General Objective of the Job

The Gaza Security Senior Officer ensures the safety, security, and access of War Child’s staff, beneficiaries, and operations in Gaza. Reporting to the International Safety, Security, and Access Adviser (SSAA) and Gaza Team Leader, with technical guidance from the oPt Security and Logistics Coordinator, the Officer is responsible for managing security risks, enabling humanitarian access, and safeguarding War Child’s staff and resources.

The Senior Officer’s responsibilities include site and movement security, route and emergency procedures, safe space. This is a progressive role, with the Officer gradually assuming increased responsibilities to prepare for the eventual redundancy of the SSAA in the Gaza security portfolio, ensuring sustainability and local leadership in security management.

Position in the organization

Department: Operations

Contract: National

Grade: 3 

Reporting to: Gaza Team Leader (in the absence of the SSAA)

Technical Reporting Line: 

• Primarily to the International Safety, Security, and Access Adviser (SSAA)
• oPt Security and Logistics Coordinator

Direct Reports: Guards and Drivers. 

Essential functional relations: Operations Department Staff, Head of Programs, Project Coordinators and implementation team, WC partners. 

The Post is based in Gaza.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

1. Risk and Information Management and Security Planning – 20%

• Security Framework Implementation:
   Ensure compliance with War Child’s global security frameworks, tailoring them to meet Gaza’s operational needs.
• Risk Assessments:
   Conduct detailed risk assessments for operational sites, Safe Spaces, partner locations, and movement routes, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending mitigation measures. 

• Incident Mapping and Management:
   Act as the focal point for security during crises, managing field-level communications and coordinating with the SSAA or Security Coordinator for real-time responses.
• Contingency Planning:
   Develop, test, and maintain contingency plans, including evacuation, hibernation, relocation protocols, and route-specific emergency procedures, ensuring readiness among staff and partners.
• Data Collection and Verification:
   Gather and verify security information from local contacts, humanitarian networks, and War Child field teams.
• Analysis and Reporting:
   Analyze trends, identify emerging risks, and provide actionable recommendations to the SSAA, Gaza Team Leader, and Security Coordinator.

2. Site and  Movement – 40%

• Site Security Oversight:
   Manage security protocols for War Child’s offices and Safe Spaces, , ensuring robust physical and operational security measures, including access controls, secure perimeters, and regular inspections.
• Movement and Route Security:
   Oversee planning, monitoring, and tracking of staff movements, ensuring secure routes, real-time updates, and alternative routes for emergencies.
• Emergency Procedures for Movements:
   Develop and implement movement-specific emergency procedures, including safe haven identification, route diversions, and immediate response protocols for incidents during travel.
• Field Support:
   Provide on-the-ground support for field missions and visits, ensuring adherence to movement and site security protocols.

3. Security Equipment, Communications, and Loss Prevention – 10%

• Equipment Management:
   Ensure all security, communications, and first aid equipment is operational, available, and suitable for field operations.
• Backup Systems and Redundancy:
   Work with logistics to maintain backup power and communications systems, ensuring operational continuity during outages.
• Loss Prevention:
   Regularly check for potential loss, theft, or corruption of resources, both independently and in coordination with logistics, ensuring accountability and integrity in asset management.

4. Training and Capacity Building  - 10%

• Staff and Partner Development:
   Deliver training on communications and tracking equipment, security protocols, risk management, and humanitarian access for War Child staff .
• Scenario Drills:
   Conduct scenario-based drills to prepare teams for potential incidents, including evacuations, communications failures, and travel-related emergencies.
• Mentorship:
   Build the capacity of Security Focal Points (SFPs) and field teams, ensuring sustainability and leadership in security practices.

5. Supervision of Guards and Drivers – 20%

• Recruitment and Onboarding:
   Oversee the recruitment and induction of guards and drivers, ensuring alignment with security requirements and organizational values.
• Training and Oversight:
   Provide regular training for guards and drivers on security protocols, situational awareness, and emergency response.
• Performance Monitoring:
   Supervise and evaluate guards and drivers, ensuring accountability and alignment with their duties.

 Result: Administrative tasks are handled in such a way that a filing system is in place, accurate and up to date.