Staff Security Officer at CWS Africa

This position is primarily responsible for supporting, implementing and ensuring the systematic application of safety and security policies and procedures for all CWS Africa operational areas in the South African region. The Staff Security Officer will compile and draft Weekly Regional Security Updates, conduct expat residential surveys, analyze and complete security assessments of ongoing activities in the South African region as well as ensure proper documentation and filling of security electronic and physical files. This position will act as the primary focal point in daily security operations in the region. This position will liaise closely with the Staff Security Coordinator in Nairobi, Kenya.

Important: Please note that this position is open only to South African Nationals or Candidates that are legally eligible to work full time in South Africa.  Candidates are required to submit a copy of South Africa national ID/Passport, or valid work permit that allows them to work full time.  This is a requirement during the sumbission of an application for this position.

Supervision

This position reports directly to the Program Manager

Essential Duties

• Provide security expertise to the Program Manager and support management in crisis security situations in the area(s) of operation.
• Develop and periodically review security plans and standard operating procedures in areas of operation.
• Provide security and refresher trainings to all floor wardens using existing CWS Security manual.
• Schedule and conduct pre-departure security briefings to all CWS traveling staff
• As the security POC, maintain up-to-date information of staff movement
• Compile and draft Weekly Regional Security Updates including and dissemination of INSO Monthly Reports to Staff Security Coordinator in Nairobi and the Program Manager in Pretoria.
• Train all new staff on safety and security procedures and provide periodic refresher training to regular staff.
• Provide security orientation/briefing to all new staff and visitors in Pretoria office within 24 hours of their arrival.
• Requests guards' deployment, oversee performance of the contracted security guards in Pretoria office and conduct regular security briefings, periodically conduct drills to assess level of response including testing of the panic button.
• Continuously monitors surveillance cameras, ensure they are operational and in compliance with donor requirements working closely with the IT team toensure surveillance systems are up and running.
• Collect, update and communicates information regarding the security situation in areasof operation using existing CWS security manual guidelines.
• Coordinate and liaise with the Logistics Officer on servicing of fire extinguishers and first aid boxes to ensure that offices are OSHA compliant and also in-house periodic motor vehicle inspections to ascertain validity of Insurance and Inspections.
• Conduct expat residential security site assessments as requested and advises staff on the findings.
• Take part in conducting evacuation & lockdown drills using existing CWS security manual guidelines and after action review
• Attend regional security meetings in areas of operation/OSHA meetings, prepares andfollows up on action plans arising from such meetings that pertain to staff security including taking minutes of the proceedings.
• Periodically review Pretoria office security risk rating and update the program manager on findings with recommendations.

• Ensure proper documentation and filling of security electronic and physical files.
• Conduct National Staff background checks with the relevant authorities as well as academic institutions, as required.
• Conduct security site assessments of work and accommodation sites using existing CWS site assessment checklist
• Additional duties as requested by the Program Manager and management.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a security, humanitarian or development or discipline related field, or four (4) years of paid work experience in the same field in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required

Experience:

• Five (5) years of paid work experience is required.
• Experience in conducting security risk assessments required.
• Experience in compiling and drafting security reports including incident reporting is required.
• Experience in coordinating response to security emergencies required.
• Previous experience working with similar INGO or humanitarian agency for at least two (2) years is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA and other international NGO security frameworks.
• Sensitivity to gender and cultural issues.
• Excellent communications skills, with fluency in written and spoken English.
• Working knowledge of French or Arabic is also desirable.
• Writing skills test may be requested.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Abilities:

The Security Officer must have the ability to:

• influence and negotiate with internal and external actors, particularly in complex and/orstressful environments;
• provide high quality security and safety training to new staff, and ongoing advice and guidance, to staff members and visitors;
• work flexibly and remain calm in demanding situations;
• willingly travel and work in difficult environments;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• follow directions and implement policies and procedures from Site coordinators with apositive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies,refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of Africa and CWS;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects within the specified timeframe;
• maintain strict confidentiality with Africa administrative and operational information;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage Africa's resources and work closely with IT to ensure surveillancesystems are up and running.

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/ pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting light loads up to 25 kg.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to travel to remote locations.

Special Requirements:

• A clear MIE background check is required before the start of employment.
• Must be legally eligible to work full time in South Africa.

A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for CWS Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification: None

Competencies

Communication

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Program Planning and Management

Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that they are directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.

Leadership

Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative to resolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.

Resource Building and Stewardship

Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness.