Job Advertisement

Position Title: Syria Risk & Security Director
Location: Amman
Country: Jordan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in over 40 countries, driven by the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization has been active in Syria since 2012, focusing on humanitarian and recovery programming, and has a substantial team that works across multiple languages and locations, often managed remotely.

Job Overview:
The Syria Risk & Security Director (RSD) plays a crucial role in ensuring that Mercy Corps' Security Policies and procedures are responsive to the complex and evolving context in Syria. This position requires a deep understanding of the operational environment and the threats faced by Mercy Corps staff and programs. The RSD will work closely with various teams, including the Country Director and program directors, to ensure compliance with global safety and security standards. The role involves extensive travel to insecure locations and requires strong leadership qualities to guide the Mercy Corps Syria team in navigating safety and security challenges. The RSD will also be responsible for training staff, conducting assessments, and implementing security management planning to protect staff and assets effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RSD will be responsible for keeping informed about the political, security, and economic situations in Syria and neighboring countries. They will coordinate closely with security focal points and program directors, conduct regular field visits to assess the situation, and ensure that contingency plans are up to date. The RSD will manage all security personnel in Syria, provide critical Analysis of the conflict situation, and ensure adequate budgeting for security costs. They will lead the development and update of security procedures, conduct security risk assessments, and ensure that all incidents are reported and logged in real-time. The RSD will chair the Risk Management Committee, maintain the country-level Risk Register, and support the development of access strategies for humanitarian operations. They will also represent Mercy Corps in interagency security Coordination meetings and contribute to strategic planning as part of the Senior Management Team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the RSD position should possess a strong understanding of Program Management, logistical capacities, and humanitarian values. They should have experience in security management, risk assessment, and incident management. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical skills, the ability to work under pressure, and strong communication skills to effectively train and brief staff on security matters. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt strategies in Remote Management settings are essential.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as International Relations, security studies, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in security management or risk assessment are preferred.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in security management, ideally within a humanitarian context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing security operations in complex and high-risk environments, with at least 5-7 years of relevant experience. Experience working in the Middle East, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Amman, Jordan, and involves extensive travel to insecure locations. The role is full-time and may require working in high-stress environments. Mercy Corps is committed to providing a supportive work environment and offers competitive compensation and benefits packages.