United States Government Peace Corps Careers – Safety and Security Manager

Organisation: United
States Government Peace Corps
Duty Station: 
Kampala, Uganda
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
  • 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 in this format “Surname FirstName_Position Title” e.g. Katungu Bonita_Safety and Security Manager.” 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: 24th August, 2015

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