Role and responsibilities

The purpose of the Health, Safety, Security (HSS) and Liaison Coordinator position is to lead the collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of HSS risk information internally to all NRC Assosa AOs staff, consultants and visitors and liaise with relevant government departments and local leaders for the timely approval Project Technical MoUs, LOUs, and unimpeded access to programming locations.

Generic responsibilities

• Maintain NRC’s relationship with key government institutions, this included attending key bilateral and coordination meeting.
• Create smooth work relationship between the organization and other parties.
• Implement NRC’s staff safety and security policies the area office, field office and camps level.
• Conduct regular security and risk assessments to identify safety and security needs.
• Train staff in safety and security and provide regular briefings and updates.
• Immediately report all breaches of safety and security procedures and all threats to NRC staff, beneficiaries, activities or assets.
• Liaise with UN agencies, NGOs and other external actors to on HSS related information.
• Ensure vehicle and staff movements are monitored according to procedures and that necessary safety and security equipment are available and in good condition.
• Prepare security updates and reports as required.

Specific responsibilities 

Liaison Role

• Advise the area management team on government relations and facilitate meetings and appointment as appropriate.
• Contribute to NRC Strategic and programmatic planning including development of government relations.
• Facilitate NRC compliance with required regional registration and approval and maintain a filling system (online and hardcopy as required).
• Support set-ups, access to new areas, etc.
• Represent NRC in legal/court cases when necessary.
• Ensure NRC premises’ land/plots are duly registered, and all necessary and legal fees are paid regularly.
• Perform Liaison tasks such as following up on LOUs, MoUs approval area level and other liaison roles with local authorities such approvals for programme surveys, participation with access negotiation alongside the AM.
• Build relationships and negotiation between the organization, the community and authorities and attend meetings.

Staff Safety Role 

• Coordinate with the Area Manager (AM) and Staff Safety Manager (SSM)  in analyzing and assessing security situation and threats in NRC areas of operation and ensure that appropriate measures are taken for safe operation.
• Be familiar with all existing NRC security and safety documents and tools in place and assist to modify/update existing policies and develop new ones as required.
• Monitor local and national news (radio, television and print) and translate appropriate information in daily updates. Inform AM & SSM and on issues that may have an effect on NRC security in the region and advise on precautionary measures.
• Produce regular weekly written reports on the security situation in the area office based on the current information available from other agencies, NRC sub offices, media and other sources.
• In coordination with AM &SSM, ensure regularly updated incident mapping based on gathered information. Map and advise on Go/No-Go areas.
• Liaise with NRC hired guard service including duty rosters, leaves, payment, scope of work etc.
• In cooperation with the AM & SSM, regularly review the security situation of all NRC premises, evacuation plans, security instructions and any other contingency planning that may be necessary.
• Ensure incident reporting is conducted as necessary. Includes completion of online incident report form, informing necessary actors and maintaining incident report file, as per NRC format.
• Ensure orientation/induction of new staff/visiting staff is completed on first day of arrival to Assosa.
• Ensure that all necessary measures are taken to provide NRC employees with a safe working environment as detailed in existing guidelines, including responsibility of fire regulations, procedures of entrance of visitors and vehicles to NRC premises, etc. Analyze existing policies and procedures and suggest revisions to the AM where necessary.
• Establish a communication system with field staff for tracking national staff movements in the field in collaboration with the AM. Advise on travel restrictions or precautionary measures.
• Work with the Area Manager, FO Coordinators, CC project managers and coordinators on emergency preparedness as it pertains to their programmes, providing oversight and technical support regarding security and emergency evacuations.
• Monitor and analyze the context (overall security situation, risks, and most likely scenarios), ensuring reliable security information as basis for informed decision-making.
• Ensure the implementation of relevant mitigation measures in the field to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
• Facilitate an ongoing culture of learning as it relates to health, safety and security and arrange for ongoing trainings including HEIST, on-site training, new staff inductions, visitor briefings etc. in line with NRC policies.

Competencies 

Competencies are important in order for the employee and the organisation to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

Professional competencies 

These are skills, knowledge and experience that are important for effective performance.

Generic professional competencies for this position: 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience from working with law enforcement and security management preferably in humanitarian/recovery context
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• First level university degree, preferably in security management, law enforcement or other related social science field
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal

Context related skills, knowledge and experience:

• Good knowledge of the area and context in Benishangul Gumuz Region
• Very good communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Knowledge of local languages is an added advantage
• Experience in organizational representation, coordination and liaison
• Experience in dealing with institutional actors and government authorities
• Technical expertise in security management required
• Report writing and computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Behavioral competencies

• Handling insecure environments
• Analyzing
• Empowering and building trust
• Planning and delivering results
• Working with people
• Communicating with impact and respect