Senior Security Program Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Security Program Manager is responsible to assist the Regional Security Manager (RSM) Middle East (Iraq) and North Africa when the RSM is in country, and also to be the lead security manager in charge of SP-Iraq, when the RSM is out or tasked out otherwise. Responsibilities will include to promote and support the success and security of field programs and staff, Operation Christmas Child, and WMM staff in Iraq.  The Senior Security Program Manager will help maintain security for all field programs, operating sites, and facilities. This position will also help develop and maintain local security and evacuation plans and policies in accordance with SP policies and procedures. These activities will include the oversight of government and contractual relationships, program support, and process evaluation, and direct supervision of security staff as directed by the Regional Security Manager. The Senior Security Program Manager will regularly make site visits to program areas to assess the security environment. This position will also help facilitate the community acceptance model of security in the communities where programs are operating.

Job Duties:

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•          Develop and maintain relationships with diverse personnel who impact security of SP personnel. These include but are not limited to local village leaders, police, military, other NGOs, UN and government leaders
•          Analyze open source and confidential information to continually assess the national and local threat levels.
•          Develop local contacts who can provide real-time information in SP areas of operation
•          Maintain up to date information on political, economic and social status on a national level.
•          Maintain and adjust thresholds and triggers for changes in local security.
•          Develop, manage and train a team of national security officers as well as sub-base national staff.
•          Implement and monitor the security and safety plan, including reporting to the regional security manager and in country leadership on a regular basis.
•          Accountability of asset loss protection through liaising with logistics to ensure compliance.
•          Maintenance of the Security Protocols / Manual and incident records
•          Make Regional Security Manager and/or the Country Director – SPI aware of observed changes to security status, information, needs, and concerns
•          Monitor potential and present emergencies and keep all staff informed of events
•          Provide inputs to the disaster response plan, evacuation plan and other contingency plans
•          Work closely with the leadership to determine appropriate solutions to staffing and program needs in areas of responsibility.
•          Work closely with country leadership in advising on travel restrictions and program hibernations.
•          Ensure efficient use of funding and accurate financial reporting, participate or assist Regional Security Manager MENA, in preparing annual budget
•          Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Regional Security Manager – MENA

Complete other activities as directed by the Line Manager and performing all other tasks and responsibilities assigned for the benefit of Samaritans Purse with a generous and serving spirit.

Skills Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritans Purses code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritans Purses statement of faith, as well as be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

o   Ability to coordinate activities, building and maintaining positive working relationships

o   Ability to understand complex security situations and advise program design accordingly

o   Ability to analyze information to develop a complete picture of security situations Excellent planning and organizational skills

o   Networking and team building skills

o   Flexibility and adaptability

o   Ability to communicate and interact well with people of different educational, linguistic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

o   Diplomacy, negotiating skills.

o   Impeccable integrity and honesty

o   Committed to following the SP code of conduct, values, and ethical standards

o   Humble team player

o   Strong cross-cultural communication skills, both written and verbal

o   Levelheaded and calm demeanor; able to firmly, yet professionally, direct people when the need arises

o   Self-starter and motivated to succeed, regardless of the task

o   Situational awareness, attention to detail, anticipation of events, and follow-up

o   Previous experience in security, preferably with a non-governmental organization (NGO)

o   Strong organizational and problem-solving ability

o   Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules and requirements

o   Willingness to travel throughout northern Iraq

o   Willingness to work in a field environment (including extended periods outside in extreme temperatures, rain, and dust; and within 5 km of an active combat area or within areas that have potential for explosive hazards)

o   Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle in rough road conditions

Education / Experience Needed

•          Two years related experience in a security position, preferably with a NGO.
•          Minimum 1 year of management experience, preferably in a disaster location.  Proven management and leadership experience.

LANGUAGE 

•          Kurdish and English (spoken and written required)
•          Arabic (spoken and written required)