Director of Country Risk, Security & Safety Management – Syria

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Department Summary

The war in Syria continues; more than 11 million people have been displaced from their homes and the number relying on humanitarian assistance continues to grow. With a large and complex portfolio of work across the country, Mercy Corps has established itself as an analytical, strategic and flexible responder, adapting continually to shifting front lines and operational realities to respond effectively and efficiently through multiple modalities with teams inside Syria and working cross-border from neighboring countries. Mercy Corps has a large and diverse portfolio of work and a substantial team that works across multiple locations, many of which are managed remotely.

Mercy Corps has been meeting the needs of conflict-affected communities from Syria since 2012, with a focus on interventions in humanitarian and recovery programming. With funding from a range of donors, Mercy Corps works together with vulnerable families and communities in Syria focusing on Emergency, Livelihood and Social Cohesion sectors to promote positive coping strategies and address basic needs.

General Position Summary

The Director of Country Risk, Security & Safety Management (DCRSSM) is an enabler for Mercy Corps to deliver relevant and impactful assistance for affected people by leading on high quality Risk, Security & Safety Management. While tools of risk management are still held within individual departments and risk holders, the size and characteristics of the Syria country program require this role to cross-cut between teams for a holistic tracking and leadership on Risk Management. Characteristics such as remote management, the presence of prohibited parties throughout the region, intense and dynamic conflict, a strategy of partnership and the volume of programming activities are a few of these characteristics. In this context, the DCRSSM will enhance the risk management capacity across teams of the Syria Program with the development of tools, procedures, training, and coaching. The DCRSSM will work to bring a stronger understanding and integration of Mercy Corps policies across different levels of the agency and integrated into daily activities. An emphasis will be put on Mercy Corps Tier 1 policies (such as safeguarding, prohibited parties, fraud/corruption and safety & security) and the DCRSSM will look for opportunities to reinforce these policies through program operations. This will be done in coordination with the Middle East Region and in the context of Mercy Corps global Risk Management tools and processes (such as country risk registers). The DCRSSM is expected to lead challenging discussions when levels of risk are viewed as unacceptable to Mercy Corps.

The DCRSSM has authority to work and coordinate with regional management (program and technical) and other Mercy Corps Global counterparts to coordinate tools, ensure priority issues are understood.

As a member of the MC Syria Senior Management Team (SMT) the DCRSSM is expected to provide the Mercy Corps Syria (MCS) Country Director and SMT with information, analysis, and tools for the expansion, evolution and management of operational risk throughout the entirety of the program and hubs. They will work closely with department heads who hold responsibility over compliance tools that support global policies (such as safeguarding, prohibited parties etc) to find areas to reinforce these policies. The DCRSSM is a senior member of the Syria team that provides strategy, briefings and routine updates to the Country Director. The DCRSSM is based in the Country Office in Amman, the role covers the whole of Syria (WoS) program.

The DCRSSM is expected to understand all Mercy Corps program activities and is a key member responsible for defining risk management within strategy in program design and implementation. The DCRSSM will also provide guidance in both analysis and operations with an eye on safely expanding or contracting operations amidst the conflict environment.

The DCRSSM will also advance best practices through critical analysis and forecasting based on the conflict, demographics and historical context, support training programs, provide frequent briefings to program staff, and give technical advice and support for improved risk assessments and risk planning.

The DCRSSM will oversee the Safety & Security management for MCS through the line management of the Safety & Security Manager (SSM) and will escalate significant security threats/incidents to the CD and SMT as necessary. In this heightened security environment, the incumbent will be expected to proactively provide direction and guidance on risk, security and safety working closely with Area Directors, Directors of Programs, Technical Advisors and the Safety & Security Manager.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Field Operational Risk Management

● Responsible for leading the development of Mercy Corps Syria’s risk mitigation planning in consultation with relevant MCS hub(s) and departments. Undertake an assessment of MCS current practice for partner programmes followed by the development of a new/enhanced risk mitigation strategy.

● Ensure a common understanding of risk mitigation process and Mercy Corps risk tolerance by directors and key staff. Area Directors, Program Directors and Department Heads undertake risk assessments and mitigation planning from a holistic perspective, across both programming and operations functions for the field.

● Review and approve program/project risk assessments prior to CD approval, providing guidance on the process and advice on best practice. Support the Area Directors and other relevant team members in leading extensive risk mitigation processes in areas or programs of high risk .

● Mainstream risk management approaches in field and program operations. Ensure that a standardized approach is used across all hubs and departments.

● Continually self-audit on practices, procedures and tools used by the program to ensure a best fit and efficient approach to risk management.

● Responsible for creating SOPs where needed and communicating risk management related information to all applicable staff.

● Ensure risk mitigation measures are in place for Mercy Corps Syria team and partners when transferring risk simultaneously corresponding to Mercy Corps Syria’s Duty of Care policy and the Global Safety and Security Policy.

● Provide quality assurance and sign off of risk analyses during go-no-go and program design processes (prior to CD final approval), including coordination of complex risk analyses for multi-geography awards.

Syria Country Risk Register

● Maintain the country risk register for the Syria program. This includes leading sessions with relevant stakeholders to ensure all strategic and operational threats and risks for the program are captured and treated. The DCRSSM will add and de-escalate risks over time.

● Chair the Risk Management Committee and review the role of the RMC within risk management.

● Chair the Incident Review Committee through regular meetings held to review security and other noteworthy incidents. Support leadership in documentation and identifying corrective measures.

● Ensure accuracy in identifying risk holders within the register. Accountable for following up with risk holders/stakeholders/Department heads for identified mitigating measures and assist where needed the development of such. Regularly audit the register in coordination with all risk holders to ensure all mitigation measures identified are in place and active.

● As a result of identified risks coordinate with internal or external resources to conduct in-person/remote training for relevant parties. Support the risk holder by ensuring the SMT is aware of the resources required in mitigation measures, the progress and challenges.

Risk Management Tools and Resources

● Conduct a full review and gap analysis of current internal and external operational risk management tools and resources. At a minimum, these should be supportive of all Tier 1 policies at Mercy Corps.

● Institutionalize operational risk management for the country program through defining threat, risk, risk transfer and risk sharing.

● Standardize tools across the country program and put in a central location for ease of use.

● Strengthen security risk management capacity in partnerships. In coordination with DCD, HAT, Area Directors and Program Directors support development of risk management plans for partner programming ensuring minimum standards are met in partner programs.

● Develop guidance, tools and training as required. In coordination with relevant departments develop tools where gaps are identified and facilitate a clean roll-out of any risk management procedures.

Operational Security Management

● Direct management of the Syria Safety and Security Manager.

● Accountable to the Mercy Corps Syria Country Director to ensure compliance with Mercy Corps Global security policies and procedures.

● Advise the Senior Management Team (SMT) on areas of concern for operations security and access in all locations.

● Ensure the security management systems are tailored to the needs of each hub/program but also productively consistent across the Country Program.

● Ensure right fit technology is used to advance security and risk management

● Final review for all SOPs/Contingency Plans and operational handbooks and Security Management Plan(s) prior to Country Director Approval.

● Core member of the Mercy Corps Syria Incident Management Team through the duration of any serious or critical incident.

Communication and Coordination

● Responsible for connecting the right managers with relevant analysis and data required for high-level decision making and will develop/maintain a network of trusted sources to enhance this capability.

● Represents Mercy Corps with attendance at inter-agency security and risk coordination meetings.

● Ensures systematic roll-out of new tools, policies, and guidance including webinars, training, and coaching.

Other

● Represent Mercy Corps Syria in external discussions/forums on operational risk management to share learning, best practices and donor risk management related policies and procedures.

● Provide field support and gap coverage for operational security and/or deploy to the hub in the event surge support or gap coverage is needed.

● Engage in inter-agency coordination in risk management and actively interact with other humanitarian actors in the field of risk management.

● Any other duties which are not listed but are essential for Mercy Corps Syria’s risk management profile.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve – we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Program Participants

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our program participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging program participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Safety and Security Manager, Syria (WoS)

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Country Director Syria

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Area Directors, Director of Programmes, HAT Director, Operational Management, Regional Security Advisor, Regional Support Services and Risk Management Director, Director of Field Security.

COLLABORATES WITH: Mercy Corps Regional management, external counterparts, Mercy Corps Syria Staff.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

● Advanced University degree: (MSc); Risk Management, Emergency Management or other related field.

● Must be aware and conversant in Mercy Corps policies and supporting guidelines and tools. The DCRSSM must be able to reinforce these works from a program and risk management perspective.

● Advanced level of understanding with the philosophy and mode of operation of NGOs.

● Minimum of 5 years field based experience in complex and insecure settings and preferably conflict/post conflict environments. Ideally, in more than one country in the Middle East.

● Minimum of 5 years managing security in austere settings alongside proven remote management skills.

● Cross cutting work experience of security, field program management, operations and senior management.

● Direct participation in and strong understanding of current risk related discussions for Syria.

● Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and mentoring. Strong professional network and the ability to network effectively.

● Proven written and analytical skills.

● Willingness to work and travel in often difficult and insecure environments.

● Competency in Internet and Microsoft Office systems including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and other database/mapping systems.

● Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

● Deep knowledge and understanding of Syria and the Middle East Region.

SUCCESS FACTORS

Ability to see and communicate risk security trends at a local and regional level in a way that effectively increases our ability to assess, communicate and manage risk to continue our ability to meet humanitarian needs. Maintaining strong, cooperative relationships with other departments is crucial. A successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity and demonstrate the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and process information in support of changing program activities. They will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and environment. The candidate must be willing to travel to Mercy Corps field offices and project sites. They will ensure a high degree of professionalism and neutrality when it comes to implementing the response.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position is based in Amman, Jordan and is currently an accompanied position. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. Staff will have access to medical, electricity, water, etc. This position requires travel to field offices, some in insecure environments. Although neighboring countries continue to experience political unrest, Jordan has been a stable monarchy for over 30 years and the destination preference for many people from the Middle East to relax or gain access to available services. In recent years, events unfolding in Syria and Iraq have increased local concerns over the continued stability of Jordan but to date there have been no major incidents.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.