Country Security Manager

To work with programme senior management to ensure good security planning and management in the programme. 

To develop and facilitate appropriate relationships and good communications between MAG and other stakeholders we engage with.

The position holder will work at different MAG locations in Lebanon.

Principal Responsibilities

Information Management

• Participate, and represent MAG, in Lebanon based security information networks.
• Support the Senior Management Team in the overall management of security in the programme through the collection and dissemination of relevant security information while working closely with the Regional Security Manager and the Head of Global Security.
• Ensure security information is stored in accessible electronic and paper systems.
• Provide regular, concise and clear verbal and written security updates to Country Director and Regional Security Manager

 Advising and facilitating security management

• Maintain and ensure the existence of a functioning security management system, including:
  • Context analysis (internal & external), including incident maps, stakeholder analysis, review of existing security management arrangements, risk analysis.
  • Scenario planning, including recommendations on appropriate interventions (programme objectives, scope, outputs, based on judgements about access and security risk), capacity needs for scenarios (training, resources, infrastructure) and evacuation.
  • Strategy for implementation that builds on existing local capacity within and external to MAG, and considers MAG's policies and resource limitations.
• Monitor the security situation in all programme areas in Lebanon, in liaison with key internal and external sources; conduct/monitor daily security checks and provide analysis as necessary; make recommendations for appropriate action by senior management.
• Update and maintain appropriate and user-friendly security management procedures and guidelines, reviewing and revising as necessary while supporting the CD and Regional Security Manager in following up on their progress.
• Develop a process for security and safety improvements and requirements and track timeframes for implementation, in line with available donor funds, and in coordination with the Regional Security Manager and Country Director
• Provide timely and practical security information to RSM, CD, HoSS and TOM in general which includes analysis and identifying of key security aspects, implications on access (present and future) and possible impacts on organizational programming and reputation.
• Undertake site/area assessments as well as security risk assessments and facilitate the implementation of corresponding mitigation measures.
• Support managers to implement agreed security procedures, ensuring that all staff are familiar with and adhere to the policy and procedures and are informed of changes in security levels or procedures.
• Review and make recommendations on procedures related to international and national staff movement in-country
• Support the CD, HoSS and TOM to monitor the implementation of the Security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), crisis plans, evacuation procedures, and security briefings, helping in their updating as instructed by the CD.
• Author monthly security reports with contextual evidence of changes in patterns and trends that may affect operations and disseminate to relevant people.
• In conjunction with the programme SMT, support the pre-deployment security risk assessment.
• Give effective and accurate security briefings for existing staff, all new staff and visitors 
• Ensure all process and procedures related to administration, communication and transport are in place to facilitate good security management.
• Develop and facilitate good relations with key stakeholders such as LMAC, Army Intelligence, ProSec, Atlas Assistance, and NGO Forum among others
• Analyze physical structures within base locations in relation to security procedures and implement, with the assistance of relevant staff, amendments to structures and procedures
• Ensure Track 24 is maintained and monitored to support CD and address issues pertaining to staff breach or trespass
• Collate yearly budget cost for submission to the CD to ensure all locations are as per regional MOSS standards
• Conduct site security assessments when necessary or requested to ensure compliance of security standards
• Supervise externally subcontracted guard force
• Any additional security-related duties as determined by the Country Director and RSM.

Security Training

• Based on an assessment of training needs (TNA) to develop, support, facilitate and/or deliver security and safety training to all staff members and partake in regional training initiatives.
• Become familiar with/instruct MAG’s Safety Awareness Training (SAT) and ensure concerned staff are HEAT accredited through external training providers
• On top of pre-existing training, deliver Safety and Security related training to staff when needed, including evacuation/hibernation drills

Compliance

• Update operational safety tools (e.g. standard operating procedures, site security plans, contingency plans) in accordance with MAG regional and global Management System and monitor staff compliance and report breach or trespass to RSM and CD.
• Ensure program complies with MAG Global Security policies, Procedures and Security Standards and raises concerns to RSM

General

• Respond where required to internal security incidents and implement respective response needs
• Act as part of the in-country SMT and a key member of the Incident Management Team (IMT)
• Undertake any other reasonable task that may be requested through line management or SMiC 
• Liaise with HR department to obtain cover for Radio Operator whenever needed.

Person Specification

Essential Experience 

• Humanitarian background or deep understanding of complex security contexts.
• Demonstratable understanding of Lebanon context.    
• At least 5 years security management experience in high-risk environment, 2 of which should be in the Middle East
• Practical security planning and implementation experience gained in the context of relief operations in insecure areas
• Experience in identifying key risk and threats and the ability to transmit in a timely and accurate manner
• Experience of working in conflict-affected areas and of associated risks to personal and organisational security (banditry, localised conflict, urban disturbance etc.)
• Experience of working with teams of people with varying experience of security planning and management including staff with little or no security understanding
• Experience and ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams
• Understanding/experience of NGO security management
• Ability to build a positive security and safety culture within the program

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the capacity to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities.
• High level of maturity and flexibility
• English and Arabic language skills and ability to write precise and detailed reports 
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholder in a professional manner
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external audiences including in complex and stressful circumstances.
• Ability to advise and support field staff in a consultative and positive manner.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work with a wide variety of staff with different cultural background.
• Professional security qualification
• Proven CPD within chosen skill set
• Adult education and learning qualification to deliver security training

Essential Aptitude

• Self-motivation, and the capacity to work with limited or at times no supervision
• Ability to work remotely with limited management oversight and support
• Experience and acceptance of working in remote locations (with limited/no electricity, internet, etc)
• Able to work under pressure, deliver high-quality work within deadlines and meet team objectives
• 100% commitment to MAG’s mission, values and approach and the safety of staff and visitors

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Prior INGO experience, ideally in security management or advisory role.

• Experience and knowledge of the context and ability to analyse the changing security environment
• Understanding or qualification of Investigation processes
• HSE qualification

GENERAL

All MAG staff is expected to undertake the following general duties:

• Work towards achieving departmental business plan objectives.
• Work within the framework of MAG’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement.
• Work as part of a team and liaise with other departments to ensure effective communications across the organization.
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all MAG policies and procedures and Safeguarding framework.
• Ensure confidentiality of information as required by MAG policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as may be required.
• Aware of gender mainstreaming and ready to participate in gender awareness courses/training
• Able to work in a mixed team
• Understand and uphold the standards outlined in MAG’s Safeguarding Framework, acting with due care and attention to safeguard the wellbeing of anyone that comes into contact with MAG’s work and reporting concerns if they do arise.