Security Officer

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The agency pursues its mission through emergency relief services, sustainable community development, civil society and economic development initiatives. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Libya. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps has been running community development programs focused on promoting economic development and increased opportunity for disadvantaged communities, while responding to emergencies as they have emerged. Until recently Mercy Corps’ focus had been on programs aiming to bolster civil society and give voice to under-represented groups through the empowerment of young leaders. Recently, the program portfolio has expanded in response to the massive refugee influx from Syria, including grants from UNICEF, ECHO, private foundations and the EC.  The emergency response component of the portfolio will be an increasing focus and driver of programming in Lebanon.  The conflict that began more than two years ago in Syria has resulted in a steady increase in Syrian refugees to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey.  To date, more than one million refugees have fled their country and the numbers continue to mount. All refugees who have entered Lebanon are staying with host families or in rented accommodation.  As numbers rapidly increase, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating.  The burden on host communities and the financial and emotional stress on refugees and their hosts is tremendous. Mercy Corps is responding to these needs by addressing urgent basic needs, child protection as well as the psychosocial impact of the conflict and displacement.  A growing programmatic focus is on mitigating the emerging tensions between hosts and refugees, particularly over economic resources, by addressing both livelihood opportunities and conflict mitigation capacity.  GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Security Officer’s responsibility is to monitor the security situation in Lebanon, conduct risk assessment, authorize field visits, assist in track staff movements, participate in enforcing security and safety procedures, and provide sound and timely advice to Mercy Corps staff and management on safety and security matters.  The Security Officer is committed to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of security and contingency planning in order to ensure the safety of all Mercy Corps staff and Mercy Corps programming.  ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Ensure the implementation of safety and security policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs); Assist Security Adviser in reviewing and updating of Security Management Plan (SMP), Contingency Plans and SOPs; Monitor staff field movements and authorize field visits; First point of contact for field staff on safety and security concerns; Maintain an accurate record of Mercy Corps international staff and visitors in Lebanon, including those from the Lebanon and Regional offices. Responsible for delivering security briefing as part of the induction process for new staff and visitors; Representation at INGO and SSCL security meetings; Draft, maintain and operate an intra office security communication tree; Monitor national, social, political and security issues and inform senior staff of issues that affect, or may affect, Mercy Corps Programs; assist the Security Adviser when working with Mercy Corps Programs and Senior Management in order to evaluate current and future programming based on current local security situation and adjust where needed Assist Security Advisor for risk assessment and analysis Liaise with other humanitarian and emergency actors on safety and security matters; Assist Security Adviser in preparation of training on security and safety procedures, security awareness, first aid and fire safety for staff; Assist in the management of security and safety incidents provide timely and accurate incident reports and analysis; Track safety-related incidents and developments; Assist Security Adviser with the maintenance and execution of hibernation/evacuation plans to include all facilitation and coordination with relevant personnel Report to Security Advisor and carry out other activities as requested. The Security Officer will conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Other duties as assigned.  KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Degree in a relevant field is desired. 3-4 years of experience in direct security management and implementation; Previous experience working in international non-governmental organization; Strong organizational skills; Ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel; Excellent oral and written English and Arabic; High computer skills on MS Office programs; A demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action; Ability to work under pressure and with very short deadlines  SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful candidate will have proven experience working effectively and respectfully with a diverse team.  S/he will be conscientious with an excellent sense of judgment.  S/he will have the ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks.  Also, they must have demonstrated attention to detail while keeping a strategic view, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members, and will have an interest and ability to travel and work in insecure environments. Sensitivity to multi-cultural international development work.  An ability to creatively problem-solve, to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected and sudden events impacting program operations are also essential, as is patience, tenacity, and a good sense of humor