Security Officer, MozMEL Activity
Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.
Project Summary:
The Mozambique Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MozMEL) Activity is a five-year initiative to support the Mission in monitoring, evaluation, learning, training, and logistical support. The MozMEL Activity seeks to improve USAID Mozambique ability to design and manage evidence informed and local context-informed activities improved on a sustainable, long-term basis.
**Please note: Only Mozambican citizens are eligible for this position**
Position Summary:
The Security Officer will be responsible for supporting security management and mitigation functions that support effective implementation of the USAID MozMEL Activity in complex locations. This role will be supervised by the Chief of Party (COP) in close coordination with the BHA Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) Senior Manager and Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) for security, operational, and administrative issues. The Officer will also work closely with the Headquarters (HQ) Global Security team. This is a full-time position based in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor and analyze security conditions in the country in general, and more specifically in the areas where the program works, via local media, security reports, and first-hand information collected from field-based staff and local partners and contacts.
- Assess security risks that may impact staff movements and safety in different parts of the country, with special emphasis for the Northern provinces, and communicate them in a timely manner to ensure real-time decision-making and up-to-date situational awareness, as well as inform program strategy and field operations.
- Compile and submit regular reports that track incidents and trends in local security contexts within MSI’s areas of operation.
- Work collaboratively with the project team to conduct and update risk assessments of all proposed field travel areas and develop corresponding risk mitigation plans for each trip.
- Monitor field travel in real time and provide timely guidance, advice, and emergency support.
- Conduct all necessary preparations, as outlined in MSI security plans and procedures, to prepare staff for site visits and field travel.
- Develop and maintain all project Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), guidelines, and planning for staff safety, operational security, and program continuity.
- Ensure the continued relevance and consistent implementation of SOP related to the safety and security of all team members in coordination with COP and MSI HQ Global Security Team.
- Evaluate, review, and update project security plans, risk assessments, and contingency plans on a regular basis while ensuring compliance with MSI and Tetra Tech Duty of Care Standards.
- Evaluate, review, and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all MSI locations in Mozambique and ensure that practical preparations are in place and known to all relevant staff.
- Conduct risk assessments of prospective offices and residences and follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
- Provide technical input and advice on assessments to consider MSI activities in new geographic locations of Mozambique.
- Provide regular training for staff on the established project incident reporting procedure.
- Ensure COP/DCOP and the HQ Security Team and other relevant staff are informed of all incidents and follow up actions.
- Provide and implement best possible solutions, in collaboration with the HQ Security and Technology teams, for the use of equipment to facilitate communication between staff, including proposing safe means of communication.
- Liaise with relevant security actors e.g., IP security staff, security forces, local community stakeholders, and local authorities.
- Provide regular briefings to relevant staff and partners on the security situation and mitigation measures.
- Provide regular training for MSI staff on a broad set of safety and security preparedness topics that are appropriate for current program operations and risks.
- Participate in regular incident management team tabletop exercises.
- Work with relevant project staff to develop and deliver safety and security on-boarding orientation and training for new hires.
- Coordinate external training, such as HEAT and defensive driving, as required.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum five years of experience in security management is required.
- Experience managing security platforms in complex and high-risk environments is required.
- Experience with implementing security strategies, policies, procedures, and standards is required.
- Experience working with State Department and/or USAID implementing partners in Mozambique is preferred.
- Knowledge of all Microsoft Office Suite applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
- Ability to articulate professionally and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff is required.
- Ability to produce high-quality written reports, including Threat, Risk, and Vulnerability Assessments, Security Surveys, Security Audits, and Contingency Planning, with minimal/no supervision or support required.
- Ability to interact effectively with multifaceted organizations at senior levels and cross culturally is required.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.
- Fluency in Portuguese and strong written and spoken command of English required.
**Application deadline - November 29, 2024 18:00 Mozambican time**
MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.
Reasonable Accommodations:
MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please email please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Project opportunity
U.S. Teams and Clients
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (International Development)