Interim Security and Operations Advisor

Role

We are looking for a Security Risk and Operations Management Adviser who will play a critical role in providing the security and operations expertise, advice and support for War Child’s work in Gaza and in particular, supporting potential missions by international staff into Gaza. The role will plan security and logistics aspects of an initial international mission into Gaza. It will join this mission and will assess the security and operational environment in Gaza. Subsequently, it will develop comprehensive security and operations protocols to safeguard our staff and strengthen operations in Gaza. This short-term role requires an individual with extensive experience in security risk and operations management, particularly in conflict zones, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our operations in this challenging environment. Experience of prior work in occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) will be an advantage.

The role

Detailed Planning of initial Gaza Assessment Mission:

Work with War Child team to finalise initial assessment mission terms of reference, roles & responsibilities, and operational plans. Advise senior management on go/no-go. Arrange a Gaza rotation with the UN. Work (remotely) with War Child Gaza team and partners to arrange appropriate accommodation, supplies/equipment, and an itinerary. Set-up comms and safety measures for the assessment. Engage with oPt Country Office, UN, other NGOs and stakeholders in oPt to get a more in-depth understanding of the Gaza operating context and risk mitigation options.

Threat and Risk Assessment:

Conduct a comprehensive on-the-ground assessment of potential threats and risks for War Child operations in Gaza. Provide detailed reports and recommendations based on findings to inform decision-making.

Security Management Plan:

Revise and strengthen a local Gaza security management plan that includes secure travel routes, safe accommodation, and daily operation protocols. Align the plan with industry best practices to ensure staff safety.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

Work with oPt team to strengthen the SOPs for staff and operations, including procedures for entry and exit, , handling security incidents, programme operations, logistics and procurement and outlining alternative arrangements should context no longer permit certain options.

Staff Contingency Plans:

Design and put in-place contingency plans for staff, including hibernation, relocation, and evacuation strategies.

Medical and Communications Plans:

Develop a medical plan identifying local healthcare facilities and securing medical evacuation options. Review and strengthen a robust communications plan to maintain constant contact with teams.

Welcome Pack and Local Incident Management Plan:

Create a comprehensive welcome pack with vital information for personnel entering Gaza.
Review and strengthen a local incident management plan to prepare staff for potential incidents.

Training:

Provide security risk and operations management training to oPt staff and partners on revised SOPs and other topics as needed.

External Engagement:

Meet and maintain ongoing relationships with relevant UN agencies, other NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders in oPt in order to maintain an in-depth understanding of the Gaza operating context and security risk mitigation options.

Long-Term Engagement:

Potentially continue as a security risk and operations management adviser to establish necessary platforms, systems and SOPs and recruit and train local managers.

Your profile

• Extensive experience in security risk and operations management, particularly in conflict zones
• Prior work experience in oPt would be an advantage
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective security and operations protocols
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide actionable recommendations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for training and collaboration
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing environments
• Relevant qualifications in security and/or operations management

Application Process:

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience here:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• This role is open to be filled on either a short-term staff, or on a consultancy basis.
• In addition to remuneration, War Child will provide comprehensive insurance for missions in Gaza, as well as HEAT training if required
• A significant amount of the work will be based in oPt, role can be home-based

Safeguarding

War Child is committed to humanitarian values, standards and norms and we expect the same from job applicants. War Child is especially committed to safeguarding the children and youth we support and doesn’t tolerate any form of abuse. Because we want to prevent and deter any actions that place children and youth at risk, conduct references are an important part of our recruitment procedure. As part of the selection process, War Child will request standardized references in accordance with the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and a recent Criminal Records statement.

Equal opportunity

War Child has a dream that every child lives in peace - no matter who or where they are. That’s why we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. We promote diversity and belonging in everything we do and select our potential new colleagues without regard to gender, race, colour, religion, nationality, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Application process

To ensure that we spend as much of our resources on the support of children and youth, War Child needs to operate as efficiently as possible. This means we can only process job applications received through our websites.

If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, the vacancy will be removed from our websites. In this case, any responses received after removal will not be processed. Sometimes the closing date of a vacancy is extended. If so, and you have not yet heard from us, your application will remain active.