About CRSย
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRSโ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.ย
Background
Nigeriaโs north-western State of Sokoto & Kebbi is increasingly facing a serious and complex humanitarian crisis of violent conflicts resulting from acts of bandits, natural disasters, and farmers-herders clash. This has led to a lack of protection for the population, combined with elevated levels of chronic poverty due to the displaced population. The persistent insecurity and structural deficiencies in the area continue to exacerbate the humanitarian needs.ย
In Sokoto, 74,341 persons are projected to be in Phase 3 of food and nutrition insecurity, 89% of the households (HHs) across this region have not received assistance, despite households having multi-sectoral humanitarian needs. The CRS needs assessment revealed that 20% of under-5 children in Wurno and Wamako LGAs have moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and a huge number face multiple hindrances in practicing complementary feeding.ย
In this emergency context, IDP households are among the worst affected populations as displacement has resulted in the loss and destruction of key assets and the interruption of livelihoods. As per CRSโ needs assessments, these communities are in immediate need of food and nutrition support to save lives and restore dignity.ย
In order to effectively respond to the crisis, CRS Sokoto & Kebbi emergency programs are focused on food security, nutrition gender and protection, for both IDPs and host families. Where possible, CRS will seek to maximize project impact, efficiency, and effectiveness by adopting market-based approaches โ through e-vouchers and the Red Rose One System platform โ privileging integrated programming and empowering targeted communities through participatory approaches
Job Summary:ย
The Field Security Officer (FSO) assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for CRS employees and visitors, premises, and assets as well as maintaining regular communication with staff during field movement. The FSO is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and procedures (Safety and Security Protocols) are in place to maximize safety and security and that they are always adhered to.ย The FSO is responsible for coordinating operational security issues and sourcing of relevant security information within CRS project activity areas and in Sokoto & Kebbi state. He supports the Technical Advisor I Safety & Security & Program Manager ย to ensure that safety and security is mainstreamed into all field operations across Sokoto & Kebbi Office, and at the same time provides a high-quality information for decision making.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
Policies and Procedures:
Be familiar with CRSโs Safety and Security procedures and policies and Safe and Sound Manual and support the Head of Office in ensuring they are always adhered to. Work with the Technical Adviser 1 Safety and Security and the Head of Office to develop, consolidate, implement, and regularly review operating procedures and security plans across Sokoto & Kebbi State operational areas. Assist the Technical Adviser Safety and Security to provide training(s) that may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs), Security Management, Incident Reporting, Prevention and Response Mechanisms, Communications (including satellite phones), and risk/threat analysis..Communication:
Provide thorough security briefings to CRS staff and visitors upon arrival in the State. Initiate, review, and collate security incident reports for each field site. Implement, maintain, and regularly update the CRS State staff and visitors list, Security Communications Tree and SOPs as needed Ensure the communication equipment functions at all times (HF radio, sat phone, internet, phone lines). Follow-up on any calls made by satellite phone and radioStaff and Vehicle Movement:
In collaboration with the Travel Team, monitor movement and provide security guidance to international and national staff on the current situation in operational areas. Daily track and record all CRS field movement within Sokoto & Kebbi State .ย Maintain strong communication to report and record observations, information, and occurrences during staff movement. Serve as focal point with drivers during interstate movement by tracking the location of all vehicles and staff and communicate with CRS Security Focal Points in other states. Regularly conduct 30% field visits to assess field site compliance with safety and security procedure during field activities. Ensure vehicle and personal tracking systems are appropriate, fully resourced, and operationalMonitoring and Analysis:
Collect information regarding politics and security in Sokoto State ย as well as on safety and security issues concerning CRS. Respond to security relevant incidents with information gathering and inform the Technical Adviser .ย Undertake continual assessments of equipment (including vehicles) and organizational assets to ensure that minimal conditions for security are met.ย ย ย Prevent loss and damage by reporting irregularities, informing violators of policy and procedures. Ensure that perimeter security staff (guards) have the capacities to perform their duties as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Conduct monthly health and safety inspections such as, but not limited to: fire extinguishers, smoke/fire detectors and inspection of CRS facilities in Sokoto Stateย Regular inventory and stock taking of hibernation kits, first aid kits, and vehicle safety kits; ensure that staff know what is in the kits and how and when to use them. Submit regular contextual updates (weekly/monthly situational reports) to the Head of Office Work closely with CRS field teams to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written Incident Report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately. Take appropriate measures to secure CRS premises, personnel, assets, and properties by regularly monitoring and control of CRS existing security set-up. Check that facilities and equipment conform to security norms (closures and doorways are in a good state, open spaces lit up, buildings identified, fire extinguishers present, electrical installations buried, etc.). Review lodging options for staff Sokoto State and in field locations, ensuring they meet CRS standard operating procedures.Coordination:
Maintain a wide professional and personal network of influential actors and clearly communicate CRSโs status and mission in Sokoto & Kebbi. Build acceptance to facilitate continuity of current CRS programs and any future humanitarian or development programming by liaising with local communities, local authorities and other humanitarian actors and stakeholders within the state. Coordinate regularly with the Technical Adviser on safety and security issues and fulfill all reporting requirements to the Country Office in Abuja. Attend and represent CRS at UN, Sector, and other meetings relating to access and security as appropriate, following guidance from the CP ย Technical Adviser on Security.Preferred Qualification
Completed formal security management trainings. Ability to plan and organize work and write clear and concise reports and communicate effectively (both written and verbal). Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Knowledge of the geography and culture of Northeast Nigeria with proven ability to read maps. Stable, moral, reliable character and a good team player. Proven commitment to accountability practices. Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training Must be familiar with and committed to gender equity in programming and management practiceยRequired Languages - Fluency in oral and written English.ย Fluency in Hausa and Fulani ย is a distinct advantage.ย ย
Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%.ย
Knowledge, Skills and Abilitiesย ย
ย Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Key Working Relationships:ย ย
Internal:ย Head of Office, Security Manger, Admin Officer, Security Officer, Deputy Country Representative, National staff, International Staff, etc.
External: INGOs, UN Agencies, Government Agencies, Partners etc.
Basic Qualificationsย
Bachelorโs degree in criminal justice, peace and security studies, political science, or a related field Minimum of two years working in a security-sensitive environment. Minimum of 3 yearsโ experience in the field of community engagement, risk management, safety and security management or other related field. Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint.ย Previous experience in security management with NGOs is added advantage.ย Safeguarding
CRS is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all people who interact with our work. We uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and expect all staff and partners to respect and protect the dignity and rights of everyone from any form of harm, abuse, harassment, or exploitation. All staff are required to follow CRSโs safeguarding policies and procedures and to complete mandatory safeguarding e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.ย
Personal Accountability โย Consistently takes responsibility for oneโs own actions. Acts with Integrity -ย Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.ย Is considered honest. Builds and Maintains Trust -ย Shows consistency between words and actions. Collaborates with Others โย Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams. Open to Learn โย Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.What we offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
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Disclaimer:ย This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
Note:ย All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.
CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
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EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)