About the role:

MAG is seeking a Country Security Manager (CSM) to manage the daily security requirement of the programme including work sites, bases, operational areas and internal and external guard force. The CSM will monitor and assess security conditions, and advise the Senior Management Team (SMT) as appropriate.  The post holder will also be responsible for developing and delivering safety and security training as well as mentoring and developing the Health, Safety and Security Manager and Security Coordinator. This is a great opportunity to use your extensive technical knowledge and experience in security management and analysis to support an organisation working hard to improve the lives of communities in challenging environments.

This role will be based in Erbil and Baghdad with frequent travel to various areas within the country.

About you:

The successful candidate should have at least 5 years experience in high-risk environments, 2 of which should be in the Middle East (preferably Iraq). They should be able to demonstrate extensive experience in practical security planning and implementation, gained in the context of relief operations in insecure areas. The ability to analyse rapidly changing security environments, and react appropriately is also essential. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate excellent communication and liaison skills with an awareness of diplomacy and tact. Accredited training qualifications and HSE and security qualifications are highly desirable. We are looking for candidates who are committed to capacity building and delivering professional training relating to security management. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and fluency in English alongside Arabic and/or Kurdish is essential for this role.   

Key Responsibilities

           Information management:

• Participate, and represent MAG in Iraq based security information networks
• Support the Senior Management Team (SMT) in the overall planning and management of security in the programme through the collection and dissemination of relevant security information while working closely with the Regional and Global Security Manager.
• Ensure security information is stored in accessible electronic and paper systems.
• Provide regular, concise and clear verbal and written security analyses and updates to Country Director and Regional Security Manager (RSM).

Advising and facilitating security management

• Review MAG Iraq’s existing security SOPs, policies and architecture in the programme and provide relevant recommendations to build on/improve protocols
• Maintain and ensure the existence of a functioning security management system, including:
  • Context analysis (internal & external), including incident maps, stakeholder analysis, review of existing security management arrangements, MAG’s community acceptance, staffing structure and risk analysis.
  • Scenario planning, including recommendations on appropriate interventions (programme objectives, scope, outputs, based on judgements about access and security risk), capacity needs for scenarios (training, resources, infrastructure) and evacuation.
  • Strategy for implementation that builds on existing local capacity within and external to MAG, and takes into account MAG's policies and resource limitations.
• Monitor the security situation in all programme areas in Iraq, in liaison with key internal and external sources; conduct/monitor daily security checks and provide analysis as necessary; make recommendations for appropriate action by senior management.
• Undertake site/area assessments as well as security risk assessments, implement necessary mitigation measures.
• Conduct regular field visits (at least quarterly) to all of MAG’s bases to monitoring compliance with SOPs, provide support, guidance and quality assurance.
• Coordinate closely with security focal points in each base
• Conduct scoping visits to non-MAG areas to assess feasibility of expansion opportunities, accessing access requirements

• Update and maintain appropriate and user-friendly security management procedures and guidelines, reviewing and revising as necessary while supporting the CD and Regional Security Manager in following up on their progress.
• Identify and track necessary security and safety related base improvements (supported by the HSE) and work with country team to appropriately budget for and manage budget for security/safety related improvements ensuring adherence to regional MOSS standards
• Provide timely and practical security information to RSM, SMT in general which includes analysis and identifying of key security aspects, implications on access (present and future) and possible impacts on organizational programming and reputation.
• Support managers to implement agreed security procedures, ensuring that all staff are familiar with and adhere to the policy and procedures and are informed of changes in security levels or procedures.
• Review and make recommendations on procedures related to international and national staff movement in-country
• Support the SMT to monitor the implementation of the Security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), crisis plans, evacuation procedures, and security briefings, helping in their updating as instructed by the CD.
• Author monthly security reports with contextual evidence of changes in patterns and trends that may affect operations and disseminate to relevant people.
• In conjunction with the programme SMT, support and approve the pre-deployment security risk assessment.
• Give effective and accurate security briefings for all new staff and visitors
• Ensure all process and procedures related to administration, communication and transport are in place to facilitate good security management.
• Develop and facilitate good relations with key stakeholders, such as the Peshmerga, ISF, Asayish, INS, NOC, NIA, MoI, INSO, and NGO Forum among others, both directly and through Country Security Coordinator, HSE Manager, and focal points
• Liaise with relevant security authorities in ensuring MAG fulfils security-related regulations such as obtaining necessary clearance letters.
• Analyze physical structures such as safe rooms within base locations in relation to security procedures and implement, with the assistance of relevant staff, amendments to structures and procedures
• Monitor staff movement tracking system and address any issues arising from improper movements
• Manage relationship with third party security guard provider; manage internal guard force where relevant
• Any additional security-related duties as determined by the Country Director and RSM.

Security Training

• Based on an assessment of training needs (TNA) to develop, support, facilitate and/or deliver security and safety training to all staff members and partake in regional training initiatives.
• Become familiar with/instruct MAG’s Safety Awareness Training (SAT) and support RSM in the design and delivery of accredited HEAT training utilizing external training providers
• On top of pre-existing training, deliver Safety and Security related training to for all staff (both international and national), including evacuation/hibernation drills
• Mentor and manage security team (Country Security Coordinator HSE Manager) on an ongoing basis in the area of safety and security training and development

Compliance

• Update operational safety tools (e.g. standard operating procedures, site security plans, contingency plans) in accordance with MAG regional and global Management System and monitor staff compliance and report breach or trespass to RSM and CD.
• Ensure program complies with Global Security Policies, Procedures and security standards and raises concerns to RSM

General

• Respond where required to internal security incidents and implement respective response needs
• Act as part of the in-country SMT and a key member of the Incident Management Team (IMT)
• Undertake any other reasonable task that may be requested through line management or SMiC

General

• Respond where required to internal security incidents and implement respective response needs
• Act as part of the in-country SMT and a key member of the Incident Management Team (IMT)
• Undertake any other reasonable task that may be requested through line management or SMiC

All staff are expected to undertake the following general duties

• Work within the framework of MAG’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement.
• Work towards achieving programme objectives.
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all MAG policies and procedures and keep informed of MAG activities.
• Undertake and apply to learn from appropriate training and development programmes.

Person Specification

Essential Experience 

• Humanitarian background or deep understanding of complex security contexts.
• Demonstratable understanding of Iraq security context and key actors
• At least 5 years’ experience in high-risk environments, 2 of which should be in the Middle East.
• Practical security planning and implementation experience gained in the context of relief operations in insecure areas
• Experience in identifying key risk and threats and the ability to transmit in a timely and accurate manner
• Experience of working in conflict-affected areas and of associated risks to personal and organisational security (banditry, localised conflict, urban disturbance etc.)
• Experience of working with teams of people with varying experience of security planning and management including staff with little or no security understanding
• Experience and ability to work effectively with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams
• Understanding/experience of NGO security management
• Ability to build a positive security and safety culture within the program
• Held at least a senior security management position.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, together with the capacity to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities.
• High level of maturity and flexibility
• Language skills in Arabic and/or Kurdish, or willingness to learn
• Excellent English language skills and ability to write precise and detailed reports
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholder
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external audiences including in complex and stressful circumstances.
• Ability to advise and support field staff in a consultative and positive manner.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work with a wide variety of staff with different cultural background.
• Professional security qualification from recognised body
• Proven professional development experience within multiple disciplines of security management
• HSE qualification
• Proven ability to deliver professional security training programmes and inductions

Essential Aptitude

• Self-motivation, and the capacity to work with limited supervision
• Ability to work remotely with limited management oversight and support
• Experience and acceptance of working in remote locations (with limited/no electricity, internet, etc)
• Able to work under pressure, deliver high-quality work within deadlines and meet team objectives
• Commitment to MAG’s mission, values and approach

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Experience living and working in Iraq or Middle East
• Prior INGO experience, ideally in security management or advisory role.
• Experience and knowledge of the context and ability to analyse the changing security environment
• Member of Security Institute or will to work towards
• Investigation processes

Safeguarding

• Work in compliance with MAG's Safeguarding framework: Policy on personal conduct; protection of children and vulnerable adults, dignity at work, reporting Malpractice (Whistleblowing), Equal Opportunities, and Policy on Modern Slavery.
• Follow MAG's Ethical Images policy in-country and support understanding of the ethnical images policy amongst staff throughout the programme.
• Report any safeguarding (i.e. Harassment and abuse) concerns in accordance with MAG's reporting options and guidelines.
• Work within the framework of MAG’s core values; adhere to all MAG policies and procedures and in compliance with MAG’s equal opportunities policy.

Application procedure for the position

All interested candidates in apply for this position should send their updated CV in English to this email address jobs.iq@maginternational.org  Please note that candidates who do not meet the selection criteria will not be considered. All Applicants must mention the job title (Country Security Manager) in subject line of their email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications:                                                                                                                                                                            

• With no job title in the subject line,
• Sent through links and
• Duplicate applications will be disqualified.

Closing date for applications is 13-Dec-2023. Late applications will not be accepted.

** MAG is an equal opportunities employer.

** MAG Iraq does not charge any fees for Job applications.

Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed”. MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply. If you think you would be suited in this role we would welcome your application regardless of your background. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

MAG therefore denounces any fraudulent or dishonest impersonations and will take disciplinary, legal or any other appropriate measures against anyone proven to have been involved in fraud, bribery, or corruption, or anyone who was aware of its existence and did not take any action against it.  To report any such cases, please reach out to us via e-mail: Administration.IQ@maginternational.org