Security Coordinator

SCOPE OF WORK

USAID/UGANDA FEED THE FUTURE WATER AND FOOD SYSTEMS FOR RESILIENT COMMUNITIES ACTIVITY (FTF WFSRCA)

Position: Security Coordinator (Grade 9)

Maximum Level of Effort: Full-time LTTA

Base of Operations: Moroto, Uganda

position reports to: Director of Finance and Operations

Role’s Purpose:

Considering the challenging security landscape with varying risks including opportunistic/organized crime and armed violence, and natural disasters, DAI recognizes the very real risks to all team members. As per DAI Global Security Policy, DAI employs a community acceptance, and where possible, a low profile and flexible risk approach to mitigate the identified security risks and facilitate project implementation. In consultation with DAI Global Security the Security Coordinator will draft and oversee a project security solution to include risk assessments, project security and continuity plans, design physical security components, security training and provide information reports.

The Security Coordinator ensures that the security component serves as a project enabler prioritizing staff safety and security and asset protection. Effective communication and reporting to the project Chief of Party, Regional Security Director, Director of Finance and Operations, and DAI headquarters ensures that the project develops a culture of security and that operations are conducted in a DAI Security compliant manner. Coordination with Security Agencies, INGO Security Networks and other professional Security Networks such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) will be another responsibility, as well as oversight and quality control and assurance of the subcontracted static and mobile security services. In addition, the Security Coordinator will supervise the Logistics Assistant and team of Activity Drivers; and collaborate with the DAI Conflict Advisor to work with project personnel to integrate conflict sensitivity throughout the design and implementation of WFSRCA interventions, including key Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) indicators related to conflict.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic
  • Develop and maintain project security plans, ensuring adherence to DAI crisis and incident management response procedures. Provide training to project leadership and other project staff with security responsibilities.
  • Collaborate with all project staff to ensure strict compliance with required security policies and plans, fostering a comprehensive understanding of dynamic security issues and considerations across program geographies.
  • Ensure DAI Global Security is informed of all incidents and that incidents are reported to the client through the COP and other designated project contacts.
  • Conduct research to identify emerging threats and risks, and develop threat/vulnerability analysis to enhance preparedness, avoidance, response and evacuation plans.
  • Provide regular verbal and written security updates to DAI Global Security and project leadership, ensuring they are informed of project travel decisions and activity implementation protocols as required.
  • Serve as a key member of DAI project resilience and business continuity structures, relying on risk management best practices.
  • Conduct security training for program staff in security protocols, including personal security, terrorism and conflict awareness and personal preparedness.
  • Contractor should track context indicators that will allow for timely response to changes in the operating environment, particularly conflict or security incidents
• Operational
  • Supervises the Logistics Assistant and team of Activity Drivers.
  • Quality Control/Quality Assurance of the local static security provider.
  • Supports the COP in Incident Management when relating to project staff.
  • Conducts DAI staff security briefings for all staff.
  • In coordination with the COP and other members of the project leadership team, as appropriate, ensures any plans, movements, operations, proposed changes or recommendations are fair and reasonable and within the context of the project Security Plan.
  • In coordination with the COP and other members of the project leadership team, as appropriate, provides prudent oversight of budgets, equipment, technology and personnel, and allocating resources to meet changing security needs and new threats in line with DAI Global Security Policy.
  • Coordinates security procurement items such as communications equipment, vehicle tracking equipment, medical kits, security upgrades and ancillaries.
  • Provide written briefings and updates as necessary, including areas to be avoided in cities and geographies where WFSRCA Activity has travelers based on latest developments.
  • Provide pre-deployment briefings for staff traveling to areas for the first time or other high-risk project locations.
  • Support route assessments and provide advice on travel management.
  • Escort program staff as needed.
  • Conduct various drills, as per pre identified risks, on a scheduled biannual and as needed basis.
• Communication
  • Communicates directly with the Africa & Ukraine Regional Security Director
  • Communicates directly with the COP, Team Leaders (TLs) and other project leadership staff.
  • Liaison with key in-country coordinating bodies including Security Agencies as required.
  • Provides Incident Management reporting to DAI Global Security as required.
  • Produces weekly security reports that summarize main issues related to project security.
  • Maintains and improves a coordinated security communication system with all other DAI projects in Uganda.
• Compliance
  • Ensures the security company contract is compliant with local regulations, client and DAI policies.
  • Enforcement of DAI’s security policies and procedures across project offices.
  • Understands DAI and USAID rules, regulations, processes and systems for compliant project implementation.
  • Uphold DAI ethics and values in all aspects of the job.
• Technical
  • Collaborate with DAI Conflict Advisor and consortium/local partners on the Conflict Analysis start-up deliverable and subsequent design of training for WFSRCA staff on integrating conflict sensitivity into programming, interventions, and MEL.
  • Assist the WFSRCA team with developing program tools for rapid conflict sensitivity monitoring, analysis and mitigation plans that can be applied to all interventions.
  • Liaise, network, and coordinate with peace and conflict-related counterparts and projects, such as the Karamoja Resilience Support Unit, Cross-Border Community Resilience Activity, World Food Program (and other UN agencies), and EKISIL, among others, as needed.
  • Assist the WFSRCA team with developing and monitoring Context Indicators and other indicators related to conflict, insecurity, and other disaster risks (human or natural).
  • Assist the WFSRCA team with developing and monitoring (through Context Indicators) the shock-modifier. The shock modifier clause may be enacted in the event of disease outbreaks, conflict, or other human or naturally-derived disasters.
• Other tasks, as assigned by supervisor, COP, or their designee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience, including experience with Uganda security forces and private security or project management.
• Prior experience working with USAID- or other international donor-funded programs.
• An acute understanding of risk management, community acceptance and low-profile security management regarding all facets of security operations, and an ability to problem-solve and lead in high stress environments.
• Experience and/or an understanding of conflict dynamics and integrating conflict sensitivity into programming interventions and MEL a plus.
• Personal and professional network within Uganda, with a developed understanding of the Ugandan context, interaction with Ugandan and international security forces and government.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills verbally and in writing, with a demonstrated ability to communicate in English and Swahili clearly, concisely, and effectively with security staff and non-security staff alike.
• Applied Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, OneDrive, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and/or SharePoint.
• Prior work experience in Uganda.
• Professional proficiency in writing, speaking, and reading English and Swahili is required.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail, able to manage one’s work, take initiative, set schedules and meet deadlines without close supervision.
• Strong team player with a positive attitude.
• Flexible under pressure and in response to changing needs.

Reporting

The Security Coordinator will report to Director of Finance and Operations with indirect reporting to the Chief of Party and the DAI Regional Security Director