Safety & Security Coordinator

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

Enhancing resilience is at the heart of what Mercy Corps does and how we work. Resilience means that people and systems can protect and improve wellbeing in the face of shocks and stresses. Mercy Corps strengthens sources of resilience to enhance the capacities of people, markets, and institutions to handle shocks, reduce risk, build more equitable and responsive systems, and improve well-being. Through our programs, partnerships, and influence, we support communities to cope, adapt, and ultimately thrive.

Since 1986, Mercy Corps Afghanistan has supported communities to recover and build resilience to future shocks and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives, with a focus on the most marginalized. Our objectives include meeting immediate food and nutrition needs through cash, voucher, and WASH assistance, strengthening capacities for crisis preparedness and response, and in so doing, contribute to resilience through inclusive, climate-smart water systems, enhanced livelihoods opportunities, food security, and social cohesion. 

The Safety & Security (S&S) Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and providing technical guidance on the implementation of Mercy Corps’ Global Minimum Standards for Safety & Security across the Afghanistan country program. The role focuses on contextual analysis, access and movement guidance, risk-informed decision-making, and enabling safe, protected, and accountable program implementation. The position works in close collaboration with program and operations leadership to support quality delivery while managing risk in a complex operating environment.

This position is advisory and coordination-based and does not include direct supervisory responsibility or budget authority.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work

·       Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members

·       Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1.Security Management Standards and Systems:

·       Coordinate and support the implementation of Mercy Corps Global Minimum Standards for Safety & Security, including security management planning, documentation, staff orientations and briefings, journey management guidance, incident reporting procedures, and office and workplace safety.

·        Provide technical input on security-related training needs, staffing considerations, and resource planning, in coordination with senior management.

2. Context Analysis and Security Risk Assessment

·       Conduct and routinely update country-wide and sub-national security risk assessments reflecting the evolving operating context.

·       Analyze political, conflict, criminal, and social dynamics impacting access and operations, and use findings to inform security advice, movement guidance, and operational recommendations.

·       Communicate relevant contextual changes, threats, or procedural updates to teams and ensure security documentation is revised as required.

3. Security Management Planning

·       Draft, review, update, and support implementation of the country Security Management Plan (SMP) in coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.

·       Ensure the SMP includes, at minimum: context analysis, risk assessments, risk mitigation measures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), contingency and emergency plans (including medical), incident reporting guidance, and key contact information.

4. Security Incident Reporting and Learning

·       Coordinate mandatory security incident reporting processes at country level.

·       Maintain and update the security incident log to support timely analysis of trends, effective risk mitigation, and organizational learning.

·       Ensure critical incidents are escalated promptly to the Global Security Team in accordance with Mercy Corps requirements.

5. Briefings, Orientations, and Capacity Support

·       Coordinate and deliver security orientations, staff and visitor briefings, and onboarding support to ensure personnel are adequately prepared for the operating environment.

·       Provide updated security briefings and guidance as the context evolves and support access to relevant security plans and procedures.

6. Risk Management Team Coordination

·       Coordinate and support the Afghanistan Country Risk Management Team (RMT), including facilitating meetings and documenting key decisions and action points.

·       Support cross-departmental engagement to ensure security risk management considerations are integrated into strategic and operational decision-making.

7. Security Self-Audit and Compliance Support

·       Coordinate the annual security self-audit process in collaboration with the Risk Management Team and relevant departments.

·       Support management in tracking corrective actions and strengthening compliance with Mercy Corps safety and security standards.

8. Internal and External Security Coordination

·       Serve as the primary security focal point for engagement with the Senior Director of Global Security and Regional Security Advisor.

·       Work closely with government liaison functions and relevant authorities to support timely approvals for program implementation, assess access constraints, and identify potential operational and reputational risks affecting Mercy Corps activities.

Security System Management

·       Familiarity with key security resources on the Hub and DL.

●      Ability to set up incident tracking and security files in country.

●      Ability to promote a culture of security awareness and management.

●      Develop and supervise the implementation of:

○      Security Management Plan (SMP)

○      Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

○      Contingency Plans

○      Risk Assessments and mitigation plans (Normally, part of the SMP)

●      Convener, promoter, and member of the Risk Management Team (RMT).

●      Ensure RMT (Risk Management Team meetings occur on a regular schedule.

●      Advise Program and Field Coordinators in Herat, Kandahar and Mazar on security safety management strategies, including the transfer, avoidance, acceptance and/or control of risks.

●      Regular posting of security information to all staff via a convenient platform that they can easily access.

●      Assist in the reporting and management of incidents and provide timely and accurate incident reports. Ensure incident reporting is conducted as necessary, documented, and logged. Includes completion of incident report form, informing necessary actors and maintaining incident report file.

●      Maintain an updated list of all necessary telephone and contact numbers of authorities in all Mercy Corps areas of work and residence

●      Coordinate with Logistics on maintaining the movements of communication devices (VHF radios & satellite phones and others)

●      Ensures the translation of all key documents in the local language/s.

●      Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Code of Conduct; Gender, Diversity and Inclusion guiding documents; Core Humanitarian Principles and Do No Harm.

Security and Contextual Information Analysis

●      Monitors local and national news (radio, television and print), information available from other agencies, Mercy Corps offices, and translate appropriate information in regular updates.

●      Conduct routine site visits to Mercy Corps field offices and provide situation reports on the security situation in the area. Provide specific recommendations for the field offices and field staff conduct, as required.

●      Use these periodic assessments to ensure that appropriate measures are taken for safe operation.

●      Inform on issues that may influence Mercy Corps security in the country and advice on precautionary measures.

●      Produce regular written reports in the appropriate language (by demand) on the security situation in the areas of operation.

●      Ensure regularly updated incident mapping based on gathered information. Map and advice on Go/No-Go areas.

●      Coordinate with Mercy Corps supervisory staff in tracking national staff movements in the field. Establish a communication system with field staff when/where necessary. Advise on travel restrictions or precautionary measures, as required.

Team members learning and Training

●      Ensure orientation of new expatriate staff is completed on first day of arrival.

●      Provide regular briefings/trainings to national staff on preventative security measures and conduct on and off Mercy Corps premises.

●      Respond to staff inquiries about security issues and emergencies, and provide immediate assistance when necessary

●      Maintain an updated database of all essential contacts, phone numbers and addresses of law enforcement agencies in the area

●      Prepare a security training plan with supervisor and conduct or organize security trainings as needed.

●      Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as required by Mercy Corps’ global security policies and determined by country leadership.

●      Contribute to creating a secure environment for team members.

●      Conduct themselves both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

Knowledge and Experience

·   Minimum 6+ years of experience working in and/or advising on programs in insecure and complex contexts.

·   Experience managing humanitarian relief and/or transitional programs in areas affected by conflict.

·   Interpersonal and communication skills required, including influencing, negotiation, and coaching.

·   Strong management skills with good understanding of managing international, cross-cultural teams.

·   Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

·   Fluent written and oral communication in English required.

·   Knowledge of major donor requirements and compliance issues.

·   Strong understanding of conflict sensitive program mainstreaming, and gender or protection mainstreaming would be an advantage.

Consent Language: 

“Mercy Corps collects your personal data for the purposes of managing Mercy Corps recruitment related activities as well as for organizational planning purposes globally. Consequently, Mercy Corps may use your personal data in relation to the evaluation and selection of applicants including, for example, setting up and conducting interviews and tests, evaluating and assessing the results thereto and as is otherwise needed in the recruitment processes including the final recruitment. 

Mercy Corps is an international organization consisting of multiple affiliated companies in various countries. Mercy Corps has international sites and uses resources located throughout the world. Your data may be held on secure platforms globally, including outside . All personal data whether relating to recruitment or employment, is held on a secure platform and system which is subject to regular testing and audit. Unless stated in the job description that the post involves other organizations with which the information will be shared as part of the recruitment process, your personal data will only be shared with third parties where consent is given. Mercy Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (the “Scheme”) (www.schr.info/the-misconduct-disclosure-scheme). Accordingly, we request information from a job applicant’s previous employer(s) about any investigations which found that the applicant committed sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents of misconduct under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, you confirm your consent to Mercy Corps collecting your prior employment history under the Scheme as part of the application process. Your data will be stored for up to four years.” 

By applying for this position, I attest that I have never violated a sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or human trafficking policy and that I have never been disciplined for violating an employer’s code of conduct.”

To apply for this position, please follow the below given link.

Safety & Security Coordinator

Please note that only shortlisted candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for the written test/interview.

Note:  Please note that MCA will provide office space and facilities only and is not providing any lodging facilities for its Team Members/Employees in HQ and field offices and it is the employee’s responsibility to arrange the lodgings for themselves if they work in a field office other than their home province.

Females are highly encouraged to apply for the MCA Open positions.