Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

The Role:

Oxfam in Syria is looking for Roving Safety & Security Officer based in Damascus - Head Office.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: To provide strategic and operational support to ensure the safety and security of Oxfam staff, assets, and programs in Syria. The department focuses on assessing risks, developing and implementing robust security policies and procedures, and fostering a culture of security awareness. By continuously monitoring the security environment and coordinating with local and international stakeholders, the department ensures safe access to communities in need while maintaining compliance with Oxfam’s global security standards.

TEAM PURPOSE: To act with poor people as a force for change in addressing the causes of poverty, suffering and injustice and alleviating their symptoms.

JOB PURPOSE: Provide support to ensure that safety/security management plan and Sops are developed, implemented, monitored, and reviewed so as to get robust staff security management in consistence with Oxfam policies, standards, and requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

At Hubs Level: 

• Support the Safety & Security Officers in the development, review and implementation of local security management plan/s, in line with existing Oxfam policy, protocols and approach.
• Support the SO in identification and implementation of security measures and requirements in the new locations in the absence of the SO.
• In the absence of SO Support to the area managers and other senior staff during safety/security incidents and be the focal point with the Syrian police force and security agencies under the area manager/head of Safety and Security supervision.
• Support the SO security department in identifying the security learning and development needs in the Hub.
• Conduct the required field assessment in the absence of the SO.
• Provide assistance to the SOs in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for Oxfam staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern.
• Support the SOs at Hubs to Provide the appropriate inductions/briefing to missions/new staff when needed.
• Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.
• Keep track of incident reports in the Hub level.
• Assist in providing ERW /SMP/SOP and first aid training in coordination with the SO.
• Act as SO during their absence to provide recommendations and advice to the AMs in coordination with the Safety & Security Coordinator.
• Monitor and follow up on the country security situation and update the SOs/SC with any development.
• Report any gab/ breach to the SO and to the SC.

At Country Office Level:

• Support SC to issue, develop, review and implement security management system (SMP, SOPs, Welcome pack)
• Support SC in gathering of reliable security information; and identifying the security learning/training and development needs of staff
• Ensure all drivers are aware of the relevant aspect of the security management plan with regards movements and driving in Syria including the external drivers (Rented car)
• Undertake regular and ad hoc field security assessment missions as necessary, to gather information and to analyse the overall security situation in existing and potential areas of intervention
• Support country management staff in identifying the security learning and development needs of staff, coordinating and/or delivering training if needed
• Provide the needed security induction for international staff, visitors and share welcome pack in advance.
• Support in preparing and delivering regular safety and security briefings and reports to the country team, as well as the RSA as needed.
• Any other duties that may be reasonably required, and in support of capacity building of the role.

What we are looking for: 

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam's mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

ESSENTIAL

• Self-Awareness
• Mutual accountability
• Strategic Thinking and Judgment

In addition:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of experience in safety and security in the context of UN or INGO’s humanitarian operations including assessment, planning and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience of managing teams.
• Proven influencing and negotiating skills with internal and external audiences including in complex and stressful circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership and is able to support and train local and international staff and able to work with conflict affected communities in a sensitive and participatory manner.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to gender equality and social justice.
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision in a challenging environment.
• Able to advise and train on specialist skills to other departments / teams.
• Keep abreast of internal and external events that may influence role.
• Fluency in English and Arabic, including English writing skills.
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills. Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders as a representative of Oxfam.
• Anticipate problems and regularly provide solutions to SC and SO in the hubs
• Ability to operate in complex situations, prioritizing tasks and leading self and others.

Desirable

• 4 years of experience in humanitarian assistance including field operations.
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity.

Organisational Values:

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including annual leave, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits. 

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more. 

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

How to apply:

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.  

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries. 

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that:

• We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, this including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
• We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
• We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.