Security Officer

Brief description of the organization

Yazda Iraq is a local organization registered in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It operates as a subsidiary of the global Yazda organization and adheres to the same mission: supporting vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by genocide and mass atrocities. In Iraq/KRI, Yazda implements programs focused on advocacy, legal assistance, humanitarian aid, and community and survivor empowerment initiatives. The Country Director leads these efforts, ensuring they align with organizational goals and respond effectively to local needs.

Background

The Security Department at Yazda is responsible for overseeing security risk management, policy implementation, and coordination across all operational locations. The department will work closely with Operations and program teams to maintain a safe working environment and support uninterrupted program delivery.

Job Purpose 

The Security Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of Yazda’s security policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of staff, assets, and operations across all locations. The role involves monitoring security developments, conducting risk assessments, advising management on mitigation measures, and ensuring compliance with organizational security standards to enable safe and uninterrupted program implementation.

Main Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the security situation in Sinjar district on a daily basis, and provide timely verbal and written updates to the Operations Manager on emerging risks, incidents, and contextual developments.
• Conduct regular and ad-hoc security risk assessments for Yazda offices, project sites, mobile teams, and field movements in Sinjar, and recommend practical mitigation measures to reduce exposure to risk.
• Develop and maintain a local security network in Sinjar, including coordination with local authorities, community leaders, and security actors, in consultation with the Operations Manager.
• Serve as the focal point for security coordination in Sinjar, ensuring timely information-sharing with Yazda staff and supporting safe program implementation.
• Supervise and manage security guards in Sinjar (and in Duhok during visits), including oversight of duty rosters, shift rotations, performance monitoring, and discipline where required.
• Conduct regular inspections of Yazda premises in Sinjar to ensure physical security measures are in place and functioning (gates, lighting, CCTV, access control, perimeter protection, etc.).
• Ensure all vehicles operating in Sinjar comply with safety standards, including seatbelt enforcement, functioning communication equipment, vehicle toolkits, and properly stocked first aid kits.
• Review and clear movement plans for field teams in Sinjar, ensuring routes, timings, communication protocols, and contingency plans are in place.
• Immediately respond to and document any security incident affecting Yazda staff, assets, or operations, and submit incident reports to the Operations Manager within the required timeframe.
• Ensure that all safety and security equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits, CCTV systems, emergency contact lists, safe rooms, if applicable) is available, functional, and regularly maintained.
• Support the delivery of security briefings to new staff, visitors, and consultants traveling to Sinjar, including context updates and personal safety guidance.
• Conduct periodic security awareness sessions for Yazda staff to promote compliance with internal security policies and strengthen safety culture.
• Contribute to the development and regular updating of Yazda’s Security Management Plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contingency plans related to Sinjar operations.
• Travel to Duhok as required to coordinate with the Operations Manager, support security oversight, and ensure alignment between Sinjar and Duhok offices.

 

Reporting

• Submit monthly reports to the Operations Manager outlining activities conducted, security developments, challenges encountered, and recommendations for improvement, ensuring timely updates to relevant stakeholders.

 

 

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in security, safety, or risk management, preferably with NGOs or humanitarian organizations.

• Good knowledge of the security context in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

• Experience in conducting security risk assessments and incident reporting.

• Ability to develop and implement security policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).

• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to provide security briefings and safety guidance to staff.

• Fluency in English, Kurdish, and Arabic is preferred.

• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Interested applicants must send their CV and Cover letter to jobs@yazda.org with a subject “Security Officer – JV24126“

Important Notes:

1. When applying, please specify the possible start date and Salary expectation. 

2. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements or are submitted after the closing date may not be considered. The interview process may include a technical written test.

3. Due to the urgency of this position, the vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline indicated.

4. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the posting period