Senior Manager, Safety and Access (Gaziantep, Turkey)

Overview

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community.

Global Communities is responding to the needs of Refugees in Turkey and IDPs in Northern Syria, delivering humanitarian and development assistance through both direct implementation and through local partner organizations in the sectors of FSL, Protection, Engineering and WASH.

Global Communities is seeking a Senior Manager, Safety and Access to join the Humanitarian Assistance team in Gaziantep, Turkey. This role reports directly to the Country Director and will ensure the safe access to all areas of intervention across the Syria country portfolio. The Senior Manager, Safety and Access will be the main security focal point for Global Communities staff working in Syria and Turkey. The primary responsibilities for this position will be to assess safety and security risks, develop and oversee the implementation of security management plans, oversee reporting, information collection, and training. The position reports to the Country Director and will support all program activities and ensure compliance with relevant donor regulations and Global Communities’ policies.

This position will be based in Gaziantep, Turkey.

Responsibilities

Responsibility Area: Safety and Security Assessment Planning and Implementation

• Act as subject matter expert on all emergency preparedness planning and incident responses.
• Provide oversight and management for the safety and security for all Global Communities personnel and assets countrywide.
• Develop strategies to continuously improve and refine security management systems for effectiveness and efficiency, considering evolving project needs, team dynamics, and project mission.
• Review and update the Security Management Plan (SMP) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently if changing security situation warrants.
• Ensure offices have adequate life safety measures and conform to the SMP.
• Supervise, update, and test the communication tree.
• Review performance standards and conduct regular evaluations of all local security staff and guards at all locations of Global Communities operations.
• Ensure drivers and vehicles are following safety standards and requirements.
• Advise on in-country travel of Global Communities personnel, including provision of situational travel security information, and safety measures to be taken by staff while traveling.
• Conduct security risk assessments for new venues, offices, warehouse and residences, evaluating physical, geographical, social and structural features which may support or detract from the overall safety and security of a properties’ facilities or location; subsequently, provide recommendations for implementation of risk mitigating practices and features for each location.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures, including but not limited to: access to Global Communities facilities, travel procedures, communications, and implementation of Minimum Security Standards.
• Serve as a key member of the Incident Management Team.
• Liaise with HQ Office of Global Security as needed.

Responsibility Area: Security Information Management and Engagement

• Collect, update, analyze and communicate information regarding the security situation or incidents in the country and specifically with respect to Global Communities or partner operations to the Team Lead, project personnel and Office of Global Security, as required.
• Track and record security related incidents throughout Global Communities operational areas.
• Ensure that all safety and security related documentation (risk assessments, SMP, SOPs, incident reports, etc.) are filed appropriately and securely.
• Participate in meetings with INSO and other Security Focal Points/Security Managers to obtain up-to-date security information.
• Maintain a database of contacts who are national country security authorities.
• Provide security updates on a frequency determined by the Country Director.
• Join monthly donor meetings providing a concise briefing on the security and access environment in relevant operational areas.

Responsibility Area: Training and Support

• Develop and deliver training for all staff to ensure uptake of safety and travel SOPs.
• Develop and deliver training for all national staff on security awareness, defensive driving, first aid or other prioritized safety and security related topics. Where not a subject matter expert, identify sources of relevant training and recommend staff to be trained.
• Provide orientation and pre-deployment briefings to all staff traveling into Syria and Turkey.
• Provide travel recommendations and restrictions to ensure staff receives personal risk mitigation advice specifically tailored to the individual, their personal background, their region of travel and their anticipated task.
• Provide advice and support to partner organizations either directly or through program teams to increase partner capacity in the area of safety and security.
• Support project teams by advising on workplans and access to ensure project plans are aligned with SMP and SOPs as required.
• Collaborate closely with other functional support team leaders, including finance, HR/Admin, operations and program to contribute to seamless support to program activities and coherent capacity development of partner organizations.

POSITION SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion, learning, support, diversity and innovation.
• Visit project locations and partner activities in Syria and Turkey as required for appropriate support with up to 25%.
• Supervision responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to work in a fast paced, demanding environment, often working under pressure in insecure environments.
• Ability to process information and synthesize for key decision makers.
• Strong cross cultural communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, coordination skills, analytic skills, interpersonal skills, team management skills.
• Knowledge of humanitarian response coordination architecture, mechanisms and standards.
• Demonstrated understanding of and adherence to humanitarian principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline and a minimum of six years of related work experience or a minimum of ten years of related work experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in unstable environment abroad and or complex emergencies.
• Experience within an operational NGO strongly preferred. However, equivalent experience, including the UN, DPKO missions, diplomatic community, donors, national governments and others, will be considered.
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to gather and analyze information and develop recommendations for action.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically as well as create and implement effective processes, tools, systems and policies.
• English skills required; Arabic or Turkish desirable.
• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities, and a commitment to equity and justice.

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Global Communities is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all staff, representatives, partners, participants, and anyone with whom Global Communities interacts worldwide, especially children and adults at risk.