SAFETY, SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING OFFICER Full Time NEW

PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Safety, Security, and Safeguarding Officer (SSSO) provides leadership and oversight in ensuring the safety, security, and safeguarding of all Habitat for Humanity Côte d’Ivoire (HFHCI) operations, personnel, beneficiaries, and partners. The SSSO is responsible for implementing robust safety and security protocols, conducting risk assessments, and leading safeguarding initiatives to ensure a safe and inclusive working environment. This role ensures compliance with national regulations, global standards, and organizational policies, while fostering a culture of safeguarding, security awareness, and accountability across HFHCI.

DUTIES

Safety and Security Management

• Develop, implement, and oversee HFHCI’s Safety and Security Framework, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and national laws.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for HFHCI offices, project sites, and field operations, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation measures.
• Monitor security conditions in operational areas, providing timely updates and recommendations to the National Director and Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Prepare and maintain contingency plans, emergency protocols, and evacuation procedures, adapting them to changing circumstances.
• Ensure compliance with national safety regulations and liaise with relevant government bodies and security agencies.
• Provide technical support for establishing and maintaining safety systems, including fire safety, first aid, and workplace hazard management.

Safeguarding Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of HFHCI’s Safeguarding Policy in alignment with Habitat for Humanity’s global standards.
• Act as the primary safeguarding focal point, ensuring all safeguarding concerns and incidents are reported, documented, and resolved promptly and confidentially.
• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments for all programs, ensuring beneficiary protection, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and women.
• Collaborate with local and international safeguarding networks to enhance HFHCI’s capacity to address safeguarding challenges.
• Ensure safeguarding principles are integrated into program design, implementation, and monitoring processes.

Training and Capacity Building

• Design and implement an annual training plan on safety, security, and safeguarding for all staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Provide onboarding briefings on safety, security, and safeguarding protocols for new staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Develop and distribute security and safeguarding handbooks, including tailored materials for international staff and visitors.
• Conduct emergency response drills and simulations to ensure preparedness for crises, including natural disasters, workplace hazards, and security threats.
• Build the capacity of staff and partners to recognize and address safeguarding concerns, including case management and survivor-centered approaches.

Incident Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor safety, security, and safeguarding incidents across HFHCI operations and ensure timely, accurate reporting to the National Director and SMT.
• Maintain detailed records of incidents, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and organizational policies.
• Provide incident analysis to inform decision-making and improve safety, security, and safeguarding strategies.
• Ensure membership in relevant security and safeguarding networks (e.g., OSAC, UNDSS, and local protection groups) for real-time monitoring and information-sharing.

Collaboration and Representation

• Represent HFHCI in safety, security, and safeguarding forums, including government-led initiatives and inter-agency coordination groups.
• Build and maintain relationships with security agencies, safeguarding networks, local authorities, and other NGOs to enhance collaboration and support.
• Advocate for safeguarding and protection standards within HFHCI and its partner organizations.

Policy Review and Development

• Regularly review and update safety, security, and safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure relevance and effectiveness in HFHCI’s operational context.
• Ensure policies are communicated effectively across all levels of the organization.

Other Responsibilities

• Provide regular updates and reports to the National Director on safety, security, and safeguarding issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the National Director.
• Bachelor’s degree in security management, Risk Management, Social Work, Child Protection, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in safety, security, and safeguarding, preferably in a humanitarian or development organization.
• Proven expertise in conducting risk assessments, developing safety protocols, and leading safeguarding initiatives.
• Strong understanding of safety, security, and safeguarding challenges in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills (in both French and English).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Uphold Habitat for Humanity Côte d’Ivoire’s Vision, Mission, and Principles.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to assess and mitigate risks.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, particularly with security agencies and other NGOs.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all aspects of the role.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including weekends, as required by the role.
• Must be willing and able to travel to field sites as needed.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Willing to uphold Christian principles of HFH Cote d’Ivoire.
• Confidentiality
• Honesty
• High level of integrity combined with ability to make bold and timely decisions
• Be flexible to work long and odd hours, including weekends
• Adhere to all HFHCI’s policies and procedures

Tagged as: Cote d'Ivoire, Habitat for Humanity