Country Security Coordinator

Operational Context:

The Country Security Coordinator is a mid-level position reporting directly to the Country Director of JRS Lebanon. The position works closely with the Country Leadership Team, which includes the Country Director, Country Head of Programmes, Country Head of Finance, Country Head of HR, and Country Head of Operational Support.

In general terms, the Country Leadership Team has executive management responsibility over JRS Lebanon and ensures the local implementation of JRS strategic goals. The Country Security Coordinator supports this team by providing specialist safety and security expertise to enable the safe delivery of JRS Lebanon’s programmes.

The position operates in a complex environment characterised by the ongoing impact of active and post-conflict dynamics, a large-scale refugee response, and significant challenges related to staff movement and access. The Country Security Coordinator is expected to provide timely, evidence-based guidance to the Country Director and all staff to mitigate risks and ensure the continuity of JRS’s mission in Lebanon.

Main Responsibilities of the Position:

1. Security Risk Management

• Oversee the Security Risk Management (SRM) process, including operationalising tools such as Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), the Security Level System, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS), context and programme analysis, Critical Incident Management Plans, and Security Improvement Plans.
• Analyse, manage, and report on situational developments within Lebanon, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of key safety and security considerations and providing evidence-based updates to the Country Director and all staff as required.
• Facilitate Security Risk Assessments and support the implementation of mitigation measures appropriate to the operational context and identified risks.
• Develop and maintain area and country security management policies, protocols, and procedures, adapting guidance to the evolving context in Lebanon.
• Support managers in the implementation of local security policies, protocols, and procedures related to the safe delivery of programme activities.
• Ensure that JRS premises are safe and secure, and that security equipment is well maintained and adequate for operational needs.
• Technically advise on the procurement of security-related equipment, facilities, and other resources.
• Maintain relevant security documentation, data, and records for all areas of operation.
• Ensure all staff are briefed on and adhere to Local Security Rules, through delivering security inductions to new and visiting staff.
• Assist the Country Director in the management of security incidents and crises, providing timely and accurate incident reports and analysis, and supporting organisational lessons-learned processes. Promote use of JRS’s incident reporting system and track all incident reports in Lebanon.

 2. Training, Supervision and Support

• Build the capacity of, and coordinate, relevant Crisis Management Teams (CMTs) across JRS Lebanon operations.
• Oversee the security-related training of all JRS Lebanon staff, ensuring training is context-appropriate and regularly updated.
• Mentor and provide technical support to local security focal points at project sites.

3. External and Internal Engagement

• Lead engagement with external stakeholders alongside the Country Director and Country Leadership Team, including humanitarian partners, local authorities, and security actors, for information sharing, access negotiation, and addressing security challenges for JRS programmes.
• Maintain a network of local contacts with security actors across all operating areas to facilitate JRS access, operations, and activities.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships within the humanitarian community to support delivery of the JRS Lebanon country strategy.
• Submit necessary permissions and movement documents to relevant authorities as required.
• Maintain contacts and support the submission of documents to relevant Government of Lebanon line ministries to facilitate legal and administrative processes.

4. Situation Monitoring and Access Management

• Monitor the security situation in Lebanon on an ongoing basis, with particular attention to areas of programme implementation including Bar Elias, Baalbek, and Bourj Hammoud.
• Prepare and disseminate regular security situation reports, context analyses, and briefings for internal audiences.
• Identify and propose adjustments to access and movement protocols in response to changing conditions, ensuring safe staff movement at all times.
• Support the Country Director with Go/No-Go decisions for programme activities based on security assessments.
• Maintain up-to-date contingency and evacuation plans for all JRS Lebanon locations.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes:

• University degree in Security Management, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant discipline. An advanced degree is an asset.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience as a security and/or safety manager or adviser with an INGO or international organisation, including experience in complex humanitarian settings.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective, context-sensitive security protocols, standard operating procedures, and contingency plans.
• Experience with contextual information gathering, security analysis, and report writing.
• Ability to conduct and produce high-quality Security Risk Assessments (SRAs).
• Proven experience in effectively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, local authorities, and security forces.
• Experience with critical incident management and crisis response.
• Experience in delivering security-related training to diverse staff groups.
• Excellent coordination, communication, organisational, and planning skills, with the ability to work flexibly in a dynamic environment and manage sensitive issues diplomatically.
• Experience working in hostile or high-risk environments; prior experience in Lebanon or the MENA region is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with the Lebanese context, the current security landscape, and the Lebanon humanitarian response framework is highly desirable.
• The position requires regular travel to JRS project locations in Lebanon.
• Proficiency in written and verbal English and Arabic is required.

Core Values and Ethics:

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity;
• Trustworthy and good listener;
• High sense of discretion in dealing with confidential matters, particularly regarding security-sensitive information;
• High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.