Field Security Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency has a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally, and it has a comprehensive benefits package for its staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding program participants and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct.

Job Overview:
The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Field Security Officer (FSO) plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and secure environment for CRS employees, visitors, and assets. This position involves maintaining regular communication with staff during field movements and ensuring that safety and security protocols are in place and adhered to at all times. The FSO is responsible for coordinating operational security issues and sourcing relevant security information within CRS project activity areas, particularly in Sokoto State. The role requires collaboration with the Technical Adviser to mainstream safety and security into all field operations and to provide high-quality information for decision-making. The FSO must be proactive in identifying risks and implementing measures to mitigate them, ensuring that all staff are well-informed and prepared for any security-related incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FSO's duties include familiarizing themselves with CRS’s Safety and Security procedures and policies, supporting the Head of Office in ensuring adherence to these protocols, and working with the Technical Advisor to develop and review operating procedures and security plans. The FSO will provide security briefings to staff and visitors, initiate and review security incident reports, and maintain communication equipment. They will monitor staff and vehicle movements, provide security guidance, and conduct field visits to assess compliance with safety procedures. The FSO will collect information on political and security issues, respond to incidents, conduct health and safety inspections, and ensure that security measures are in place for CRS premises and personnel. Coordination with local authorities and other stakeholders is essential to facilitate CRS programs and ensure safety in operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years’ experience in community engagement, risk management, safety and security management, or a related field. Proficiency in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint are required. Previous experience in security management with NGOs is an added advantage, along with completed formal security management training. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to plan and organize work, write clear reports, and communicate effectively. A strong understanding of the geography and culture of Northeast Nigeria is essential, as is a commitment to gender equity in programming and management practices. Candidates should also exhibit ethical conduct and a reliable character, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams.

Educational Background:
While the job description does not specify exact educational requirements, candidates are typically expected to have a relevant degree or equivalent experience in fields related to security management, risk assessment, or community engagement. Formal training in security management is highly valued and may be a prerequisite for consideration.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in fields such as community engagement, risk management, or safety and security management. Experience working with NGOs in a security management capacity is particularly advantageous, as is familiarity with the local context in Sokoto State and Northeast Nigeria.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Hausa and Fulani is considered a distinct advantage, as it enhances communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Field Security Officer position may require travel up to 50% of the time, indicating the need for flexibility and readiness to engage in field operations. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities but requires strong collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders. CRS emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and candidates must adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply if they are citizens or permanent residents of Nigeria.