Manager, Safety & Security

Summary

Join Search for Common Ground's Safety and Security team in Damascus, Syria, as the Manager, Safety & Security. Initially remote, this position is contingent on donor funding and involves developing and implementing comprehensive safety and security strategies for all operations in Syria. You will conduct risk assessments, maintain security plans and SOPs, ensure MOSS compliance, manage daily security, respond to crises, and coordinate security activities across all premises and project sites. The role also includes reporting on security incidents, providing regular briefings and training, and establishing a robust security network with local authorities and other NGOs. Strong leadership in managing security personnel and a commitment to safeguarding staff, assets, and the organization's reputation are essential. This position requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to ensuring the continued delivery of peacebuilding programs while managing security risks.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree with a minimum of 9 years of experience in Safety and Security Management and Operations, Risk Management, or a related field
• Must be proficient in Arabic and English
• Must be able to travel domestically 30% and internationally 10% (primarily to other countries within the region for meetings and coordination)
• Manages one or more direct reports and/or consultants and/or manages one functional area

Responsibilities

• Manages the recruitment and selection of qualified security personnel, including consultants, regular staff, and other relevant personnel, and provides support to other key safety & security personnel
• Conducts frequent site visits to Search premises and project sites to conduct performance assessments and provide support to the security and project teams
• Maintains open lines of communication with all field staff
• Develops and regularly updates the country security profile (with regards to the socio-economic, political, and/or military situation in the country, the country criminality profile, the nature of ongoing conflicts or crises, climatic/seismic hazards, and health risks, among others)
• Conducts follow-up on major country events and developments
• Identify and communicate with key stakeholders
• Utilizes Search’s Incident Reporting System as needed to report and communicate incidents
• Fills in and regularly updates the Risk Assessment Matrix (threat, likelihood, impact, level of vulnerability, level of risk) and holds meetings with project teams as needed
• Conducts security assessments of new Search areas of intervention and others under consideration
• Performs assessments of office spaces, hotels, and event venues as needed prior to Search’s engagement
• Conducts security briefings for visiting staff and partners
• Updates and maintains Country Safety & Security Plans, SOPs, Contingency Plans, and quarterly reports
• Develops and regularly updates the Country Safety and Security Plan for validation by the Country Director, then submits it to HQ
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) adapted to the local context
• Develops and regularly updates evacuation and contingency plans across all in-country locations
• Designs and drills a communication tree, emergency network, and other relevant systems
• Coordinates and monitors security activities to ensure that safety and security policies and procedures are implemented
• Works to meet Search’s Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) throughout all of our operations
• Works closely with S&S colleagues across the world, including Search’s Director of Safety & Security, based in Washington, on updates, policies, procedures, and community
• Supports consortium members with all tasks related to security and ensures that the security setup of consortium partners meets the expected requirements
• Ensures that all field staff are fully aware of prevailing security threats and are thoroughly informed on measures to reduce their vulnerability to those threats
• Monitors the security preparedness of country staff and enforces staff compliance with internal security rules and SOPs, ensuring they are communicated to all staff and understood
• Sets up and controls the implementation of mitigation measures and security rules according to the local context
• Conducts security assessments of new Search facilities to ensure a consistent level of facility protection
• Utilizes Search systems to monitor movements/events and coordinates with staff in the event of emergencies
• Ensures a proper level of preparation before movement on the field, ensures transportation means are suitable, maintains the fleet effectively, and establishes movement rules tailored to the local context. Ensure operational follow-up of movements
• Provides orientation prior to the deployment of Search personnel to a new area, and ensures minimum security standards are in place
• Adapts crisis management protocols to local situations
• Supports consortium members in updating and harmonizing their security protocols
• Acts as a key member of the Crisis Management Team to ensure that safety policies and procedures are implemented
• Ensures that weekly and monthly security reports are provided to the Team Leader, Country Director, and HQ as needed
• Provides timely updates regarding situational and security developments, including, but not limited to, investigation of security incidents, and shares with appropriate staff
• Provides monthly security updates to the Steering Committee members
• Ensures that lessons learned are quickly documented and integrated into policies and processes
• Conducts security training and briefings for new staff arriving in the country and during new employee onboarding on applicable security risks and procedures
• Designs security training modules for Country Director’s approval and HQ endorsement
• Conducts periodic training for all staff to increase staff awareness and sense of responsibility for S&S
• Conducts or facilitates any staff security training that is warranted ( training to drivers and guards, evacuation drills, fire safety, etc.)
• Supports consortium partners in ensuring that all team members receive the required security briefings and mandatory training
• Participates in regular Security meetings and presentations
• Builds and maintains a strong security information network in the country, identifying key collaboration opportunities with partners
• Builds professional relationships with UN agencies, local authorities, other NGO’s (local and international), and other relevant stakeholders
• Attends security coordination meetings and updates the Country Director and HQ on current security issues
• Contributes to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, applying Search’s Code of Conduct, values, and policies related to internal and external stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Syrian Kurdish is a plus
• Prior working and living experience in Syria is highly desired