Company Profile

CARE International is a global network of independent national organizations, which include CARE members, candidates and affiliates, social enterprises, and thousands of community-based partner organizations working together across more than 100 countries to save lives, end poverty and fight social injustice. To learn more, visit www.care-international.org.

CARE International in Ghana: CARE began operations in Ghana in 1994. Since then the Accra office expanded to support programs in Togo and Benin under the umbrella of the CARE Gulf of Guinea country mission. In July 2010, CARE replaced the three-country mission with country offices in Ghana and Benin, the latter of which is also responsible for a small number of activities in Togo.

CARE Ghana’s projects are primarily implemented through partnerships with local and civil society organizations. This enables CARE to further engage with government and the private sector, work effectively in coalition, and to have the greatest possible impact. CARE Ghana prioritizes the rural and vulnerable poor- women and organizes its work around health, governance, sustainable livelihoods and education.

Job Description

Job Summary:
The Field Security Officer (FSO), under supervision of Regional Security Manager (RSM) is mainly responsible for assisting CARE Country Offices (COs) within assigned sub-regions in the implementation of staff safety and security protocols and procedures. This will include, but not be limited to, promoting staff safety and security awareness, professional approaches, preparedness and management, in support of program implementation.

S/he will work in conjunction with Country Office Safety and Security (SS) Managers (SSM), Advisors (SSA), National Security Officers (NSO), Focal Points (SSFP) and Country Directors (CD) within their assigned sub-region in ensuring a consistently acceptable standard of risk management to minimize the likelihood and impact of potential threats. The Field Security Officer is subject to deployment to any location in Africa, including volatile locations, to assist in addressing security and safety concerns, assist in developing appropriate plans and/or provide technical assistance

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist CO SS staff in developing contextual understanding of their areas of operations as guided by the RSM and in consultation with program staff.
• Assist CO SS staff in preparing, conducting and reporting risk assessments.
• Monitor proper implementation of the Safety and Security Management Plans (SSMPs)
• Assist CO SS staff to prepare for major events and critical incidents where SS is concerned.
• Assist CO SS staff to organize and facilitate SS awareness training for staff members.
• Monitor that CARE SS protocols and operating procedures are in place, are up to date and are being used. Advise CO SS staff and RSM of any gaps.
• Monitor that effective communications and equipments are properly used and are following international protocols
• Monitor that SS protocols are followed and respected by all staff members especially with regard to travel, medical and personal safety
• Report any non-compliance or deviation to CO SS staff, CD and RSM.
• Provide guidance to CO SS staff in updating information on SS situation to the CD and RSM and monitor closely any potential risk to the staff or assets of CARE.
• Assist in emergency evacuation in any of the CARE offices if in potential danger.
• Advise CO SS staff and CDs on appropriate action during a critical incident.
• Assist in investigation of SS incidents where any CARE member may be involved.
• Advise CO SS staff on situational report and assessment formats and procedures.
• Monitor that CO SS staff submit regular reports such as Monthly Security Report.
• Monitor that all staff are aware of and understand SS protocols and procedures.
• Communicate SS-related information updates and/or alerts to CO SS staff.
• Monitor any gap in logistic support and advise CO SS staff on appropriate action.
• Monitor cost effectiveness and efficiency with regard to SS logistics.
• Perform any other assignment related to support to CO SS staff  as required by the RSM

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor's degree with specialist technical training in safety and security such as NGO security, public safety, military or police training; Education qualification may be relaxed for experienced candidates;
• At least a minimum of 3 years’ experience in security, preferably in NGO sector or development organization in safety and security program
• Experience working outside country of residence in safety and security context working with same or other NGO agencies is required.
• The ideal candidate will also need solid technical skills in information collection, investigations, analysis, assessments and reporting.
• Experience in specific safety and security training in NGO context. Qualification as a trainer in safety and security.
• A Minimum of 3 years experience in assisting humanitarian or development organization in safety and security program
• Safety and security management – information collection, investigations, analysis, assessments and reporting
• Excellent in written and oral French and knowledgeable in English; For ECSARO – Excellent in written and oral English.