Main tasks and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Security Officer is responsible for the security of the Benin office. He is delegated to propose, define and implement the security rules approved by the Country Director. He is also responsible for monitoring the security context and preparing factual and analytical reports to assist the country management in its analysis. Finally, he is responsible for advising and supporting the teams in the event of an incident or problem related to security.

• Report monthly to your superiors any security events that occurred during the month;
• Provide advice, coordination and support to all personnel in matters of security;
• Regularly prepare incident reports and incident maps;
• Report on the collection and analysis of security information;
• Produce a quarterly report to demonstrate the level of performance of the program in relation to the management of the quest and security (MOSS -Minimum Operating Security Standard)
•  Prepare the monitoring schedule for security aspects and a monthly status report on the execution of said schedule;
• Establish an effective security communication system within the country office;
• Monitor and analyze the context, in particular the areas concerned by the programs and the presence of the teams
• Analyze issues that may impact beneficiary activities and access;
• List incidents in program areas and formulate recommendations. Carry out SLS and LSOP when necessary and requested;
• Regularly analyze and update the vulnerability of Search in its intervention areas; expected documents: a Security Risk Assessment (Context, program and Threats), Produce a Security Risk Assessment for each building rented by the organization
• Analyze the organization’s vulnerability and access possibilities with respect to specific areas (potential new intervention areas, at the request of the hierarchy; expected documents: Drafting of Road Books, Evaluation Reports of axes and new project sites,
• Alert the Country Director in the event of a risk to programs or personnel or in the event of an increase in the vulnerability of the organization, Immediate alerts in the event of a drastic change in the context or significant incidents,
• Regularly update the Critical Incident Management Plan; 
• Coordinate and ensure the writing of incident reports during internal incidents (SIR) and transmit them to the Country Director for validation,
• Participate in various meetings concerning security and the program and other organizations (INSO, OCHA/UNDSS Security Point, OCHA information meetings, etc.);
• Create, develop and maintain a contextual and security information and exchange network (NGOs, UN, authorities, community leaders, etc.) in the intervention areas
• Regularly update and monitor SOPs and ensure their compliance with Search security rules
• Participate in the development of new SOPs if needed on the mission
• Conduct regular visits (30 to 60% of the time) to the fields to verify knowledge, implementation and validity of SOPs;
• Regularly monitor the movement of staff on mission through the Eden SafeBase system for remote management
• Ensure the correct use and operation of equipment and practical measures (safety trunks, safe rooms, etc.),
• Correct any problems (explanation-training of staff, implementation, proposals for changes or improvements to SOPs, etc.) and report to your superiors on the state of security on the bases
• Ensure the implementation and compliance of SOPs on the mission, in conjunction with the operations department regarding their technical and practical application as well as the monitoring of safety-related materials 
• Alert the Country Director in the event of non-compliance or refusal to apply Security procedures by staff (local or expatriate) or a contractor/service provider;
• Conduct negotiation and access missions to intervention zones in the field;
• Propose solutions and advise stakeholders in the event of a security incident concerning Search;
• Remind staff of safety rules whenever necessary;
• Advise and propose solutions (in particular to improve access to beneficiaries) to program staff; 
• Brief all new staff (local and expatriate) on security rules and the context of program intervention, and provide them with essential documents according to each person’s roles and needs. 
• Organize training for personnel concerning the use of means of communication, security rules or any other support that could improve the security of the mission;
• Work closely with the West Africa regional safety and security specialist
• Remain available to staff in the event of a request for support related to the context or security and be proactive in the event of an identified need 
• As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post holder may be required to undertake other tasks which broadly correspond to the main responsibilities above.

Skills and qualifications

• Holder of at least a Bac+3 (or equivalent) in the fields of humanitarian security or other relevant and equivalent discipline;
• Have at least five (5) years of experience in the field in complex and insecure environments, with large teams;
• Having work experience in an international organization would be an asset;
• Have the ability to present complex information succinctly and convincingly;
• Be willing to work and travel in environments that may be difficult and unsafe
• Have excellent knowledge of electronic security databases, alarm, automation and video surveillance systems or other security equipment;
• Have a mastery of Google Earth and computer mapping work (Google map);
• Excellent command of IT tools;
• Have the ability to work in a team;
• Have good morals, be honest and discreet;
• Have autonomy in work and a sense of initiative;
• Have the ability to adapt to change and an intensive work pace; Have a sense of responsibility.

Personal Qualities

• Rigor in justifying and documenting each finding;
• Respect the confidentiality of the information collected;
• Initiative, ability to propose recommendations to improve existing processes;
• Know the techniques of risk analysis and assessment;
• Be rigorous in details and respect procedures;
• Have good interpersonal skills;
• Be of integrity, honesty and good character;
• Be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances;
• Be willing to travel within or outside the country as needed

Other key skills:

• Working with people: the ability to respect the opinions and contributions of other team members; demonstrate empathy, listening, support; consult with others and share information and expertise, build team spirit and adapt to the team.
• Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, to tolerate ambiguity, to adapt personal style to different people and situations.
• Drive for results and efficiency: the ability to establish quality standards, monitor and maintain the quality of work, and set goals to achieve continuous improvement.
• Relationship Management: The ability to manage interactions, provide services and support the organization while building an effective internal and external network.
• Leadership and Navigation: The ability to manage and contribute to initiatives and processes within the organization while moving toward change and continuous improvement.
• Communication: The ability to effectively exchange information with others, effectively deliver critical information, gather information, and communicate with others.
• Global and cultural ability: the ability to value and consider the perspectives and backgrounds of all parties and to be able to work cross-culturally.
• Ethical Practice: The ability to integrate Search’s vision, mission and core values, integrity and accountability into all organizational and professional practices.
• Critical Appraisal: The ability to interpret information to make appropriate decisions and recommendations based on in-depth analysis, best practices and an understanding of expected outcomes.
• Business Acumen: The ability to understand and apply information to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan.
• Developing Others: The ability to provide support to improve performance and professional growth.
• Commitment to Search values: – Empathy – Collaboration – Tenacity – Audacity – Results