SOS Children’s Villages International (SOS CVI) is non-governmental and non-denominational organization working with communities, partners and states to ensure that the rights of all children are fulfilled in every society. SOS CVI is a global federation working to protect and care for children who have lost parental care, or who stand at risk of losing the care. We respect all religions and cultures and work with trusted partners in places where we can contribute to social development. Everything we do is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and donors, institutional and corporate partners, and loyal friends worldwide.

Envisioning that every child belongs to a family and grows up with love, respect and security, we exist to build families for children in need, we help them shape their own futures, and we share in the development of their communities. Everything we do is guided by the firm belief that no child should grow up alone and that we need to improve care for children who are at risk, enabling them to overcome precarious conditions and to succeed in life. To achieve our mission, our strategy for the upcoming decade focuses on ensuring the best care of children, innovation, and effective collaboration with more partners. Our core values guiding who we are and what we do include courage to take action, commitment to keep our promises, trust to believe in each other, and accountability to be reliable Partners.

Job Summary

The Regional Safety and Security Adviser, Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) will ensure the overall adherence of the safety and security policies and protocols within the region. S/He will oversee, contribute towards, promote and implement the global security strategy, policies and guidelines in conjunction with (and in consideration of) International Security Policy and Standards for all SOS Children Village offices in ESAF and other designated entities (Member Associations (MA), National Associations (NA). The Regional Safety and Security Adviser proactively provides advice, support, instruction and training to all SOS CV offices in the region on security and safety issues and will work closely with the technical security appointments within the region and at global level. S/he manages the work in collaboration with the Regional Management Team (RMT), Functional Advisors and other team members, the National Directors and with other relevant ESAF & International Office (IO) team members mainly International safety and security focal staff. In collaboration with external security bodies like the UNDSS and security focal persons within peer organisations s/he will do the security analysis of countries in the region. **

She/he will ensure a consistent and effective flow of safety and security protocols and management within the SOS Children’s travels and activities, keeping relevant teams up to date on all developments both internally and externally.

Main Clients

• International Director of Region (IDR)
• ESAF regional team members
• SOS Children’s Villages International Representatives (CVI Reps)
• National Directors (NDs)
• National safety and security responsible staff
• Visitors from IO, Promoting and Supporting Association (PSA) staff, donors, sponsors, partners, etc

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Overall safety and security management

· Provides an objective overview of security trends and issues across ESAF, which is not influenced or muddled by vested interests, office politics or unclear, complex accountability and reporting lines.

· Maintains an appropriate level of independence to intervene in situations where MAs level security management needs support, goes off track, and being available to deploy rapidly when necessary.

· Ensures that the responsibilities and deliverables of the role are feasible/achievable.

· Possession of the necessary skills, experience and attributes to foster a security culture and maintain the active engagement and respect of peers, technical subordinates, and management.

Mentoring and Coaching

· Lead, manage and provide capacity building support to employees in safety and security by ensuring clear goals and accountabilities are established and achieved

· Ensures staff have the required orientation and understanding of safety and security policies and protocols.

· Monitor compliance related to all safety and security requirements related to staff/visitor/contractors travel and security briefings.

· Monitor procedures are in place at RO, MAs and NAs level to assure that each new employee – international and/or national – receives a Security briefing including personal security and reference to the global security policy.

· Identify capacity gaps in safety and security work with the MAs and the Region to address them

· Working closely with HROD to oversee the development of records of staff security training and liaising with MA teams to ensure adequate planning and provision is made to meet the security requirements.

· Foster a team environment among the safety and security staff within the region.

· Deliver security training courses as required by global training guidance and in accordance with global standards

· Develop directly, and help countries to produce/procure, security training and briefing tools to ensure compliance with SOS CV International security policy and the maintenance of security best practices.

· Assist country/national offices in arranging security training workshops.

· Monitor training is up-to-date in ‘Hot Spot’ countries and countries with fluctuating security phase levels

Advisory & Monitoring Services:

· Act as lead and monitor/be consulted/included in all communications from the region related to safety and security incidents and planning.

· Provide timely feedback to questions raised from the field/any MA, IO, PSA and develop/maintain a database of security incidents with the active assistance of country security appointments/management.

· Make regular visits (or as needed) to all countries in the region to monitor security preparedness and field training. Provide a follow-up report with clear recommendations after each visit.

· Generate activity reports on security, including database analyses, new threats, responses and vulnerabilities and any relevant lessons learned from security and safety incidents.

· Provide timely, concise and clearly articulated quarterly security management compliance reports to Regional Management Team & International Office relevant staff

Dealing with Problems:

· This position is critical and very strategic, dealing with diverse demands and pressure from different parts of the organization to often tight policies and procedures: Member Associations (MA), Programme locations, Regional Office and International Office as well as key stakeholders and partners within the region

· The ability to prioritize and maintain focus while still demonstrating high levels of customer orientation are thus key for this position.

· The ability to identify, mitigate and manage safety and security risks

Contingency Planning and Crisis Management:

· Provide security input into developing contingency plan for the RO and MAs

· As required, respond to, support and advise the International Director of the Region (IDR), RMT members and National Directors during security/safety or humanitarian emergencies.

· Assist country entities to develop and test contingency plans and systems

· Oversee and manage the security incident reporting criteria in line with Global Policy & procedures.

· Ensure Gender and Child Safeguarding are integrated in all Security related programming.

· Be prepared to perform other emergency duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, skills, qualifications, abilities and behavioral competences:

· A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a security management, police academy, or related discipline

· In depth knowledge in Security, International Development or related fields.

· In-depth understanding of International safety and security protocols and procedures.

· Deep and clear understanding of humanitarian principles, codes of conduct and ideally, specific sub-sector work: protection, health, shelter, linked to INGO field operations contexts.

· Good understanding and experience in neutrality in local conflicts and conflicting parties - interaction with all parties and maintaining a position of (humanitarian) neutrality is a necessity of the role.

· Demonstrable knowledge and practical work experience, preferably with non-profit or NGO within international humanitarian assistance programs, with proven capabilities in planning, organising and executing security operations in the field.

· In depth knowledge or work experience in post-conflict and/or complex emergency environment.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

· Proven ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in fast-paced team environments.

· Excellent negotiation skills (with senior level management and/or governmental authorities).

· Good training skills – the ability to develop, implement, facilitate and impart learning to a wide range of audiences.

· Demonstrable practical experience in security management, training or analysis and report writing role in a relevant organisational setting.

· Advanced level knowledge of communications technology, including VHF, HF radio systems, satellite communications, cell phone mediums, etc.

· At least 5 years of relevant experience within ESAF region

· Ability to travel as required and in difficult situations.