Security Officer - Lebanon Delegation

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The main role of the Security Officer is to support and advise the Head of Country Delegation (HoCD) in matters pertaining to security in Lebanon, in order to ensure that an effective security framework is established and that IFRC personnel are able to operate in as safe an environment as possible.

The Security Officer will facilitate the process of ensuring that all relevant security documents and procedures have been established within the delegation in accordance with the Federation’s Minimum-Security Requirements (MSR’s). He/she will assist with obtaining information, analysis and composing of documents.

The Security Officer will work closely and coordinate with LRCS SSU and ICRC security focal points.

The Security Officer will seek advice and support from the Security Unit in Geneva and will act as the Regional Security Adviser when requested.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Security Awareness and Compliance

• Remain up to date with all IFRC security framework and support tools, including the e-learning courses trainings, security handbooks and the security newsletter ‘Hotspots’
• Promote, train, and monitor all (including IFRC Regional Office Staff, IFRC Country Delegation staff and Integrated PNSs staff,) and any visitor to any of these entities to ensure adherence to the Country's Minimum Standards in Safety and Security.
• Ensure that all IFRC staff in country are kept informed of any changes in the security environment through Security Alerts (SMS/WhatsApp and email) and Security Advisories with instructions, if and when necessary

Support and advise the HoCD to ensure that the delegation is compliant with the International Federation’s Minimum-Security Requirements (MSR’s) and that an effective security framework is established and maintained in Lebanon.:

• Maintain a sound understanding of the security situation in Lebanon ensuring that the threats and related risks are identified and that mitigation measures in place are appropriate.
• Use (and update) the MSR Self-Assessment process to assist the HoCD ensure compliance
• Ensure all relevant security documents (as per MSR) have been established (security regulations, relocation plans, MedEvac plan, others) in accordance with a current risk assessment and are fit for purpose
• Review/update all security documents at minimum every 6 months.
• Conduct Security Assessments and produce associated reports for all sites, including delegates residences, offices, a warehouses and MENA regional office premises.
• Ensure that a current Contacts List with name, addresses and contact numbers of all colleagues is kept centrally and updated

Establish and maintain an effective security information network:

• LRCS SSU and ICRC
• Local authorities and humanitarian actors in areas of operation
• Attend relevant security coordination meetings (UN/INSO etc.) where applicable
• Keep informed of relevant in-country or regional developments that might impact the safety and security of Federation/Movement activities in Lebanon (open sources / network / local authorities, etc.)
• Share all information with the Head of Country Office (HoCD) and Director of MENA Region
• Disseminate relevant information within the Country office and integrated Partners National Societies

Conduct briefings for new delegates, staff and visitors with regards to safety and security. At request of the HoCD; brief delegates and staff on security related issues during delegation meetings

• Prepare briefing presentation and the Security Welcome Brief (as per the MSR) for all new delegates/staff/visitors (should include overview of the security situation, emergency numbers, basic rules, no-go areas, curfew, medical issues, etc)
• Verbal briefing for all new delegates/staff/visitors in-country should be given within maximum 48 hours of their arrival in country.
• Brief the delegation regarding new security developments, procedures and concerns during coordination meetings

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

At the request of the HoCD, assist with writing security updates, revision of security documents and situation reports.

Ensure that all field travel requests are processed according to IFRC Security regulations and in coordination with LRCS SSU:

• Ensure all field movements are monitored by the LRCS SSU.
• Keep permanent coordination and communication with LRCS SSU.
• Ensure vehicles and staff are equipped with appropriate communication equipment (Satellite phones or VHF radios in areas were mobile phone coverage is limited or prone to disruption)

Ensure that standard security incident reporting system and actions are applied appropriately, in case of security incident

• Inform HoCD all security incidents or concerns
• Advise HoCD on any required actions as a result of a security incident.
• Ensure Incident Reports are written and forwarded to Regional Security Coordinator when needed
• Conduct an appropriate review of any incident to identify lessons learned and any follow-up actions required
• Adjust security documents accordingly (if necessary) following a review of the security incident

Together with the HoCD ensure that the integrity of the Federation is protected in all aspects of operations conducted by the Federation:

• Advocate that security be an integral component of all program planning
• Discuss issues relating to acceptable cultural behaviour highlighting the fundamental principles of Neutrality, Acceptance, Impartiality
• Assist in establishing/maintaining security awareness within the delegation
• Report all breaches of security regulations and Code of Conduct

Execute other regional security related tasks as assigned by the HoCD including but not limited to:

• Research and analyze security-related information from a variety of local and international media sources, the UN and other INGOs in order to produce a formal weekly security update for the whole region

Duties applicable to all staff

1. Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Security Management or equivalent experience in a related field - Required.
• Certified in basic life support, preferably on paramedic level - Preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of five years of experience in related security work - Required.
• Field experience in humanitarian work, preferably in the region - Required.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, Word, etc) - Required.
• Advanced level of understanding of various communications technologies, including VHF and HF radio systems, satellite phones, cell phones, etc  - Required.
• Additional practical knowledge of tools and mechanisms and procedures for personal and organizational security in relevant specialist areas such as security in the field, security communications, physical security, critical incident management, occupational safety and security training  - Required.
• Direct personal experience of working successfully in hostile environments or under difficult operational circumstances  - Required.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and reporting skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities  - Required.
• Full adherence to security protocols Sensitivity and respect for diversity  - Required.
• Staff development and capacity building  - Required.
• Valid Driver’s license  - Required.
• Fluent spoken and written English and Arabic  - Required.

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities.