Emergency Preparedness & Security Officer
BACKGROUND
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, working towards achieving a world with zero hunger. Since the beginning of the Ukraine refugee crisis in February 2022, WFP set up operations in Moldova to assist in the refugee response. To respond to the deepening vulnerabilities of the crisis-affected populations and to strengthen the government shock-responsive capacity, WFP has drafted a Transitional Interim Country Strategic Plan (T-ICSP), which outlines the activities in the country for the next year (September 2022 – August 2023).
To support its emergency preparedness and fulfill WFP’s mandate in Moldova in the short to medium term, and given the operational context as a neighbouring country of Ukraine, WFP Moldova is now seeking to hire an Emergency Preparedness and Security Officer.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The objective of this position is to provide technical expertise, training and general relevant inputs to senior management so timely decisions can be made ensuring WFP Moldova has the operational and technical skills to support timely coordination and implementation of security and emergency preparedness and response operations.
Specifically, under direct guidance of the Head of Office/Country Director, in close collaboration with relevant technical WFP colleagues in Moldova- and Ukraine Offices, Regional Bureau and Headquarters and in support of the above objective, the Emergency Preparedness and Security National Officer is expected to: 1) provide advice, analysis and contributions to integrated emergency response operations; 2) support field emergency operations as/if needed; 3) manage WFP’s day-to-day security operations to facilitate the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities; and 4) coordinate inputs to and implementation of emergency preparedness plans by relevant heads of units, to ensure optimal preparedness at all times.
WFP Moldova considers the risk informed emergency preparedness plan across 3 dimensions: 1) Programme contingency planning, under direct responsibility of the Head of Programme; 2) Business Continuity Plan under direct responsibility of the Head of Support Services; and 3) Safety and Security Plan, under direct responsibility of the Emergency Preparedness and Security National Officer, supported by the Head of Office/Country Director.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specifically related to: Emergency Preparedness Officer Function
• Support the provision of cross-functional analysis, including context analysis to inform emergency preparedness and response.
• Facilitate cross-functional coordination at the appropriate level and convene the counterparts from various technical/functional areas to ensure that emergency preparedness and response is delivered in a coherent, integrated and efficient manner.
• Provide support to and coordinate preparation of emergency assessment capacities, contingency planning, scenario building and Concept of Operations to ensure adequate operational readiness and where feasible, a transition plan for more sustainable emergency responses.
• Provide support to monitoring of emerging humanitarian and food security trends and potential socio-economic and political instability to identify risks and strategies for preparedness and risk reduction before crisis occurs.
• Provide timely situational updates to senior management to ensure effective decision-making.
• Provide support to ensuring that WFP’s activities linked to the emergency response are coordinated with the affected communities, authorities and partners.
• Provide advice to management on all matters related to the emergency response.
• Promote/Advocate for application of WFP’s emergency guidance and protocols.
• Support and coordinate the development of functional training and documentation of lessons learned to promote good knowledge management practices ensuring improvement of future emergency responses.
Specifically related to: Security Officer Function
• Responsible for liaison with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and the in-country security management apparatus including participating in security operations management meetings and contributing to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience, to ensure WFP management and staff are fully briefed on security matters in the Country Office.
• In conjunction with WFP Field Security Division, provide recommendations and operational support to the Office for achievement of Area Security Risk Management and Residential Security Risk Management measures.
• Responsible for all facilities access control measures and procedures to ensure safety and security of WFP staff and visitors in line with UNSMS best practices.
• Contribute to the management of security budget including procurement planning to support efficient and cost-effective resources management.
• Responsible for the management of security equipment to ensure it is issued correctly, is in serviceable condition and is following the established security standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders regarding a range of security staffing matters (e.g. security briefing, capacity building), to ensure compliance with the established WFP policies and procedures.
• Collect information about local security developments, issues and provide technical analysis on the potential impact upon WFP operations to support security and operational activities.
• Prepare comprehensive, accurate and timely security-related reports including recommendations to support informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to the senior managers and other stakeholders.
• Provide security orientation briefings to newly arrived staff to ensure staff are well-informed of local security conditions and procedures (such as, but not limited to, UNDSS-organised trainings/briefings and other.)
• Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of measures for improving emergency and contingency planning documentation including physical preparations and procedures to support preparedness for a crisis.
• Build and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders such as local administration, security and law enforcement authorities, communities, UN/ NGO security staff and other actors, to facilitate access for safe programme delivery and to mitigate potential risks against staff and other resources.
• Oversee and co-ordinate staff activities during field missions and ensure that security assessments are performed as per WFP standards to support safe and effective
programme delivery.
• Support the Head of Office/Country Director and all staff assigned by him or she, during emergencies to meet changing needs.
General:
• Pro-actively coordinate with WFP colleagues.
• Represent WFP in inter-agency, UN Country Team, and events, as required/needed
• Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education: Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses. A diploma obtained from Military/Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.
Experience: Typically, three years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in security management (relevant military, policy or corporate) and/or security risk management, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development.
Knowledge & Skills:
Good theoretical understanding of security management concepts and principals with a knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes.
Good analytical skills with the ability to assimilate and analyse a range of data and issues to support the development of efficient solutions.
Good communication skills and ability to adapt communication style to different situations and individuals.
Ability to supervise, coach and motivate national security staff.
Ability to deliver effective briefing and training, assessing participant needs.
Knowledge of common business principals and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.
Languages: Fluency in Romanian, Russian and English (level C). Knowledge of Ukrainian is highly desirable.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Contract Type & Level: Service Contract SC8
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Duty Station: Chisinau, Moldova
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 22 March 2023
