Safety & Security Assistant

Job Title:                                         Safety & Security Assistant

Department:                                   Safety & Security

Division:                                            Operations

Duty Station:                                  Odesa, Ukraine

Line Manager:                                  Safety & Security Advisor (SSA)

Line Management Responsibility: N.A.

Position Type:                                    Full-time

Overview:

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organisation. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

NP first established a presence in Ukraine in 2014/2015 working on peacebuilding and conflict mediation. NP has had a sustained presence in Ukraine since April 2022. NP occupies a unique space in the protection response in Ukraine; simultaneously providing direct protection to at-risk civilians and providing hands-on support to front-line volunteer collectives to directly contribute to the sustainability and safety of their actions.

Job Summary:

The Safety and Security Assistant works directly with the Safety and Security Advisor to contribute to the safety and security of NP staff in Ukraine. The position will support with analysis and security inputs and will engage directly with programmes teams for security monitoring and guidance. The position contributes to making sure effective safety and security arrangements are in place for NP staff.

The ideal candidate will bring security expertise developed through experience working in the security and/or humanitarian sector. They are focused and driven by a keen interest and personal commitment to civilian protection – the core of NP’s work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports the SSA in assuring day to day operational security oversight providing real-time tracking and monitoring of staff movement, advice and practical guidance to inform programme planning and minimising risk faced by field teams.
• Plays an active role in operationalising safety and security plans and procedures (including but not limited to: travel plans, local security rules, Incident Response, Emergency Communications, contingency plans).
• Contributes to collecting, compiling, and analysing security related information from both formal and informal networks in order to continually assess the security posture for NP field teams.
• Provides security-related feedback to field teams.
• Supports the SSA with security audits/assessments of offices in order to ensure minimum physical security standards are met.
• Participates in security assessments of new areas of operation in collaboration with the SSA.
• Creates, fosters, and expands relationships with other NGOs, INSO, UN agencies, security providers, law enforcement entities, and risk information resources and networks to contribute to maintaining threat assessments as current as possible and to ensure optimal support from such entities in cases of emergency.
• Contributes to weekly and monthly security reports regarding the situation in Ukraine with a focus on NP areas of operation.
• Contributes to / when requested take the lead on security advisories to respond to changes in context and security.
• Upon request, participate in key security forums.
• Supports the SSA in working with the Logistics team to ensure identification and procurement of security equipment / items as necessary.
• Contribute to the identification of capacity building needs in safety and security and support delivery of capacity building and training courses.
• Complies with and uphold NPs safeguarding policies (including child protection, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, bullying and harassment) and all Codes of Conduct.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in a related field with at least 2 years related work experience.
• Relevant security experience in humanitarian settings / previous experience working with security providers, law enforcement entities, and/or intelligence resources and utilising information to create and deploy actionable security plans and programs.
• Understanding of current security management good practice.
• Good grasp of various communications technologies commonly used, including VHF radio systems, satellite phones, cell phones, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal, representation and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence, build consensus and develop partnerships.
• Ability to work well under pressure in unstable and frequently changing security environments.
• Training and facilitator skills; ability to support training sessions is a plus.
• Commitment to and understanding of NP’s methodologies, core values and mission.
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English and Ukrainian.
• Computer literacy, particularly in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases.
• Valid Ukrainian driving license.
• Knowledge of and commitment to safeguarding, whistleblowing, PSEA and anti-corruption.

Skills and Competencies:

Independent Judgment/Analytical:

• Ability to set priorities, solve problems and analyse data.
• Ability to manage information with discretion.
• Identify safety and security issues and propose solutions.

Interpersonal:

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and motivate and provide leadership to team and to work and live in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to exert solutions-focused, creative behaviour.
• Proven ability to build relationships with the full range of actors including government, military, police and non-state actors.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Languages:

• Ability to interact confidently in English with colleagues and external contacts, including in writing, and to present effectively relevant information.

Information Technology:

• High level skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Word).

• Knowledge of Digital Mapping and GPS tracking software.

• Knowledge of computer software for VHF radios.

• Emergency Response Systems.

Working Conditions:

• Ukraine is a complex security environment, and the evolution of the war is completely unpredictable – experience in insecure environments is essential to success in this position.
• A strong motivation to do what’s necessary in a complex environment.
• Willingness to work some weekends and evenings to contribute to security support and preparedness.

Application Process:

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 31 July 2024. This position is open for Ukrainian candidates only.
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early.
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector. NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left

employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.