Safety and Security Advisor – Sudan

Background

SoCha intends to submit a proposal to provide third-party monitoring (TPM), evaluation, and special studies services to support USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) programs in Sudan. The information and findings will be critical to ensure program learning and accountability which will also be useful for programmatic adjustments and future program design by USAID/BHA in Sudan. The project has the following objectives:

1. Conduct TPM activities in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions.
2. Conduct TPM activities in states of Sudan where USAID/BHA is unable to access program sites.
3. Deliver specific research studies or evaluations that provide in-depth analysis and insights into various aspects of the humanitarian programs being implemented in Sudan.

SoCha is seeking a full-time, qualified individual to fill the role of Safety and Security Advisor (SSA). The SSA position will be based in the region and is contingent on contract award and USAID approval.

Scope of Work

The SSA will be a local national with the primary responsibility to review all operations, prepare security plans, and provide reporting to support the project’s activities. The SSA will also ensure appropriate security protocols are in place and maintained throughout all operations at the project office as well as for all trips to the field. Secondary responsibilities include management support tasks such as inventory control. Overall responsibilities will include:

• Implement and/or develop and manage security protocols and procedures in correspondence with SoCha Head Office.
• Maintain relationships and closely coordinate with the project’s systems and site partners.
• Review all operations, preparing relevant contingency (emergency situations) safety & security plans, conducting threat and vulnerability analysis, and providing reporting to support project activities.
• Provide the final recommendation to the COP to authorize field team travel.
• Maintain awareness of the security situation in Sudan at all times. Conduct the required research and outreach to complete all project-based security planning, including all trips out to the field, publicly hosted events, and incoming staff.
• Responsible for all security reporting related to the project.
• Ensure that long-term expatriate staff reside in secure accommodations, providing security assessments prior to submission to Global Operations Manager for review.
• Ensure that incoming home office staff, international employees, or short-term consultants are greeted upon arrival with adequate security detail and are provided specific security guidance, as required under the current situation,
• Conduct security survey/assessment for all in-country new leases for the project;
• Manage and provide quality control of the services rendered by the external security providers.
• Conduct trainings and/or briefings, including systematic checklist-based reviews (particularly in terms of field activities) with project staff regarding security procedures.
• Maintain and develop a network of individuals involved in security in Sudan. Represent the project in security work groups and coordinating committees as decided by project management.
• Maintain the project inventory, making periodic audits to ensure all items are accounted for and properly branded and marked.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• At least eight (8) years of practical experience in security and safety oversight with a proven ability/record in drafting/delivering critical information that effectively supports timely decision making.
• Practical experience in risk assessment, mitigation, and management preferred.
• Practical experience in monitoring potential threats from crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism.
• Experience working in similar roles for USAID-funded projects preferred.
• Proven knowledge of and access to official security structures in place, and persons in key positions in Sudan.
• Must be fluent in English and Arabic, both oral and written, have good liaison skills and excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Full proficiency in MS Office suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid Driving license with a clean driving record.
• CPR certification preferred.