FilmAid International Security Officer Job vacancy in Kenya

About FilmAid:Since 1999, FilmAid has used the unique power of film to reach large numbers of vulnerable communities with critical information in a compelling visual format, overcoming language and literacy barriers.

FilmAid uses films that are both educational and entertaining to draw audiences’ attention to subjects of vital concern to their health and well-being.

FilmAid International has operational presence in Dadaab refugee camp and is one of UNHCR’s Implementing partners. Currently FilmAid is implementing a variety of projects with funding support from UNHCR and the US government through Bureau of Population and Migration (BPRM).

These projects generally correspond to FilmAid’s core response areas of Health, Protection and Community services and involve production and dissemination of various videos. 

The large influx of new arrivals due to the ongoing drought afflicting the Horn of Africa and the insecurity in Somalia has led to increase in mortality rates among under 5’s as well as an increase in acute malnutrition figures, prompting UNHCR to declare an emergency and institute a rapid response.

UNHCR has also revised its registration protocols and introduced registration/reception centers in all the three camps as part of coping with the massive influx. FilmAid has been co-opted into the technical committee overseeing this response and proposes to respond by developing and disseminating a New Arrivals Information Kit targeting approximately 180,000 newly arrived refugees by the end of the project period.

FilmAid is looking to recruit a Security Officer to ensure safety for all FilmAid programs. The Security Officer will provide leadership in all security related matters to FilmAid Dadaab program.

Key responsibilities: 

• Ensure safety for Dadaab field program by providing leadership in all security related matters to FilmAid Dadaab program.
• Regularly assess and update security threats and provide recommendations to management.
• Supervise and monitor provision of security to FilmAid staff and film equipment in all FilmAid activities.
• Train and supervise a team of security guards, both national and refugee in situational awareness, crowd control, radio communication and the FilmAid Security plan.
• Implement and maintain a FilmAid radio network in the key locations.
• Ensure regular training, implementation of the security and evacuation plans and regulations in the field.
• Provide daily verbal security reports to the Program Manager. Also provide weekly reports and monthly written summary reports to all FilmAid staff.
• Conduct orientation to visitors, volunteers and new staff on the FilmAid security guidelines. Responsible that all visitors are aware of procedures and follow them.
• Liaise with GOK, UNHCR, LWF and other security officers in assessing security threats in the camps and providing regular updates on this to the Program Manager.
• Conduct investigations on any incidents or property losses within FilmAid premises in conjunction with the Program Manager.
• Continuously update and review the existing evacuation plan, especially for Dadaab and ensure its viability
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements:

• Must be a Kenyan national.
• Diploma in relevant discipline (Advanced university degree in Social Sciences or a related technical field like a military or police academy degree would be an asset.
• Relevant military or police training courses showing career progression with emphasis on operational planning and communication skills, combined with significant practical operational and UN experience would be of great advantage but not essential.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in security management, preferably in a police/military context or with considerable UN field mission experience.
• The applicant’s experience should demonstrate capabilities which should include the ability to conduct planning and operate under extreme stress, a demonstration of high level of leadership and capability of rapid decision-making (with little margin of error). A high degree of physical fitness would be required
• Experience in control of large crowds.
• Basic knowledge in radio networks.
• Flexible in quick decision making
• Ready to work with minimal supervision with ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ready to work for long hours in a hardship area
• Team player, excellent interpersonal, organizational, multitasking and communication skills.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and action.

How to apply: 

Please email applications with only cover letter,  CV and 3 references by 6th February 2012 to: jobskenya@filmaid.org.

Note that applicants who send letters of references, testimonials or any other documents apart from those requested will be automatically disqualified.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.