Safety and Security Advisor (Ukraine Response) At Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is looking for a seasoned security professional for the role of Safety and Security Advisor (SSA), initially focusing on the Ukraine crisis response. The SSA will direct the development, implementation and monitoring of an effective strategy to identify, analyze and mitigate safety and security risks, enable access, maintain continuity of operations and programs, manage incidents, and provide for the safety and security of all HFHI employees and assets. The SSA acts as an advisor to the Area Vice President (AVP), including comprehensive gender inclusive security risk analysis and recommendations related to strategic, operational, programmatic, partnership, and cross-cutting risks. The SSA ensures adequate protocols and mechanisms are in place to address country programs’ unique risks and challenges. They provide direction and technical support in developing and maintaining country programs’ security management in line with HFHI’s Global Safety and Security policy, framework, processes, and protocols.

This position will be based in Bratislava, Slovakia or Warsaw, Poland, travels up to 50% primarily within Europe, with more travel within the first 6 weeks, and is anticipated to last for 2 years.

ABOUT HABITAT’S RESPONSE TO THE UKRAINE CRISIS:

As millions of refugees flee violence in Ukraine, Habitat for Humanity is on the ground in four neighboring countries – Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia – helping meet the shelter needs of displaced families. We are supporting refugees on the move, supplying them with emergency travel kits and hotel vouchers. Habitat is also working on mid- and long-term accommodations for refugees, by subsidizing rentals, refurbishing communal spaces that can act as shelter and supporting mid-term hosting arrangements with families who have opened up their homes. We also plan to lend our housing and construction expertise to partners who repurpose so-called empty spaces – such as unused schools and factories – to serve as shelter for refugees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programming:

Serve as the organization’s Security Focal Point for Europe providing security policy guidance and security management support to the HFH entities in the regions, enabling effective program planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all HFHI security policies and procedures.
Ensure the mainstreaming of security into all levels of program design, implementation and delivery through the substantive monitoring of ongoing and future projects and program, providing innovative and proactive support, direction and solutions.
Review the impact of current, as well as future potential security factors and trends on HFHI planning, program design and delivery, as well as the possible impact that program design might have on the safety and security, ensuring that possible support measures are identified, and improvements are implemented.
To protect and minimize the risk to HFHI staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling Habitat for Humanity program delivery throughout.
Maintain a security network with colleagues with the aim of ensuring coordination and collaboration of the actors of the INGO Security and Private Sector security networks within the Europe region.

Funds Management

Formulate and manage the annual work plan and related budget, initiates budget revisions.
Ensure that costs and expenditures remain within budgeted and approved limits through quarterly monitoring.
Ensure mainstreaming of costs related to implementation of security measures into programs/projects.

Threat and Risk Assessment:

Lead departmental security risk identification and mitigation measures that align with organizational and regional security risk-management standards and requirements.
Assist Branches and National Organizations in implementing and maintaining security risk management across the region ensuring security risks are identified, mitigated and managed.
Inform the development of Safety and Security (S&S) procedures and practices which integrate with gender and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) support associated roll out and adherence.
Provide input, including comprehensive security risk analyses and recommendations, to the AVP and the regional colleagues.
Inform AVP and Global Safety and Security Director of any areas of concern, non-adherence to HFHI policy and procedures.
Ensure safety and security risk management processes and best practices are inclusive of gender and LGBTQ+ specific risks and gender equality and diversity is embedded into such processes.
Ensure that HFH partners receive security management support benefiting from internal systems and best practices relevant to their operations and operating contexts.
Prepare the Regional Daily Situation Report.

Security Management Planning and Compliance:

Remotely and through a minimum of one visit per country per year, monitor and support adherence to policy, principles, standards and requirements. Provide a follow-up report with clear findings and actionable recommendations after each visit. Monitor progress and report concerns to regional and global Security leadership.
Ensure country security focal points are preparing and sharing accurate safety and security reporting, ensure data consistency and report into global dashboards.
Prepare twice yearly regional snapshot of safety and security management.
Support HFH entities within region with safety and security yearly assessment of standard and requirements, definition and monitoring of improvement plans, and progress follow-up.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in social sciences, international politics, management, or a related security field.
Formal training in security risk management.
10+ years of relevant experience in advising on security policies and protocols around staff awareness and safety measurements.
Knowledge of security budget management and costing.
Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.
Practical experience from work in, and knowledge of, the security environment in Europe.
In-depth knowledge of security management and risk management.
Knowledge of INGO business, operations and programming cycle.
Fluency in English both written and verbal.
– Active support of HFHI Values & Commitments:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.
Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.