Security Advisor, Swiss Humanitarian Aid Office Kabul, Afghanistan  

Background

• The team of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Afghanistan (SCOA) was evacuated in August 2021 when the Taliban took power in Afghanistan. The local employees and their families were granted asylum in Switzerland. The expat team continued to adapt and implement the cooperation portfolio in Afghanistan from Switzerland and Pakistan. Since February 2022, regular in- and out missions from Islamabad have been conducted in cooperation with the Swiss embassy in Islamabad in a WOGA logic. In June 2023, Swiss Federal Concillor Ignacio Cassis made the decision to reopen a Swiss presence in Kabul. This presence is to be staffed not by FDFA structural staff, but by Swiss Humanitarian Aid (SHA) personnel. The formal decision, by SDC Directorate, to reopen the Swiss office of Kabul in the compound of the former SCOA was taken by the beginning of December 2023. Consequently, SDC decided to launch the transition process aiming at preparing the permanent return of a Swiss delegation by July 1st 2024.
• The SDC is looking for a SHA security advisor who will develop and manage the overall security set-up of the SHA Office in Kabul in close collaboration with the regional security advisor based in Islamabad and the KMZ (Crisis Management Centre) in Berne.

RequirementsExpert Competence

• University / college / specialized diploma or equivalent professional experienceSound theoretical and practical knowledge of Security and Risk 
• Management procedures and tools (in operational, personal, institutional, conceptual, organizational and technical matters)
• Understanding of SDC’s mandate, Development, Humanitarian Aid and Context Analysis
• At least 8 years’ experience in relevant physical Security Management functions
• Experience in comparable positions abroad and work in a challenging security environment (fragile environment)
• Police or military background and/or experience in the region are an asset
• Education in dedicated security-related areas is an asset
• Swiss Nationality or Holder of a Swiss Work permit (C)

Methodical Qualification/Competence

• Experience in applying an acceptance approach to security management
• Experience in development, review and enforcement of security related SOPs
• Experience to operate within and adapt to an existing security framework and culture
• Experience in coaching , training and supervising security personnel
• Ability to manage security incidents
• Strong analytical and conceptual capabilities / Capacity to analyse complex security situations
• Ability to write independent quality analysis & briefs
• Sound knowledge and experience in Conflict Sensitive Program Management and gender is-sues is an asset
• Knowledge in first aid, emergency trauma care and/or tactical combat casualty care (or equivalent), is an asset.
• Very good knowledge of two Swiss official languages as well as English.
• Experience in crisis management in difficult context is an asset
• Understanding of the national and regional context (political, economic, social) and/or knowledge of the Afghan context and languages are an asset

Social Qualification/Competence

• Ability and willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team as well as in a complex matrix organization; ability to adapt to contexts
• Strong managerial skills and ability to lead a team
• Ability to work and travel in a fragile context and under tense security conditions; high flexibil-ity; resistance and resilience
• Pro-active, structured and efficient working style with setting of appropriate priorities
• Resilient to high workload and ability to work independently and under time pressure; highly reliable; willingness to take on responsibility
• Strong Liaison and Networking skills
• Strong negotiating, communication and advisory skills
• Sensitivity for political, social, intercultural and security issues
• Advisory, training and capacity development skills

Tasks

• The Security Advisor’s main task is to implement, manage as well as actively suggest to the technical reporting line further developments of the overall security set-up of the SHA Office in Kabul. He/she assists its Management in the overall analysis and quality assurance of risk management and supports the establishment and maintenance of processes, systems and responses. The Security Advisor will contribute to the context and risk analysis by maintaining close contact with like-minded partners and participating in international security fora.
• The Security Advisor also advises and actively supports the Office Management in reviewing, evaluating and implementing security measures taking in account recommendations and directives of the superordinate security positions. The post holder will together with the Regional Security Advisor in Islamabad and within the guidelines of the Crisis Management Centre (KMZ) regularly update and implement the digital security platform and the security related plans and contingencies, in particular the SOPs. She/he will supervise the planning and coordination of movements. Furthermore, she/he will manage and lead the security section of the SHA office and supervise, coach and train national support staff as well as act as security focal point for external security service providers. Finally, he/she organizes and conducts training, drills and exercises for parts or the whole SHA team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General Tasks (60%, independent/under the supervision of the HoC; with-in/under the specifications of the superordinate security positions (Regional Security Advisor and Crisis Management Centre):

• In coordination with the SHA management, the SA has the overall responsibility for the daily routine of the security section:

1. Ensure functioning MovCon and emergency response SOPs
2. Risk assessment and risk reduction measures for movements
3. Guards and Drivers: obedience to rules, regulations and SOPs
4. Guards and Drivers: supervise fair and efficient duty plans
5. Maintenance of security material (including armored vehicles) and medical equipment
6. Overall responsibility for security related construction work
7. Develop and/or update security-related SOPs

• Liaison with international security networks and secure access to security related information (See specifications below)
• Close monitoring and analyzing of the security situation.
• If necessary, advise SHA Management in security setup improvements (after consultation of the superordinate security positions (Regional Security Advisor and Crisis Management Centre)
• Member of the SMT (Security Management Team)
• Set-up, management and development of the SHA Security Management Plan and maintain relevant parts on the digital security plat-form
• Ensure a high level of emergency preparedness for SHA personnel and premises. Train local and expat staff on emergency situations and response.
• In case of emergency, act as a member of the crisis management team (CMT), assist the Management with crisis management, temporary relocation or evacuation.

Liaison and information (10%, Independent/under the supervision of the HoC; with-in/under the speci-fications of the superordinate security positions (Regional Security Advisor and Crisis Management Centre):

• Maintain the Security Information and Management System (SIMS): liaise and coordinate with international security officers of Embassies and IOs.
• Participate at selected security roundtables/fora in coordination with SHA management.
• Ensure access to, assess and evaluate security related information (threat warnings), propose risk reduction measures for movement control.
• Advise Management on field mission procedures and clearance, from when they are possible again.
• Maintain important contacts and networks for relocation, evacuation and quick reaction forces
• Follow up on the medical concept and ensure access for local staff and expat staff.

Training/Coaching (20%, Independent/under the supervision of the HoC; with-in/under the speci-fications of the superordinate security positions (Regional Security Advisor and Crisis Management Centre)

• Train, coach and strengthen capacities of national support staff (potentially in coordination with further operational security functions).
• Establish and conduct “in-house trainings” for local staff. (e.g. driving training refresher; daily security routines) and where necessary, de-fine/revise processes and procedures.
• Train all SHA personnel for emergency situations (medical incidents, natural disasters, armed attacks). Organize and conduct drills accordingly.

Other Tasks (10%, Independent/under the supervision of the HoC; with-in/under the speci-fications of the superordinate security positions (Regional Security Advisor and Crisis Management Centre)

• Advise and liaise with all programme staff on security and risk related behaviour and skills.
• Coach staff on security management
• Management/implementation of potential projects in the area of security
• Performing other ad hoc tasks as requested by the Head of Cooperation Director of Cooperation

Accountability

• The Security Advisor is accountable to the Head of Cooperation (HoC) in Kabul. Strategic and administrative matters are to be discussed directly with the HoC, Kabul. He/she works in close collaboration with the Regional Security Advisor based in Islamabad and within the guidelines defined by the Crisis Management Center. Regarding operational aspects, regular exchanges with the Programme Officer of SDC/HA at the headquarters take place.

• Duration of mission: 01.06.2024 – 31.05.2025 (including pre-deployment training)
• Contract: fixed term contract, for 12 months (extendable). 100% or in Job Sharing – 2x 60% (with specific work arrangement)
• Salary Scale: 24 – subject to final job classification
• Deadline to apply: 07.02.24

• For further information, please contact Thierry Umbehr ([email protected]), Head Central and North Asia Division.

• Thank you to send your complete application by Email to: Isabelle Mellana ([email protected]), 058 462 35 29

Published: 08.01.24/MZI