Security and Liaison Officer

INTERSOS is an International NGO that works to bring assistance to people in danger, victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Established in 1992 with support from the Italian Federation of Trade Unions, its actions are based on the values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all people and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable and the unprotected.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs; it adheres to international codes of conduct for humanitarian organizations and the values and principles expressed within those codes. INTERSOS is recognized by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the principal UN agencies; it is privileged to hold an advisory status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

INTERSOS is an independent association which, through its own humanitarian operators, intervenes to effectively answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. It maintains a flexible operating structure. The head office in Italy coordinates, supports and monitors the planned activities in the countries of intervention carried out by decentralized offices.

 

Security and Liaison Officer

Main Purpose

The Security and Liaison Officer supports risk management and ensures an adequate level of situational awareness in Beirut/Mount Lebanon and Bekaa, supporting the Security Manager at country level as needed. The role is responsible for monitoring and analyzing the local security context, identifying key threats, and providing informed advice to ensure the safety of INTERSOS personnel, assets, and activities. The officer ensures that safety and security systems, structures, and equipment are in place and properly maintained, and supports the implementation and follow-up of risk treatment measures and access issues. Additionally, the position is responsible for maintaining strong communication and coordination with all relevant stakeholders, including administrative, political, and military authorities, as well as community leaders and other actors, to facilitate safe and effective operations.

Reporting to: 

Hierarchical:  Security & Liaison Manager

Functional: Security & Liaison Manager

Duty Station: Roving Bekaa & Beirut Mount Lebanon bases.

Tasks

• In close cooperation with the Head of Base, Security & Liaison Manager, programme staff, and the Head of Mission, conduct security risk assessments in new areas/routes, and advise them on security measures to be implemented.
• Establish and maintain an active information network with other NGOs, UN, formal and informal community leaders, and national security actors operating in the area to obtain credible and relevant safety information.
• Coordinate and liaise with police, security forces, and relevant authorities to effectively communicate INTERSOS operations and modus operandi in order to build reliable levels of acceptance and enhance accessibility to the areas of operations.
• Obtain and ensure timely and smooth authorizations, permits, and approvals for implementation of projects, project activities and team movements; 
• Attend meetings and trainings related to security, safety and access, and ensure timely information and knowledge transfer; 
• Support the identification and resolution of humanitarian access constraints. 
• Support the Head of Base, Security & Liaison Manager, and Head of Mission in the establishment of security plans and procedures in the areas of operations, providing inputs on existing documents, regularly updating information across different tools, and SOPs, and identifying procedures to revise and suggest changes, or new procedures/SOPs/policies. 
• Support information sharing and dissemination of security tools/procedures/SOPs in place, and specific security measures to be adopted, in coordination with the Head of Mission, Head of Base, and the Security & Liaison Manager.. 
• Conduct induction sessions and regular safety, security, and risk management refreshers for staff. 
• Report to the line manager on the progress of ongoing procedures and promptly alert in case of any change in legislation or government procedures that may impact the safety and security of operations.
• Daily track staff movements and provide daily checks on security and safety road conditions, and inform the Head of Base/Head of Mission, and Security & Liaison Manager.
• Regularly collect data on security incidents. Provide assistance in the management and follow-up of incidents affecting INTERSOS project staff and offices, sharing reliable reporting with the line manager.
• Conduct training to staff (incl. drivers or staff on service/daily worker contracts) on any other relevant safety and security topics identified by the hierarchical or functional line managers.
• Identify safety and security needs and guarantee the proper set-up of safety equipment and measures in place in vehicles and premises, coordinating closely with the logistics department for procurement and maintenance. Contribute to the proper set-up and monitoring of the safe rooms, first aid kits, hibernation kits, and other relevant safety and security equipment and supplies.
• Represent INTERSOS at security meetings or fora, and in meetings with communities, government, and non-government stakeholders, and administrative and security services to obtain documents and relevant information, negotiate access to the field, and prepare regular reports.
• Perform any other security-related tasks assigned by the Security & Liaison Manager, Head of Base, or Head of Mission.

Requirements

Education 

• Essential secondary education. Bachelor degree is desirable.

Professional experience

• At least 3  years of work experience in security or related field in a humanitarian/recovery context, or relevant work experience in safety, security and risk analysis.

Professional requirements

• Experience in humanitarian operations and humanitarian access in complex emergencies.
• Demonstrated practical experience in liaison, communication/negotiations with authorities and communities, and risk management. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the security and political context in the country, in particular the complex dynamics of Bekaa and Baalbek-Hermel.
• Good understanding of humanitarian safety practices and principles, and their application.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with remote technical supervision.
• Ability to work in remote field locations.

Personal requirements 

• Moral integrity
• Very strong interpersonal skills: strong communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills
• Ability to handle complex security situations requiring firmness, a hands-on approach, and sound judgment
• Teamwork
• Networking skills 
• Excellent analytical skills, observation and analysis capacity 
• Able to ensure quick quality delivery in stressful environments 
• Sense of neutrality and ability to work across all country

Languages 

• Arabic and English