Security Expert – Consultant (Readvertized) At Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa

Consultancy: Security Expert

Location: Kampala/Arua, Uganda.

Duration: 04 weeks

About SIHA Network

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a civil society coalition bringing together grassroots women’s rights organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Uganda. It was established in 1995 by a collection of women’s rights activists, with the view of strengthening the capacity of women’s rights organizations in the Horn of Africa. SIHA aims to contribute to unlocking the massive potential of women’s rights movements in the Horn of Africa, by improving the capacity of local organizations and building a strong network of grassroots civil society members that can interact and support one another in advocating for effective change. More information about SIHA is available at www.sihanet.org.

Background of the Consultancy

Feminist movements in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHoA) play a crucial role in providing frontline services to marginalized communities, advocating for gender-transformative policies and laws, demanding government accountability for human rights, and pushing for democracy. However, the space for the movements to operate freely is shrinking, as government and non-state actors use legislation, threats, or violence to hinder their work. SIHA, under the Komboa Project, aims to better equip formal and informal feminist movements in the GHoA to operate in volatile and restrictive settings including provision of tools and resources to manage, mitigate, and respond to risks and shocks, contributing in turn to strengthening their resilience. In addition, SIHA operates in volatile and complex environments characterized by political instability, armed conflict, and unforeseeable threats. Ensuring the safety and security of staff and assets is paramount to SIHA’s operations.

In this context, SIHA seeks a Security Expert Consultant to conduct a comprehensive risk and security assessment of SIHA Uganda and develop a robust contingency plan to safeguard the organization’s personnel and resources. The consultant will also equip SIHA Uganda members and affiliates with the necessary skills to handle the current security risk and backlash against feminist organizations and movements.

Objective of the Consultancy
The main objective of this consultancy is to enhance the safety and security of SIHA Uganda staff, members and affiliates by conducting a thorough risk assessment, developing an organizational risk matrix and contingency plans, and capacity building on the plan.

Scope of work

1. Risk Assessment and Management:

• Perform a comprehensive risk assessment for SIHA Uganda operations.
• Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to the local context.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks.

  2. Organizational Risk Matrix & Contingency Plans:

• Develop a detailed risk matrix that outlines various risks, their likelihood, impact, and mitigation measures for the SIHA Uganda Office.
• Ensure the risk matrix is tailored to the specific operational environment of Uganda.
• Develop contingency plans for different emergency scenarios, including evacuation plans, communication protocols, and crisis management procedures.
• Ensure these plans are practical, actionable, and well-documented.

  3. Conduct capacity building:

• Work with a lead consultant to conduct capacity building of SIHA Uganda members and affiliates on the risk and security for feminist organizations and movements

  Deliverables

1. A detailed report outlining the findings of the risk assessment, including identified threats and vulnerabilities. The report should include recommendations for risk mitigation and management.
2. A comprehensive risk matrix tailored to SIHA Uganda operational context as well as well-documented contingency plans for various emergency scenarios.
3. Capacity building framework for SIHA Uganda members and affiliates on risk and security for feminist organizations and movements.

Timeline

• The consultancy is expected to take place over 4 weeks. The timeline includes preparation, on-site activities, and report finalization.

Key Competencies

1. Proven experience in security risk management and anti-gender backlash for feminist organizations preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings.
2. Familiarity with feminist organizing in Uganda, gender backlash, and general context of civil society.
3. Experience and ability to develop a practical and actionable risk management solution from a gender perspective for women’s right-based organizations and groups.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Ability to deliver training in a clear, engaging, and effective manner.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.