Role
We are looking for a Security Risk and Operations Management Adviser who will play a critical role in providing the security and operations expertise, advice and support for War Child’s work in Gaza and in particular, supporting potential missions by international staff into Gaza. The role will plan security and logistics aspects of an initial international mission into Gaza. It will join this mission and will assess the security and operational environment in Gaza. Subsequently, it will develop comprehensive security and operations protocols to safeguard our staff and strengthen operations in Gaza. This short-term role requires an individual with extensive experience in security risk and operations management, particularly in conflict zones, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our operations in this challenging environment. Experience of prior work in occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) will be an advantage.
The role
- Detailed Planning of initial Gaza Assessment Mission:
Work with War Child team to finalise initial assessment mission terms of reference, roles & responsibilities, and operational plans. Advise senior management on go/no-go. Arrange a Gaza rotation with the UN. Work (remotely) with War Child Gaza team and partners to arrange appropriate accommodation, supplies/equipment, and an itinerary. Set-up comms and safety measures for the assessment. Engage with oPt Country Office, UN, other NGOs and stakeholders in oPt to get a more in-depth understanding of the Gaza operating context and risk mitigation options.
- Threat and Risk Assessment:
Conduct a comprehensive on-the-ground assessment of potential threats and risks for War Child operations in Gaza. Provide detailed reports and recommendations based on findings to inform decision-making.
- Security Management Plan:
Revise and strengthen a local Gaza security management plan that includes secure travel routes, safe accommodation, and daily operation protocols. Align the plan with industry best practices to ensure staff safety.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Work with oPt team to strengthen the SOPs for staff and operations, including procedures for entry and exit, , handling security incidents, programme operations, logistics and procurement and outlining alternative arrangements should context no longer permit certain options.
- Staff Contingency Plans:
Design and put in-place contingency plans for staff, including hibernation, relocation, and evacuation strategies.
- Medical and Communications Plans:
Develop a medical plan identifying local healthcare facilities and securing medical evacuation options. Review and strengthen a robust communications plan to maintain constant contact with teams.
- Welcome Pack and Local Incident Management Plan:
Create a comprehensive welcome pack with vital information for personnel entering Gaza.
Review and strengthen a local incident management plan to prepare staff for potential incidents.
- Training:
Provide security risk and operations management training to oPt staff and partners on revised SOPs and other topics as needed.
- External Engagement:
Meet and maintain ongoing relationships with relevant UN agencies, other NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders in oPt in order to maintain an in-depth understanding of the Gaza operating context and security risk mitigation options.
- Long-Term Engagement:
Potentially continue as a security risk and operations management adviser to establish necessary platforms, systems and SOPs and recruit and train local managers.
Your profile
- Extensive experience in security risk and operations management, particularly in conflict zones
- Prior work experience in oPt would be an advantage
- Proven ability to develop and implement effective security and operations protocols
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide actionable recommendations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for training and collaboration
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing environments
- Relevant qualifications in security and/or operations management
How to apply
- Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience via the following link:
https://www.warchild.net/jobs/Interim-Security-and-Operations-Advisor/
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
- This role is open to be filled on either a short-term staff, or on a consultancy basis.
- In addition to remuneration, War Child will provide comprehensive insurance for missions in Gaza, as well as HEAT training if required
- A significant amount of the work will be based in oPt, role can be home-based
By submitting your application you certify that all of the statements made in your application are true, complete, and correct and are made in good faith. You understand that falsifying, misrepresenting or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for rejection of your application or withdrawal of any offer of appointment or, if an appointment offer has been accepted, this will be ground for employment sanctions, such as, but not limited to, instant dismissal. In addition, you understand that you need to submit a Criminal Record Certificate and that, if you fail to submit it, no employment relationship can be established.
War Child is an international organisation, and we are committed to be a diverse and inclusive employer, placing human and child rights at the centre of our existence and work. We hire our new colleagues based on their talents, competences and shared values; we do not distinguish them based on their age, gender and gender identity, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, disability etc.
The safety of children and youth is a paramount and essential to War Child’s work. War Child has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse. To prevent placing children and youth at any risk this subject is addressed in our recruitment and selection procedures. Moreover, the accepted candidates will be required to state their commitment/ intent to be aware, consider and adhere to the minimum standards applicable in development and humanitarian settings, such as humanitarian values and principles, Sphere Humanitarian Charter, Standards in the Humanitarian Standards Partnership, Core Humanitarian Standard, International Humanitarian Law, Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief and IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Disclaimer
• Only applications received via our website are processed.
• If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date. In such a case, any responses received after that time are not processed.
• It could be that during our selection process the closing date for the vacancy is extended. If so, and you have not yet heard from us, your application will remain active.