Relief International (RI)

Career Opportunity with RI, Bangladesh

Position Name: Security & Access Officer

Duty Station: Based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh (With frequent travel to field offices/Camps as required)
Report To: Country Director
Expected Start Date: At Earliest
Contract length: Up to December 31, 2022 (With possibility of Extension subject to funding, program needs and performance of incumbent)

About RI: Relief International, headquartered in USA, is a leading international non-government organization working in 16 countries to relieve poverty, ensure well-being and advance dignity. We specialize in fragile settings, responding to natural disasters, humanitarian crises and chronic poverty.

Relief International (RI) has been working in Bangladesh since 2004, implementing programs covering emergency response, health, economic opportunity, trafficking in persons, gender equality and youth empowerment. RI has been present in Cox’s Bazar since 2014 where it was implementing a trafficking in persons project in Ukhiya and Teknaf supporting old caseload refugees as well as host communities prior to the large-scale influx. Since 2017, RI has scaled up its operations in Cox’s Bazar to support the emergency response by providing integrated, multi-sectoral programming for refugee and host communities, covering health services, including a 100- bed COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Center in Ukhiya, child protection, SGBV, complimentary food and livelihoods opportunities to support social cohesion. Relief International is currently implementing a large scale refugee response program in Cox`s Bazar in Bangladesh in collaboration with multiple partners including UNHCR, USAID.RI maintains a country office in Dhaka with multiple field offices in Cox`s Bazar.

Relief International combines humanitarian and development approaches to provide immediate services while laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Our signature approach which we call the RI Way emphasizes local participation, an integration of services, strategic partnerships, and a focus on civic skills. In this way, we empower communities to find, design and implement the solutions that work best for them.

Position Summary:

RI is seeking a Security & Access Officer for its Bangladesh Country Program, based in Cox’s Bazar with frequent travel to program locations. The Security & Access Officer will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Safety and Security Risk Management policy and procedures of RI countrywide as per RI’s Security Management Plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs) and risk assessments. She/he will work with the Country Director and program team to ensure that filed operations security procedures are adequate and managed in all level.

She/He serve as the lead technical to identify and reduce health, safety and security risks for RI staff, programs, organization, beneficiaries and assets (in order of priority). She/He will provide regular context analysis to the Senior Management Team and build capacity within the Country Office and Field Office teams in the fields of safety and security for RI staff, volunteers and partner. She/He will develop and implement context appropriate safety protocols and procedures across RI’s field and program locations. She/He coordinates with like-minded agencies, provides key support for emergency preparedness and response and supports crisis management within the Bangladesh operation when needed.

Under the supervision of the Country Director the Security & Access Officer will support managing physical security systems of different facilities/Offices in Bangladesh including Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar district and implement RI’s Security Management Plan, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs) and risk assessments. The Security & Access Officer will assists conduct onsite training for staff, volunteers and different Stakeholders.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Safety, Access and Security strategy and policy

Develop the Security Management Plan at country level based on RI global standards. Regularly update the Security Management Plan and pro-actively propose new policy and SOPs based on identified risks to RI staff, programs, organization, beneficiaries and assets.
Conduct a baseline assessment of existing policies and procedures and their application and practice by all staff at program sites, field and central offices and residencies. Provide recommendations to Country Director based on the assessment in line with RI global security standards. Set up a follow up system for implementation of validated recommendations
Contribute to the development of the Country Strategy for RI in Bangladesh. Lead on the safety, access and security component
Provide monthly Access, Safety and Security updates to Senior Management Team. Ensure professional presentation at meetings including incident review, risk assessment and recommendations
Provide risk analysis and mitigation components for proposals. Ensure a yearly staff Access, safety and security budget is planned for and included in proposals to ensure staff safety and security needs are met.
Design and implement a compliance system to monitor adherence to policy for RI staff as well as premises and assets

2. Access, Safety and Security (ASS) risk management

Provide day-to-day Safety and Security Management, including: situation monitoring, information sharing and reporting, implementing mitigation measures and evaluation.
Conduct at least once a year Security Risk Analysis (SRA) according to minimum operational requirements (MOSS) in Dhaka and all field locations for RI. Set up a follow up system for implementation of validated recommendations
Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards
Routinely revise safety and security plans to adapt to evolving security situation
Conduct ad-hoc field visits at program sites for security assessments, audits and security awareness
Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all RI premises in Bangladesh, and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff
Ensure that accurate, up-to-date access, safety and security information is available to all RI staff based in Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar and all RI visitors and delegations (if needed adapted in different language)
Design adequate briefings and procedures for donor visits and delegations to RI programmes
Undertake continual assessments of ASS equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met
Pro-actively identify and suggest procedures through which RI staff, programs, organization, beneficiaries and assets can be better protected and risk minimized – while ensuring RI continues to deliver maximum humanitarian and development assistance in country
When delegated by the CD, manage access, safety and security incidents pertaining to all RI staff and assets
Act as an adviser to the Crisis Management Team leader during a crisis and take lead as and when delegated

Physical Safety & Security Management

Ensure all physical security measures in the different sites are operational and adequate.
Supervise guard deployment in facilities/Offices.
Periodically practice emergency response plan in all facilities.
Periodically check operational capacity of the CCTV, record and troubleshoot as and when required.
Ensure all RI facilities/Offices are equipped with physical security apparatus and operational 24/7.

Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting

Monitor local security situation and report on every day basis.
Visit camp/program area on a regular basis. See to camps of safety and security situation in connection to local crimes, law and order, political movement, tension between the communities, etc.
Ensure Safety and security incidents are reported as per RI procedures.
All safety and security incidents are reported and managed promptly
Ensure Security Service Company providing quality and timely service.
Compilation of safety and security reports in timely and quality manner
Identify and support in actor mapping.

3. Orientation, Training and Capacity Building

Ensure Safety and Security orientation briefing is done for each new RI staff within 48h and for each visitor within 24h. Ensure all RI staff receive regular updated HSS briefings; Provide regular trainings for RI staff on security preparedness, prevention and response. Training(s) may include Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; Communications protocols, etc.
Ensure records of SS briefings are archived and accessible for compliance check
Design and implement a Learning and Development component for all staff based in Bangladesh with regards to safety and security, including mandatory trainings
Provide all required trainings with regards to staff safety and security. Set up a follow up system to ensure all staffs have done mandatory trainings. Ensure staff buy-in
Take a lead on coordinating and organizing regular drills (eg. headcount, fire, evacuation, etc). Train field focal points in how to conduct these and ensure that field staff implement exercises regularly
Support partner organizations in coordination with the partnership unit by providing advice and including them capacity strengthening initiatives
Through capacity building, promote and stimulate a ASS risk management culture

4. Monitoring, Reporting & Analysis

Design and maintain a reporting system for all matters related to safety and security which provides timely information and recommendation to Senior Management at adequate level and in timely manner (Country Director, Program Director)
Constantly monitor and update available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access, health, safety and security of staff
Map and report security incidents. Prepare and disseminate regular updates to senior management team – field and country level
Provide timely area-based access analysis on demand
Compile and submit the Monthly Security Report for Bangladesh
Ensure proper archiving for all the above
Lead on lessons learned exercises following incidents

5. Inter-agency Coordination

Liaise with counterparts in UN and INGOs to ensure inter-agency security coordination and exchange of relevant information and good practices
When relevant, develop inter-agency coordination tools (eg. coordination on security tree, evacuations, etc.)
Liaise with national NGO counterparts on matters related to health, safety and security
Engage with RI counterparts in the sub-region when needed

6. Contingency support

Know all contingency support requirements.
Ensure all contingency materials are present in office/warehouse/guest house/ facilities Report for replenishment.
Inform and update changes required in contingency planning.
Support to prepare route map and camp risk mapping.
Act as security focal for RI Bangladesh.
Develop ongoing relationships with local authorities as needed and other power brokers within RI’s operational areas.
Promote safety & security culture in the organization. Regularly discuss security issues with staff/ team meeting.
Conduct driver’s safety briefing as and when required.
Ensure Contingency plans are updated and adequate materials are in place
Train security guards about response planning and security management.

Qualifications & Requirements

At least 5 years’ experience in security management.
Experience in INGO/NGO/UN/Military/Police or similar industry is an added advantage.
Graduate in Management/security/logistics or any relevant field.
INSSA and HEAT security certification is preferable;
People who are familiar in local dialects and local language will get preference.
Demonstrated understanding in security management in a large non-government / government organization.
Advance skills in MS Excel & MS Office.
Proactive and positive attitude
Good English communications skills both verbal and written.
A team builder with excellent people skills; culturally sensitive and has the ability and interest to identify and work with a multicultural team.

Safeguarding and Gender Sensitiveness

Be part of embedding an organizational culture that is committed to protecting clients from harm.
Ensure that the team understands and abide by the organization culture of safeguarding.

RI Values:

We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:

Inclusiveness
Transparency and Accountability
Agility and Innovation
Collaboration
Sustainability

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are requested to apply through online by February 28, 2022

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, so candidates are encouraged to apply early.

RI Bangladesh has a non-negotiable policy of ZERO TOLERANCE towards Safeguarding. All employees are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) , Child Protection Policy and Human Trafficking Policy of Relief International.

You may check our website at www.ri.org to know about our organization.