About Peace Corps:
The Peace Corps is an agency of the United States Government, which sends American Volunteer development workers to assist in capacity building and technical assistance activities in over 70 countries worldwide. Peace Corps Uganda invites applicants for the position listed above which is based in Kampala, Uganda.
Job Summary: The US Peace Corps Safety and Security Manager (SSM) will support security-related functions (i.e. site inspection and selection, Volunteer site visits, emergency planning, incident response etc.) that are critical to post operations and Volunteer support. The Office of Safety and Security provides technical oversight of security related matters and SSM professional development. The SSM reports to the Country Director (CD) who manages day to day workload. The SSM has primary responsibility for managing appropriate safety and security systems and procedures in compliance with MS 270 and other policies, and develops risk mitigation and response strategies to implement the Post security program. The SSM is responsible for reporting non-compliance with MS 270 to the CD.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Supports and verifies Safety and Security Policy Implementation: Offers administrative support and verification that adequate systems are functioning to support Volunteer safety and security in accordance with Peace Corps Manual Section (MS) 270, Volunteer/Trainee Safety and Security. This should include but is not limited to;
Establishes and monitors post’s system to collect site locator form information for the Volunteer Information Database (VIDA), updates the information as needed and controls for accuracy.
Collaborates with Programming staff to develop and monitor a system for site history data.
Collaborates with Programming staff to develop site selection criteria, protocols and a system to ensure that all Volunteer sites have been properly evaluated and documented.
Participates in the annual completion of the safety and security section of the Administrative Management Control Survey (AMCS) and shares results with PCSSO
Ensures that a system is in place to monitor Volunteer/Trainee whereabouts
Ensures that an emergency communication system is in place that allows Volunteers and staff to communicate in a timely and effective manner in cases of emergency
Work closely with other Post staff, regularly updates and monitors safety and security data in VIDA (i.e emergency contact information, EAP events etc.)
Under direction from the CD, ensures critical PCSSO and /or RSO recommendations are adequately addressed within the timeframe/deadlines outlined.
2. Coordinates Safety and Security Training:
Works closely with the Director of Programming and Training or equivalent, participates in the design, development and delivery of safety and security related Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) sessions. Collaborates with senior staff to ensure appropriate safety and security training is provided to post staff.
Under the technical supervision of the PCSSO, works with the Training Manager to ensure that all safety and security learning objectives are integrated into Pre-Service Training/In-service Training (PST/IST) and successful completion is documented.
Regularly provides staff safety and security briefings/orientations to ensure that they understand roles and responsibilities with respect to safety and security; conducts emergency preparedness training as appropriate.
Provides an overview of Peace Corps’ approach to safety and security and relevant, Post-specific, security concerns/considerations during training-of trainer (TOT) events.
Trains a back-up to assist with safety and security responsibilities during a crisis or when the SSM is unavailable.
3. Supports Homestays and site identification:
Work closely with Programming and Training staff, establishes that safety and security criteria for the selection of home-stay families. When appropriate, participates in the development and delivery of home-stay family orientation.
Visits sites with conspicuous safety and security concerns as needed to recommend for or against final approval (e.g areas of high crime or risk of natural disaster), or to identify mitigation strategies.
Under the technical supervision of the PCSSO, collaborates with the Programming staff and Peace Corps Medical Officer (PCMO) to develop Volunteer site and housing criteria and verifies that PCV sites and housing has been inspected and approved prior to occupancy.
Ensures GPS coordinates are maintained in VIDA for Volunteer sites, consolidation points and other key locations in accordance with Agency procedures. Ensures that GPS data is kept up-to-date based on changes in Volunteer placement. Trains staff on the use of GPS equipment (if applicable) to ensure that any staff involved in site identification and Volunteer visits can capture GPS data.
Compiles adequate documentation on disaster-prone areas and ensures that Programming staff are aware of that information as part of the site identification process and the approval process of Volunteer housing.
Works with appropriate staff in mapping Volunteer sites and consolidation points
4. Manages Incident Reporting and Response:
FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS- as part of the designated staff at post, manages the security and non-medical follow-up for Volunteer incidents of sexual assault, including but not limited to:
Assuring that the Volunteer or other Volunteers are safe from imminent or serious threat and taking immediate action to remove victim or others if a serious or imminent threat exists.
Actively communicating with the Assigned Security Specialist for guidance when required and according to the notification protocol.
Protecting the confidentiality of information surrounding the sexual assault
Coordinates with the Office of General Counsel on the hiring of an attorney to advise a Volunteer on the legal process (when necessary)
Conduct post-incident assessment to identify any ongoing threats or security concerns and mitigation strategies
Actively participates in agency Coordinated Incident Response System (CARS) calls when needed.
Makes logistical arrangements for Volunteers (e.g hotel or travel arrangements)
Supports in developing a safety plan in collaboration with the Assigned Security Specialist and the Victim Advocate
FOR ALL INCIDENTS-Ensures that reportable incidents are communicated to the CD in accordance with policies and procedures; serves as the point person for completing incident reports in the Consolidated Incident Reporting System (CIRS) per the Consolidated Incident Reporting Guidelines.
Under the technical supervision of the PCSSO, collaborates with the CD and PCMO to develop reporting, response and follow-up procedures for Volunteer Incidents; supports delivery of appropriate support services to victims in a timely manner such as:
Providing immediate, direct and follow up support to a PCV in the event of an incident or security situation as directed by the CD
Referring PCV to necessary medical and emotional support
Supporting PCV to file a police complaint and attending investigative meetings, court hearings or trials
Reevaluating the Volunteer’s site and/or home
Providing additional personal safety training or support and;
Disseminating relevant information
5. Advises on Safety and Security Policy and Program:
Under the technical supervision of the PCSSO, makes recommendations to the Country Director for changes in training and program policy and procedures as they relate to Volunteer safety and security based on changes to the security environment at post.
Under the direct supervision of the PCSSO, participates in the Legal Environment Survey and subsequent revisions to accurately advise the CD and PCVs when crime incidents occur.
In collaboration with the CD, assists in developing a plan for implementing PCSSO visit recommendations. This plan will be reviewed by the PCSSO and coordinated with the RSA. Provides regular updates on implementation progress and/or challenges to the CD and the PCSSO.
In collaboration with the CD and under the technical supervision of the PCSSO, prioritizes and executes improvements to post’s safety and security systems.
6. Prepares for and Responds to Emergencies:
Serves as the main technical advisor to the CD and senior staff at post during an emergency situation
Coordinates the testing of the EAP with Volunteers and staff at least once per year in accordance with the Agency’s EAP testing guidelines. In collaboration with other staff, prepares a written report of the results of the EAP test and submits it to the PCSSO for review before distribution to other relevant parties.
Under the direction of the CD and the technical supervision of the PCSSO, coordinates an annual risk assessment and review of the EAP. Ensures that revisions to the EAP are made as needed
In coordination with the CD/DMO/RSO/PCSSO, ensures that office emergency drills are conducted according to applicable guidelines.
Under the technical supervision of the PCSSO, develops criteria for the selection of consolidation points and/or regional transit houses and ensures that the sites chosen comply with the criteria. Reviews EAP consolidation point information for accuracy
Tests security equipment such as satellite phones, radios and other emergency devices periodically.
Routinely trains users on the operation of all emergency equipment.
7. Acts as Safety and Security Liaison:
Establishes and maintains open communication with both the PCSSO and the RSA, informing them of both problems and progress in the country, such as major incidents, changes in crime data and other information on new policies or programs affecting safety and security
Develops and maintains contact with Embassy security staff and local law enforcement to obtain crime updates and information needed for assessing the security environment of Post and to foster relationships that can be leveraged during emergency situations or in response to crime incidents.
Serves as Post’s primary safety and security contact/intermediary with other non-governmental organizations, Volunteer organizations (e.g VSO, JICA,/JOCV, SNV, UNV etc.) and other development agencies.
8. Analyzes Crime Trends:
Conducts annual crime trends analysis; shares results with staff and Volunteers as appropriate; and coordinates modifications of post’s safety and security program based on findings.
Submits annual trends analysis to the Office of Safety and Security (i.e. PCSSO) and Region (i.e. RSA)
9. Shares Information: Develops and maintains a legible and orderly system for collecting, compiling and disseminating pertinent safety and security information to be made accessible to appropriate Post staff and Volunteers as required, including but not limited to;
Travel warnings and policies (including Post travel/transportation policies)
Safety and Security information for visiting PCVs
Notices to staff and Volunteers about security concerns
Alerts to Program Managers and other staff about site-specific security concerns
10. Develops Resources and Policy: Develops and organizes safety and security resources such as manuals, handbooks, leaflets, pamphlets, slides, videos and memos and makes their contents and Peace Corps policies known to staff and Volunteers
11. Coordinates Duty Officer Program:
In collaboration with the CD and PCSSO, coordinates post duty officer system.
Trains designated duty officers on their roles and responsibilities for responding to and reporting of incidents.
12. Other Duties as Assigned: May perform other safety and security duties as assigned by the Country Director following consultation with and concurrence of the PCSSO or the Office of Safety and Security
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The candidate should hold a high school Diploma (or local equivalent); college Degree preferred.
Past experience with safety and security programs of Peace Corps OR experience with safety and security programs of similar NGO/Development organizations OR relevant professional security or law enforcement experience.
Conducted during PCSSO visits
General professional security or law enforcement
Skills and Abilities: Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other organizations, including local law enforcement, criminal justice, emergency management and other NGO/development agencies; ability to analyze crime trends and other risks and propose mitigation strategies; demonstrated organizational and communication skills; ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite and other basic computer knowledge; knowledge of the Ugandan culture; demonstrated local language fluency; ability to conduct training and give presentations, in both English and a local language.
Legally able to work in Uganda
Language proficiency: Level IV. Demonstrated English proficiency, both written and oral
How to Apply:
ALL submissions must be electronic. (Please do not attach academic credentials to the email)
Please submit a Microsoft Word formatted letter of interest, resume, names and contacts information for three references to applications@ug.peacecorps.gov. Please clearly indicate the position applied for on the subject line of your cover email. Submitted documents become the property of Peace Corps and will not be returned. You will be contacted ONLY if you are deem qualified. If called for an interview, you will be expected to bring copies of your academic credentials. Finalists from the first interview will be expected to bring a reference letter from their Local Council (LC1) as part of the final review process.
Deadline: 9th March, 2015