Security, Access & Liaison Officer

War Child, the specialist charity for children affected by conflict. For more than two decades we’ve delivering high-impact programmes that are rebuilding lives across Afghanistan, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic and Yemen. We understand children’s needs, respect their rights, and put them at the centre of the solution - from reintegrating children formerly associated with armed groups and armed forces (CAAFAG) in the Central African Republic to reuniting children with their families in Afghanistan. We look forward to a world in which the lives of children are no longer torn apart by war. This is a vision that can only be realised through the collective actions of children themselves, communities and their leaders, organisations like War Child, governments and key decision makers.

Job Purpose 

The Security and access & Liaison Officer will be based in Kabul and will cover Nangarhar and Kandahar and shall be responsible for coordinating and overseeing security operational plans in the security department and facilitating communication and coordination between different departments, teams, or external entities. The security and access & Liaison officer will work to improve the operations of the security department and strengthen coordination, information sharing, and surveillance activities through mutual Interaction to ensure the safety of organization staff, assets, and beneficiaries, and work on building strong relations with communities and area authorities. The SALO serves as a liaison between the INGO and external stakeholders, including local authorities, security forces, and other organizations operating in the same area. They establish and maintain relationships to gather security-related information, coordinate security efforts, and seek support if needed. The incumbent will report directly to security Access & Liaison Manager 

The Duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 

Key responsibilities: 

• Provide security briefing to all newly hired staff on War Child UK’s security policy/protocol 

• Conduct security risk assessment in proposed project sites, gather security-related information and analyze the security trends and provide the report to the security Access & Liaison Manager 

• To monitor security situation in project areas and provide advice to travelling staff in the field regarding restricted/high risks /”no go” areas. 

• Attend INSO and other security-related meetings and provide updates/feedback to the Country Director Security Access & Liaison Manager 

• Conduct periodic project site assessments in coordination with project managers 
  Initiate relationship-building with communities in the project areas to promote acceptance of War Child UK’s presence and gain their support and cooperation 
  Develop the country security plan and risk mitigation in consultation with the security Access & Liaison Manager 

• Provide security briefings to international staff from HQ visiting the country office and all the newcomers. 

• Supervise guards in all targeted provinces and ensure that organizational code of conduct is respected and adhered to. 

• Act as the main point of contact for visitors and callers inquiring about security issues/concerns. 

• Attend security training conducted by INSO or other security training providers and cascade the training to War Child UK staff and staff of implementing partners 
  Monitor staff’s adherence/compliance to the organization’s Security Policy and internal security procedures. 

• Travel to all provinces covered by WCUK 

• Implement staff/vehicle movement tracking 

• Ensure the safety of the organization’s assets, staff, and beneficiaries 

• Responsible for overall handling, tracking, maintenance, and supervision of the WCUK Fleet system (Vehicles and drivers) in Kabul and working closely with the Admin & Logistics Manager in Heart for any matters and reports regarding the Fleet system. Responsible for overall handling, tracking, reports, and disposal process of assets and property items in the Kabul office and work closely with Admin & Logistics Manager in Heart for any matters and reports. Assist the Admin & Procurement Officer on a needed basis with relevant activities. Other tasks as required/delegated by the Country Director, security Access & Liaison Manager and Admin & Logistics Manager. 

• Contribute to creating a culture committed to the safeguarding of children and adults and compliant to War Child’s Child Safeguarding and Adults at Risk Policies. 

Access:  

• Initiate relationship building with communities in the project areas to promote acceptance of War Child UK’s presence and gain their support and cooperation.  

• Having effective communication with non-state actors through communities.  

• Hold a meeting with stakeholders, and active actors in the area and pass their message to the Team Leader, security officer & coordinator.  

• Act as an access focal point to the communities and filed project staff.  

• Any other tasks as required/delegated by the reported line managers/supervisors. 

Liaison  

• Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, non-governmental organizations, and other non-State actors in the area of operation; police officers, military, if needed Maintains regular contacts with field staff 

• Engage with all relevant parties and groups  

• Develop contacts with key actors and communities in all districts 

• Build working relationships with actors responsible for overseeing the implementation of projects in all districts, including government and shadow-government ministries and security actors  

• Build acceptance for WCUK activities and mission through positive engagement with community members and by involving all parties in the dialogue regarding humanitarian needs and response 

• Travel to communities throughout the province and potentially  

• Attend local and regional coordination meetings to government and INGO partners 

• Lead access negotiations for new and existing projects in province. 

• Work with province base coordination team to understand the access requirements of all new and existing projects 

• Liaison Establishment: will be involved in establishing effective liaison channels and networks with national-level entities such as government agencies, NGOs, local authorities, and community leaders. This will involve identifying key contacts, building relationships, and initiating communication channels. 

• Problem Solving: Required to assist in troubleshooting and resolving any issues or challenges that arise during the liaison process. This could involve providing guidance, gathering additional information, or facilitating discussions to find mutually beneficial solutions. 

• Follow-up and Reporting: Responsible for following up on the outcomes of liaison activities and ensuring that the necessary actions are taken. This may include monitoring the progress of joint initiatives, collecting relevant data and information, and preparing reports on the status of liaison efforts at the national level. 

Our Values 

Bold 

We use our passion and creativity to deliver high quality evidence-based work designed to maximize our beneficial impact for children in conflict.  

Accountable to Children  

Children can rely on us to respond to their voices and to treat them with respect and dignity. 

Transparent 

We expect to be held to account by our supporters and beneficiaries and we respond with openness and honesty.  

Committed to each other 

We support each other and our partners to achieve ambitious goals and to the best we can be we are honest and open with each other, sharing our success and confronting our challenges 

Person Specification 

War Child in Afghanistan operates in a dynamic environment with a team of highly motivated and dedicated staff. The right candidate will share these qualities and bring effective leadership to a diverse team. The successful candidate will be a creative problem solver and foster a solution-based approach to management.  

Experience and mandatory criteria: 

• University Degree and security-related courses. 

• At least 5 Years’ experience with humanitarian organizations. 

• Proficiency in English, Pashto, and Persian languages is highly essential, [i.e., reading, writing, and speaking] 

• Should have the capability and reasonable experience of security-related report writing in English, Pashto, and Persian languages. 

• Highly objective, dependable, emotionally mature, sociable, and communicative with good verbal and written communications skills. 

• Must possess good interpersonal, mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. 

• Patient and with a good understanding of humanitarian and development work. 

• Hardworking and able to work with people from different backgrounds. 

• Honest and accountable. 

• Flexible and can work under pressure. 

• Good Control and supervisory skills 

• Ability to handle an insecure environment 

• Ability to deliver training to multi-National staff, including those with limited or no English language skills. 

• Commitment and understanding of War Child UK values. 

How to apply

• Please go to this link: https://airtable.com/appyMXRMspNZx2Hpd/shrgMc9inCHyh9teM, fill in your information and attach your documents before the closing date - (06-Jan-2024).
• Applications after closing date will not be accepted.
• Please note that there is no telephonic inquiry and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for written test/interview.

Child safeguarding and Adults at Risk

Our work with children and at-risk adults to keep them safe is the most important thing we do. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in all areas of our work. We have zero tolerance for any behaviours and practices that puts children and/or vulnerable adults at risk of abuse and/or harm. Successful applicants will be expected to be compliant and sign up to our Child Safeguarding policy, our Code of Conduct and PSEA: Adults at Risk Policy. You can find the Child Safeguarding and Adults at Risk policy here: Child Safeguarding

Pre-employment checks

• Employment with War Child will be subject to the following checks prior to your start date:

• A satisfactory police record check to include a International/National Criminal Record Check, and a clear vetting and Due Diligence check

• Receipt of three satisfactory reference