Deputy Director Global Security

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global non-profit organization founded with the mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization focuses on providing assistance in humanitarian emergencies, ensuring that aid is responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. Mercy Corps is committed to diversity and inclusion, believing that a diverse workforce enhances its ability to achieve its mission and create a lasting impact.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director Global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing Mercy Corps' global security policies and strategies. This position requires a strong background in emergency management and a deep understanding of the humanitarian landscape. The Deputy Director will work closely with both field and headquarters teams to assess risks, design strategies to enhance staff safety, and ensure that security policies align with field realities. The role involves leading the tracking of global security trends, enabling early warnings of emerging threats, and managing crisis response efforts. The Deputy Director will also oversee the implementation of recommendations from an organizational security review conducted in FY23, aimed at improving security management and reducing risk exposure for staff and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director Global Security has the overall responsibility of reducing risk exposure for Mercy Corps staff and programs. Key responsibilities include: supporting the Senior Director in developing and implementing the global security strategy; drafting and implementing the annual work plan for the Global Security department; monitoring key performance indicators; managing the global security budget; providing direct support to regional program teams and leadership; ensuring global standards of safety and security are established; developing and tracking global security metrics; conducting security assessments; and facilitating action reviews after major incidents. The Deputy Director will also mentor team members, promote accountability, and ensure a respectful work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced understanding of NGO operations, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in complex and insecure settings, preferably in conflict environments. A Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in International Relations, Politics, or a related humanitarian field is required. Experience in managing programs that involve humanitarian access negotiations is highly desired, along with a strong understanding of International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law and counter-terrorism legislation. Proven analytical and written communication skills are essential, as well as strong interpersonal skills for influencing and mentoring. Candidates should be willing to travel frequently to challenging environments and have experience managing remote teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree or a Master's degree in International Relations, Politics, or a humanitarian-related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the operational challenges faced in the field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of experience working in complex and insecure settings, with a preference for those who have worked in conflict environments. Experience managing large teams and programs that require humanitarian access negotiations is highly valued. Additionally, candidates should have experience in crisis and critical incident management, demonstrating their ability to handle emergencies effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, but may also involve travel to other locations, including the UK and the Netherlands. The role requires at least 30% travel to field locations, which may present rugged living conditions and volatile environments. Team members must be prepared to deploy on short notice in response to emergencies. The organization promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and ethical practices, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment.