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 with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various 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 has been actively responding to humanitarian emergencies in regions such as Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Somali through integrated projects focused on health, nutrition, WASH, and protection. The organization is now expanding its humanitarian efforts to the Oromia Region in Negele East Borena, Ethiopia, in collaboration with the national organization, 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. This role involves assisting the Safety and Security Manager in overseeing programmatic aspects of the response, ensuring the safety and security of all program staff and activities from the field office. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting risk assessments, maintaining relationships with local security agencies, and serving as a liaison between senior security professionals and community services. The role also includes evaluating emergency routes, ensuring the availability of necessary resources, conducting security surveys, and preparing reports on security incidents. The Safety and Security Assistant will play a vital role in fostering a security culture within the organization and ensuring that staff are informed about security matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety and Security Assistant will take the lead in preparing task-based risk assessments and establishing close relations with host community security agencies. They will act as a liaison between senior security professionals and community services to discuss potential security issues and develop resolution strategies. The incumbent will maintain dialogue with authorities and international institutions regarding security matters, serve on interdisciplinary teams for non-routine situations such as evacuations and medical emergencies, and support the evaluation of emergency routes and resources. Responsibilities also include ensuring the availability of fire detection devices, maintaining fire evacuation plans, conducting routine security surveys, and managing the security of facilities. The Assistant will investigate and report on incidents of theft or assault, implement crisis review policies, and ensure the functionality of emergency communication systems. Additionally, they will manage and supervise FHI 360 guards and assist in creating 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. A minimum of 0-2 years of progressively responsible experience in investigation, military, police, or security management is required, preferably in a police or military context. Previous experience in a similar role with another organization is preferred. Candidates should also demonstrate fluency in the local language (Amharic) and have excellent 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 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 management in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 0-2 years of progressive and responsible experience in areas 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 for this position, along with excellent proficiency in English. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the local context and for liaising with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This job posting outlines the main duties of the Safety and Security Assistant role but does not restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. The organization reserves the right to review and revise the job description as necessary. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments. All employment offers will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. The organization also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, which involves requesting information from previous employers regarding any substantiated findings of misconduct. FHI 360 fosters a healthy work/life balance through a competitive benefits package and professional development opportunities.