Lebanon Security Officer

Position:                              Security Officer Lebanon   About RI:                             Relief International (RI) is a leading global change organization and home to teams of humanitarian activist-professionals committed to transforming adversity into renewal for the world’s most vulnerable populations. By partnering with beneficiaries and communities on the front-lines, RI innovatively bridges the gap between immediate relief and long-term community development.                                         PROJECT / FIELD OF ACTIVITY:   Relief International’s security management system in Lebanon was put in place to minimize the risks to which its staff members are exposed in their working environment.   Together with technical measures, the system incorporates risk management advice, risk analysis, and risk assessment strategies that are designed to ensure the physical safety of our staff, and help them fulfill their development cooperation duties safely in a conflict-laden environment. The Security Department is to advise RI staff members at different project locations on managing risk.   The Security officer will report on daily basis to the RI Lebanon Head of office and Program but will also be working with the Regional Country Director   Position Responsibilities and Duties:   You will be responsible for all tasks related to managing security at the day-to-day, operational level, including emergency scenarios, in an environment marked by unstable and violence. You will be responsible for maintaining a modern risk management system and drafting corresponding codes of conduct and guidelines for the Lebanon staff. You will continually monitor the security situation in Lebanon and the region (especially Jordan and Syria) in general and in project locations in particular, collect and assess security-relevant information and put it into context. In addition to maintaining contacts with local and national authorities and international state and non-state actors, you will compile risk analyses, incident reports, update the RI security guideline regularly, weekly  security reports, district profiles and other research documents. You will also keep employees up-to-date on the current security situation on daily basis and implement directives to protect staff. Providing advice on security-relevant adaptations to buildings and assessing office premises and private properties (site protection), complete your task profile.   Coordinates establishment of security support systems in RI’s Lebanon Office; ensures that RI is linked via all interagency and security coordination lists to establish RI security presence in the INGO community; attends interagency security coordination meetings. Conducts scheduled and ad-hoc field residencies at each program site, including central and sub-offices and program delivery locations for security assessments and audits.   Upon arrival in each program site (initially and routinely), conducts a comprehensive assessment / audit of all existing security policies and procedures on paper and in practice at program sites, offices, residencies, and with respect to vehicles; provides and implements recommendations in consultation with the Senior Management and Country Director. Leads an ongoing process of review and revision of security policies and procedures to ensure understanding, buy-in, and compliance by staff; routinely revises (writes and edits) safety and security plans for review by management. Recommends and/or provides staff training on safety and security in a proactive and positive manner that promotes inclusion, participation, and leadership among the entire RI team, including expatriates, local national staff, and women. Is knowledgeable and sensitive to training needs and issues that must be understood to promote a positive organizational profile, cultural respect, and abide by the RI Code of Conduct. Liaises with UN & interagency security personnel on security matters for country programs and in Lebanon; advises senior management and HQ on security issues; provides security briefings and updates for RI staff and visitors. Applies situation appropriate rules and guidance per RI’s Field Security SOP’s, MOSS and UNSECOORD; conducts visits to RI’s field project offices and residential sites to assess security and safety conditions; develops comprehensive risk assessments leading to the creation of effective security plans, educates colleagues on the security plans and ensure compliance. Ensure and follow up on the security guidelines appliance on RI Lebanon staff, visitors offices, sub offices, warehouses and properties. Maintain the log books of visitors Maps security incidents and understands patterns and threats; facilitates the development of situation specific, coordinated evacuation plans; writes well-researched security incident reports for review by senior management. Develops and maintains contacts with national law enforcement agencies, where appropriate; respects and is fully current at all times on political issues and local policies that impact INGO operations and safety. Conducts him or herself and the RI regional security operations in a manner that ensures reduced risk for exposure to issues with any group or government; presents the RI programs in a respectful and positive manner in all inter-agency interactions. Identifies the Emergency Communication Equipment needs and maintains proper distribution of those equipment. Willing to travel in the Middle East region is necessary to support other RI Country Office Perform other related duties as assigned.     Qualifications & requirements: At least 3 years of security experience working in conflict affected countries and complex relief settings in the fields of both security & communications. At least 2 years experience providing security and safety support for international NGOs. Demonstrated knowledge of UN, ECHO, MOSS, and other standard INGO security frameworks. Excellent references reflecting demonstrated teamwork, maturity of judgment, tolerance for hardship and stress, leadership and integrity of character. Fluency in English & Arabic – written and verbal. Ability and willingness to train country staff counterparts; proven training leadership required. Must be able to demonstrate strong writing, reporting, and situational analysis skills.