Security Officer Job at Spearfish Security West Africa

Spearfish Security West Africa is the Nigerian registered arm of Spearfish Security Ltd, based in Winchester, UK. Spearfish West Africa works closely with the development sector, managing risk and addressing the wide range of security issues frequently experienced in Nigeria. We provide direct support in the current areas of high risk and specialise in anticipating potential future developments and hot spots.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Security Officer
Job Location: Edo

Overview of Approach by the Security Risk Management Team (SRMT) for The Palladium Group
To ensure a comprehensive and tailored risk management system for the Palladium portfolio in Nigeria, the SRMT would:

Be consultative, flexible & inclusive in decision-making:

• The SRMT recognizes the importance of working closely with the widely different Palladium programmes in Nigeria. Therefore, the security profile that will support the implementation of project deliverables will not only keep Palladium staff, project partners and beneficiaries safe and secure, but will also be based on inputs from all involved to ensure a collaborative, flexible & inclusive approach.

Conduct pre-emptive risk management and mitigation:

• The goal of the security team is to never have to escalate to an interventionist approach. The team will continuously monitor (actively & passively) the program areas & regions of intervention. Constant & consistent risk rating evaluations with the corresponding safety & security elements of over-watch will limit risk and exposure as much as possible while endevouring to ensure project delivery & implementation at all sites and on all levels.

Role and SRMT Integration:

• The Edo State Security Officer will be based in the SoSiN office in Benin City and will be key in the day-to-day security focused operational management of all Palladium activities emanating in Edo state. He/she will be responsible for working with the on the ground programme team to design future field trips and to ensure that they are coordinated with the activities of partner organisations.
• The Security Officer will be responsible for project travel management, including the monitoring of field trips and for instigating mitigations necessary to meet any operational obstacles that occur.
• The Edo State Security Officer post is a critical addition to SRMT capacity and will provide the detailed and dedicated security focus necessary to support field work in Edo State Nigeria. He/she will report on a regular basis to the SRMT in Abuja and liaise with other agencies and Security Managers as necessary to coordinate field trips into Edo State.

Description of the activities:

• The role is considered a “fixed” appointment meaning that the Security Officer would provide safety and security support primarily to SoSin while being primarily based in Benin. However, significant travel within the South-South region of Nigeria might be expected in support of other Palladium projects.

Main activities
Key Tasks:

• Provide safety and risk management advice and guidance pertaining to the Edo State and the South-South region.
• Collaborate with SOSIN Programme Manager/Team Leader to ensure oversight of security related issues on current and planned operations and movements in Edo/ South-South region.
• Ensure all visitors receive context specific security updates and HEAT training is up to date.
• Support the team to procure a company/individual to provide 24 hour security guards for the office.

Safety and Security Assessments:

• Conduct safety and security assessments as required/requested in Edo and South-South region.
• Provide Safety and Security briefings to Palladium staff for the Region.
• Coordinate & collaborate with Security elements in Nigeria and specifically in Edo State.

Documentation:

• Produce risk and threat assessments for Edo State and the South-South region as an when there is need.
• Produce Building and Accommodation assessments as request.
• Produce situation reports, alerts and trend analysis pertaining to Edo State and the South-South region on a timely and succinct manner.
• Build and maintain updated list of intelligence & information contacts & details.
• Assist in production of any client requested safety and risk management documentation.

General Tasks:

• Oversee quality assurance & compliance of Occupational Health & Safety aspects as outlined in client contract.
• Collaborate with Security Coordinator to deliver Programme Safety and Security Focal Point capacity building.
• Provide the expected support in the delivery of key SOP should they be required (i.e Fatal RT, Serious Civil Unrest / Life threatening Illness etc)
• Any other reasonable tasks as determined by the Senior Security Manager.

Key Deliverables
Safety and Security Assessments:

• Conduct safety and security assessments as required/requested in Edo State and South-South region.
• Document Route Assessments /Real-time security updates fo Edo State and the South-South region.
• Develop and update security trend analysis including tracking of key security flash points and choke points along key routes into areas where project staff are working.
• Provide Safety and Security briefings to Palladium staff and Consultants when coming into the Region, based on up-to date assessments.
• Coordinate & collaborate with Security elements in Nigeria and specifically in Edo State to provide written feedback on key issues which emerge.
• As the key security person for Palladium, manage all liaison activities with DSS, NPF and other security bodies including CJTF and NSCDC.

Documentation:

• Produce situation reports, alerts and trend analysis pertaining to Edo State and the South-South region and inform key personnel on a timely manner in accordance with SRMT protocols.
• Build and maintain an updated list of intelligence & information contacts & details.
• Assist in production of any client requested safety and risk management documentation.

Requirements
Essential Skills:

• Indigene of the South-South, ideally from Edo State.
• Educated with a high standard of writing and numerical skills.
• Able to present matters concisely and coherently in both spoken and written English
• Wide experience in security and context analysis in South-South Nigeria.
• Knowledge of the context and the recent history of the region.
• Current network of security contacts in the region.
• Demonstrable team/personnel management experience/skills.
• Demonstrable IT knowledge and skills compulsory (Microsoft Office 365 suite, word processing, etc.)
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team (with both expat and national staff)
• Adaptability, flexibility and diplomacy.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skillset.
• Politically and culturally aware and sensitive.
• Effective relationship builder
• Patience and strong character.
• Able to cope with stress and work in an unstable context.
• Ability to communicate in local languages.
• Willing to be based in Edo State.

Desired Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Certified Security qualifications.
• Previous military or police experience.
• Has undertaken recent security work in the South-South.
• Previous security experience working with INGOs in Nigeria.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their written Application, along with full CV and references by email to "Jacob Akinola" via jacobakinola@spear-fish.com Please put the post applied for and your name IN CAPITALS in the email subject bar.

Note

• Shortlisted candidates can expect to be invited for interview as soon as suitable CVs are received.
• Due to the number of applications it will not be possible to respond to all applicants. So if you have not heard from us by "12 December", please accept that you have been sifted
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