COOPI is looking for a Regional Security Advisor in East Africa

Description of the role

The Regional Security Advisor supports COOPI in Eastern Africa Region with particular focus on Sudan and Somalia. The Regional Security Advisor is accountable for providing advice, guidance, and practical support on all matters of safety and security for the Region In accordance with the HQ Security Advisor, the collaborator will develop a regional security risk management strategy, with clear priorities, steps, and timelines. The Regional Security Advisor will contribute towards promoting a safe and secure environment for COOPI’s, program, staff, and assets by providing sound and timely advice, practical recommendations, capacity building, training, mentoring, and critical support to the Head of Mission and Country Security Focal Points. The Regional Security Advisor is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to maximize safety and security. This will include the review of existing Security Plan and development of new plans and measures/SOPs based on the priority gaps identified in the Missions’ safety and security frameworks.

Main responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator and under the functional supervision of the HQ Security Advisor, the collaborator will provide the following deliverables:

Review and Development of Mission Policies and Procedures:

• Work with the Country Security focal points and the Head of mission to develop, consolidate, implement, and regularly review operating procedures and security plans. A reviewed set of Security tools is expected, including the following:
  - Area Security Plans for the different areas of intervention
  - Review of the SOP Movement and tracking system
  - Review/re-development of Hibernation and Evacuation plan
  - Review & development (for new areas) of Risk Analysis matrix at Country and Area level
• Set-up of safety & security equipment / assets list needed to guarantee the security in the area of interventions for the list to be included in future project proposals and procurement plans.
• In coordination with the Country Logistics and the Head of Mission, review and update of the organization’s security tools.

Monitoring, Analysis and Coordination:

• Collect and report information on safety and security risks in relevant areas.
• Analyze security-related incidents from internal and external sources.
• Ensure the implementation of incident reporting mechanisms and regular security measures checks at the mission level.
• Liaise with humanitarian actors to gather information on safety and security and attend access and security meetings.
• Regularly analyze and update COOPI's vulnerabilities in its areas of intervention, including those related to the emergency programme activities.
• Advise and propose solutions to improve access to beneficiaries.
• Monitor and analyze regional security situations.
• Develop regional trend summaries based on Country Security Reports.
• Share findings with country directors and the regional team.

Safety Procedure

• Regularly update and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure their compliance with COOPI security rules.
• Propose, define and write new SOPs when needed on the mission.
• Carry out field Mission to Somalia and Sudan to verify the knowledge, application and validity of SOPs/plans.

Regional Coordination and Country Supervision:

• Serve as the technical supervisor for Security Focal Point/Managers in each country office.
• Participate in country-level recruitment for security staff.
• Coordinate with the regional team to incorporate security considerations into planning.
• Monitor and audit country-level progress toward improvements.

Training, Learning, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and deliver tailored training and coaching programs for Country Security Focal Points to enhance their capacity in security management.
• Support the rollout of COOPI’s Security strategy, policies, and tools through training and workshops.
• Assist Country Security Focal Points in arranging security training workshops.
• Monitor training and ensure that it remains up-to-date, especially in high-risk areas.

Requirements

Essentials

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in international security, access, and risk management in conflict-affected countries or complex relief settings with international NGOs.
• Experience in implementing security strategies, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Strong training and mentoring skills, specifically related to building the capacity of Country Security Focal Points.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of regional languages is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines in difficult conditions.
• Knowledge of Eastern Africa context and dynamics.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled, thanks for understanding.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 270 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.