Senior Security Officer- Caracas, Venezuela/National Position

**APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS IN SPANISH OR ENGLISH ARE WELCOMED/SE ACEPTAN SOLICITUDES EN ESPAÑOL O INGLÉS

Candidates moving on to the next phases of the application process will be informed Mid-May 2023

About Mercy Corps**

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

The Program

Mercy Corps has been operating in Venezuela since 2018 implementing humanitarian and development programs, with special emphasis on water, sanitation and hygiene, health, protection, food security, and nutrition, and plays a key role in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information relevant to the humanitarian community in the country. The team is expanding its programs at the country level and expanding its team at the country level to implement quality programs with the required attention.

Security management at MC VZLA guarantees compliance with the global security policy. It works under three fundamental pillars: security risk management, physical security and facilities management, and the development of the annual training plan (SAFETY AND SECURITY). In this way, it is possible to maintain all prevention and mitigation measures in the face of potential threats and risks faced by the members of the regional teams in the development of their functions and missions in the field.

The safeguarding of the life of each one of the members of the organization, as well as that of the participants of the programs, becomes the reason for our constant and rigorous security work.

The Position

The Security Manager provides MC VZLA with support for security systems and plans, occupational health and physical risk management and the members of the MC VZLA team to support the comprehensive security of staff, offices regional and program management. In addition, it implements, maintains and applies all security policies and strategies, and physical risk management and the members of the MC VZLA team at the country level and in the specific areas of the programs and projects, which describe security actions, procedures and protocols to manage threats and mitigate risks faced by personnel (international and local), physical assets and property, as well as sensitive information within the scope of program operations and institutional mission.

The Manager will also be responsible for creating links, especially with other agencies, international NGOs, agencies of the United Nations system, local authorities and key actors in security matters to promote a system of relevant information on the factors that influence the security environment for staff and humanitarian access to the communities with which MC VZLA is working. The monitoring, analysis, technical reporting and effective communication of these trends and events, as the facilitated development and set of mitigation strategies, are crucial elements of the Security Manager position.

The Manager acts as senior security representative in the country under the supervision and coordination of the Team Leader. The Manager reports to the Team Leader and reports to the security adviser for the Americas and global support regarding the implementation of security policies and protocols and risk management in the country. The Manager coordinates and supports the MC VZLA Work Safety Management System.

Essential Job Responsibilities

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PREPARATION

• Verify, review, update and manage the Country Security Management Plan based on risk assessments, current operation, and potential locations using MC Global security policy and standards and indicators.

• Guarantees that all MC VZLA facilities have a permanently updated Security Plan and a study of physical security and facilities

• Help MC VZLA prepare for significant events and safety-critical incidents.

• Review and update the security contingency plans of the regional offices to provide a real-time response in the event of an emergency.

• Guides the selection of security focal points, security services, equipment and facilities, including mitigation measures and response to security issues, and ensures that appropriate training is provided to all MC VZLA personnel.

• Contributes to developing proposals from the security field, especially in the context analysis of the relevant dynamics for operational access in the MC VZLA work areas. Promote the generation and use of objective information for decision-making in the field of security.

• Ensure that MC VZLA has up-to-date safety and security systems and procedures and that all staff and visitors are aware of and abide by them.

• Prepare and regularly update (security management plan) and contingency planning, including context analysis (general assessment and assessment of specific security risks) and provide regular security reports to the Country Director and SMT.

• Ensure that necessary security measures are in place to protect MC VZLA team members, international staff, contractors, local partners, and program and project participants during travel and work activities.

SECURITY SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

• Familiarize yourself with all the documents and tools in the central security archive.

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the Security Management Plan (SMP), including the Local Security Plan (each field location); Safety Information Board (SBB), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CP); Mitigation Action Plans; and Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS); constant companion.

• Promote and be a member of the security management team. Make sure security management team meetings are held on a regular schedule.

• Advise the Programs and the Managers/Heads of the Offices on the available Security Management Strategies, including the transfer, prevention, acceptance and/or control of risks, which include periodic meetings to gather and analyze the information generated by the Security Management.

• Participate in INGO's Security Forum meetings.

• Review and promote security protocols for the offices and housing of expatriates.

• Periodic publication of security information to national and expatriate personnel, including virtual tools (chat, app, reporting system).

• Assist in managing security incidents and provide accurate and timely incident reports. Ensure that incident reporting is done, documented and recorded as required. It includes completing the incident report form, informing the necessary actors and maintaining the incident report file.

• Maintain a directory of necessary contacts of the authorities in all areas of work and residence of MC VZLA.

• Maintain the communication systems (VHF Radios and others) implemented in the country, and give essential security recommendations for this management.

PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS

• Works with the Team Leader, Program Officers, and other designated personnel to ensure coordination and consistent compliance with MC VZLA workplace safety policies and plans, risk management plans and procedures

• Advises Program Directors, Managers and regional security focal points in developing and supervising the daily conduct of the specific security plan and protocols, guaranteeing adequate preparation of responses to security incidents and risk mitigation and management plans.

• Ensures that the MC VZLA Gender approach is included in the MC VZLA guidelines, procedures and security protocols.

• Ensures lead compliance with standard operating procedures efficiently and initiates required response actions in case of emergency or direct threat.

• Coordinates all security and protection actions with the Team Leader, security adviser for the Americas and global support in the event of a critical incident or crisis situation.

• Ensure weekly review of staff travel schedules and projected travel itineraries to identify potential safety and security issues.

• Plans and monitors the transportation and mobilization of personnel to guarantee safety and risk management in the implementation of field activities.

• In coordination with the Team Leader and Program Officers, determine, review or change the security levels concerning the acceptable levels of tension, risk, and preventive measures to be adopted and restrictions on movement, relocation or evacuation of MC personnel VZLA.

• Guarantees compliance with the safety and care guidelines by the MC VZLA team members to reduce the probabilities of risks and threats as a consequence of the public order situation in the country.

SECURITY AND ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION

• Perform localized analysis and security risk assessments for all offices and different security risk contexts. Monitor local and national news (radio, television and press), and information available from other agencies, MC offices and translate appropriate information into daily updates.

• Make routine visits to offices, warehouses and other properties rented by MC VZLA nationwide.

• Conduct security reports and follow-ups so that security recommendations are implemented in the field and office(s).

• Provide specific security recommendations for buildings and staff conduct, as needed.

• Use periodic assessments to ensure that appropriate measures are taken for safe operation.

• Report on matters that may affect the safety of MC VZLA and advise on preventive measures.

• Produce periodic written reports in Spanish and English (on demand) on the security situation of each region where MC VZLA is working or will be working.

• Ensure a regularly updated incident mapping based on the information collected. Maps and tips on Go/No-Go areas.

STAFF TRAINING AND LEARNING

• Based on risk assessments and approved security plans, provide a detailed and appropriate initial security briefing to all new staff, expatriates, interns, consultants, volunteers and international visitors, including general security policies and procedures, site-specific issues, and an analysis of the current local security situation.

• Ensure that the policies and procedures are developed jointly with the management team and are socialized, understood and internalized by all staff, interns, volunteers, partners and associates at all times.

• Respond to staff questions about security issues, emergencies, and provide immediate assistance when needed.

• Maintain an up-to-date database of all essential contacts, phone numbers, addresses of agencies in the area, and contact details.

• Take security courses regularly and keep your knowledge of risks and basic or intermediate first aid up to date.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE

• Ensure compliance with the donors' rules and MC VZLA related to security and risk management policies.

• Review the scope of work to solicit, hire, and manage any technical consultants, including review of technical effectiveness and contract budget.

INFLUENCE AND REPRESENTATION

• Develops and strengthens contacts and links with local authorities and law enforcement, security areas of NGOs, and Agencies of the United Nations System, to build knowledge management, qualification of plans, security protocols and risk management in close supervision and coordination with the Team Leader, the security adviser of the Americas and global support.

SECURITY

• Ensure compliance with security policies and procedures as determined by the Team Leader.

• Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

• Behave both professionally and personally in such a way that it gives credit to MC VZLA and does not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Security focal points in the country

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Team Leader

Works directly with: Medical Director, Program Managers and Officers, teams and the Regional Advisor for the Americas.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

• Relevant University Degree in security, defense, social sciences, administrative or related areas.

• Postgraduate university degree (specialization) in security, risk or related field. Master's degree is desirable.

• At least seven years of experience as a security adviser or in positions of responsibility in security matters for humanitarian organizations, public or private security

• Knowledge and experience in applying minimum security standards for operations and facilities.

• Knowledge or experience in emergency systems, primary and intermediate first aid (certificates).

• Knowledge of geographic information systems and geo-spatialization of data.

• Work experience in complex and volatile contexts.

• Previous experience in humanitarian contexts and working with donors and/or international cooperation agencies. (Desirable)

• Knowledge of gender approaches. (Desirable)

• Training and communication skills in a multicultural work environment.

• Leadership and organizational skills and a flexible and analytical approach to problem solving.

• This publication requires the licensee to provide security solutions to all aspects of the activities of MC VZLA

• Intermediate English (easy reading, writing and communication)

• Report writing skills are essential for this position

• Computer skills are essential. (MS Word, GIS and PowerPoint)

• Have received training in personal security from the UN or similar. (Desirable).

Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members. It will have the ability to plan and design low-maintenance systems is a must.Also the ability to troubleshoot and maintain wired and wireless connections.It will understand, follow and implement existing policies on the use of IT equipment and best practices.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Caracas, Venezuela and will require occasional travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme**.** We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.