Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact. Program / Department Summary Mercy Corps works to achieve real and lasting impact in the worldโs toughest humanitarian emergencies. We save lives and help people live with dignity in crises of all kinds. At the same time, we create the conditions to pivot to innovative and transformative recovery quickly and effectively. We work wherever local capacity is overwhelmed, connecting people to the opportunities they need to strengthen their community in recovery. Whether it is a sudden shock or a slowly emerging crisis, whether the threat is natural or man-made, no matter how complex the environment, Mercy Corps is committed to bold, rapid, needs-driven assistance. Mercy Corps supports a response that is market-driven and leverages the capacities of both traditional and non-traditional aid partnersโand ultimately gives people the ability to make their own decisions and secure their own lives and livelihoods. Mercy Corps fields approximately 5,500 staff in over 40 countries around the world. Many, if not most of these countries exhibit extraordinary security environments with all trend analysis indicating that these security conditions will persist. At Mercy Corps, our security strategies are based on a risk management approach. We primarily strive for security strategies in which mitigation measures are primarily founded upon community acceptance. We recognize every context is different and when and where necessary, we will integrate protection and deterrent measures towards security. We will adapt to meet the specific requirements of each operating environment; and in some cases, this may require a blended approach which integrates elements of deterrence and protection to ensure we are operating safely. Our goal is to be the leading NGO responding to complex crises and to do this we must be best in class for adaptive risk management and sound security policies and practices. The PositionThe Deputy Director will support the Senior Director Global Security in shaping Mercy Corpsโ global security policies and operating approaches as well as manage a team of security advisors to meet that goal. With a strong emergency background and deep understanding of the humanitarian landscape, the Deputy Director will work closely with field and headquarter team members to better assess risks and design strategies for reducing vulnerability and enhancing staff safety. They will inform and work with HQ departments to ensure agency policy and practices best support field realities around security. They will lead our global tracking of security trends to, where possible, enable early warning of emerging threats, support efforts to strengthen our field practice to mitigate and prevent risks turning into incidents, and respond to emerging threats, including leading crisis response management, when required. They will ensure quality security-related support and continuing process improvement. In FY23, the global security team conducted an organizational security review which led to the formulation of a set of recommendations to improve Mercy Corpsโ security management and to reduce risk exposure for staff and for the organization. The Deputy Director is expected to play an essential role in managing several work-streams to implement these recommendations. ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIESThe overall responsibility of Deputy Director Global Security is to reduce the risk exposure of Mercy Corpsโ staff and programs. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Strategy and Program Management
Other: Any other duties which are not listed but are essential to the safety and security for Mercy Corps staff, property/material, and reputation.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
The Deputy Director directly supervises three (3) Regional Security Advisors and one (1) Roving Access and Security Advisor. Accountability Reports Directly To: The Sr. Director Global Security. The primary working partners for the Deputy Director are the Regional Directors and Deputy Regional Directors in addition to Country Director and SFPs. ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS:Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Advanced level of understanding with the philosophy and mode of operation of NGOs. Undergraduate degree or a Masterโs degree in International Relations, Politics, or humanitarian related field A minimum of 5 years experience in complex and insecure settings, preferably within a conflict environment. Preferably, in more than one country with large teams of staff. Alternatively, extensive experience in the security or management field that reflects 5+ years in team management and working at the senior leadership level is required. Experience working or managing a program that required humanitarian access negotiations and strategizing is highly desired. Strong understanding of International Humanitarian Law, and how it impacts Humanitarian and Development operations in the field. Candidates should also have a good understanding of counter-terrorism legislation and how it can impact operations. Proven written and analytical skills (sample may be requested). Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and mentoring. Willingness to work and travel frequently in often difficult and insecure environments. Proven experience remotely managing staff in a matrix management environment. Competency in Internet and Microsoft Office systems including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and other database/mapping systems. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another language, French, Spanish or Arabic is an asset. Formal training qualifications (HEAT, K&R, Personal Security, First Aid etc) is an asset. Success Factors The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership and strategic management skills and be a superior communicator. They will have strong analytical skills, including capabilities to envision goal setting and design principles. The successful Deputy Director must be a self-starter who demonstrates exceptional ability in leading organizational initiatives and understanding Mercy Corpsโ highest-level strategic plans and objectives. The individual must have high proficiency for working in varied cultural, political, and religious environments, and must be able to travel and work successfully in austere environments and maintain poise in stressful situations. Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions This position is located in one of Mercy Corpsโ headquarter offices. The position requires travel at least 20% time to the field where living conditions may be exceptionally rugged or be in volatile environments where security protocols will need to be followed. Team members must be ready to deploy to field environments on short notice in response to any emergency or crisis. When in the field the team member must be able to work in remote settings and possibly over weekends and/or evenings as required by the schedule.Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues. Ongoing Learning In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion