant position should possess a BA 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 demonstrate a good understanding of the local context and possess unbiased analytical skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BA Degree or its international 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 in fields such as 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, along with excellent proficiency in English. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the local context and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This job posting does not specify a deadline for applications. The position involves travel requirements of approximately 50% throughout the region. It is important to note that this job description summarizes the main duties and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and harassment in the workplace. All offers of employment are subject to screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, ensuring a thorough vetting process for applicants. The organization emphasizes a competitive benefits package and professional development opportunities to support a healthy work/life balance.