Security Coordinator

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Security Coordinator

Code: SR-49-10160

Duty station: Maiduguri, with visits to field locations

Starting date: 01/04/2026

Contract duration: 6 months

Reporting to: Head of mission

Functional Supervisor: Regional Director

Supervision of: Security Manager

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

With over a decade of conflict, there have been devastating humanitarian consequences across North-East (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states) and the North-West of Nigeria. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023, an estimated 8.3 million women, men, and children need some form of humanitarian and protection assistance. Over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persistent violence and remain internally displaced. Food insecurity and malnutrition are exacerbated by inflation, poverty, and restricted access due to insecurity, which impedes livelihood opportunities. Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a significant protection concern faced by IDP women and girls in the area. Numerous basic infrastructures, such as hospitals, clinics, and water supplies, are damaged, posing constraints on essential service provision. Epidemics like cholera arising from flooding and overcrowded settings put extra stress on the already vulnerable communities.

General purpose of the position

Lead the definition, development, implementation and evaluation of the security strategy of the mission. Ensuring capacity building and technical support to the security staff in risk management matters.

Support the Head of Mission in monitoring compliance with INTERSOS risk management tools and procedures.

Provides strategic advice to the Senior Management Team on security, staff safety and risk management.

Ensure that structures and systems for access safety and security management are in place and respected.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Design of mission security policies and strategies

• Lead on the definition of country risk management analysis with the aim of identifying risk treatment measures and contingency planning.
• In coordination with the Head of Mission and other departments, lead the development and implementation of Risk management Tools, Policy and Procedures.
• Ensure a deep and Strategic situational awareness of the mission staff members and partners.
• Collect regular data on security incidents and humanitarian access impediments and provide analysis.

Staff management and networking

• Participate in the recruitment of staff, train and coach the Security Manager and Security focal persons and officers in the field.
• If needed, support (field focal point, Field Security Officer, Logistics etc.) the mapping and gathering information/contacts critical infrastructures or checkpoints.
• Support and train Field Security Officer, Security Managers, Field Security focal persons and relevant staff in adopted tools.
• Build a network and liaise with members of the security apparatus, military, different organisations, key individuals and other relevant actors involved in security at the country level.
• Strengthen inter-agency communication. Identify and link with all the key individuals, stakeholders and other organisations with priorities to:
  • NGO security-dedicated fora and other NGOs, both national and international (International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), European Interagency Security Forum (EISF), Saving Lives Together (SLT - framework for security collaboration between NGOs and the United Nations)
  • UN agencies and their contact points
  • Host government security officials (military, police, other)
  • Community leaders and formal and informal leaders

Support communication on standards and procedures

• Review existing security coordination mechanisms for the operational bases and provide recommendations to improve the flow of external security information
• Assess and enhance communication strategies, implementing measures to improve INTERSOS communications infrastructure.
• Inform international and national staff about the security tools in place in order to guarantee a high level of awareness.
• Upload safety and security documents, movement clearance, mailing lists and phone numbers on the communication platforms on IMP in order to guarantee the mission to share information on local security contexts
• Facilitate the set-up of clear communication channels within the mission
• Design guidelines on the information that can be shared, and the procedures to be followed upon reception of information
• Organize weekly and monthly briefing on access, safety and security, and provide context, safety and security briefing to new staffs
• Provide country safety and security analysis on a weekly/biweekly bases depending on the context.

Incident and crisis management

• Ensure CPPs and related SOPs are up to date and in line with context and situation analysis.
• Ensure that the contingency plan is in place and known by all staff, and drills are conducted regularly.
• Guarantee proper and timely support for incident and crisis management.
• Support the Head of Mission in decision-making and coordination with other third parties when needed
• Ensure that continuity plans are well defined and shared with the staff in order to ensure a proper continuation of mission activities
• Provide support to staff members in case of need and replace the Head of Mission in his absence
• Lead the Response in case of incidents.

Required profile and experience

Education

• University Degree in relevant field (Social Sciences, Psychology, Social Work, Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law or other fields related to social development and humanitarian work, security or risk management)
• Master's degree in humanitarian studies, risk management, or other fields related is desirable

Professional Experience

• Minimum of four years of working experience in security at coordinator or manager level in complex humanitarian crisis.

Professional Requirements

• Good understanding of humanitarian principles, practices, and their application
• Desirable experience, based on evidence, of humanitarian negotiation (with national authorities, local authorities, non-state actors, military forces) and humanitarian access in complex emergencies

Languages

• Proficiency in English

Personal Requirements

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural team
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Networking skills
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with remote technical supervision
• Creativity, innovation and strategic thinking skills
• Ability to work in remote field locations
• Previous military and law enforcement experience is not required
• First Aid ToT trainer
• Desirable qualification in critical incident management

General Conditions

According to the Country of assignment

Salary: The monthly remuneration for each position is defined according to the INTERSOS international standard salary grid and function grid, taking into account the selected candidate's experience. It is communicated during the HR interview, or at any rate during the first stage of the selection process.

Transportation: Round-trip flights for the humanitarian worker and partner. For any mission lasting at least 12 months, after 9 months, an additional flight ticket to the Country of residence and return to the mission is covered by the Organisation for the humanitarian worker. In the Accompanied duty stations, also for the partner. In Family Duty Stations, also for dependents.

Medical insurance: Injuries and death insurance; civil liability insurance, reimbursement for vaccines, medical certificate and PCR test for deployment; psychosocial support on request for the humanitarian worker and dependents. In the Accompanied duty stations, also for the partner. In Family Duty Stations, also for dependents.

Visa: INTERSOS covers the costs and visa support for the humanitarian worker. and the partner. In the Accompanied duty stations, also for the partner. In Family Duty stations, also for dependents.

Annual leave: 2.5 days per month.

Installation costs: According to the Country of assignment

School fees: According to the Country of assignment

Induction: Online orientation course: each new staff member receives preparatory training before departure, adequate to provide the necessary information related to the structure of INTERSOS and the main decision-making processes and working tools, in order to facilitate entry into the Organisation.

Note 1: INTERSOS applies a “Learning & Development Policy” which includes the possibility to receive capacitation and participate in internal and external training. Priority will be given to Staff working for INTERSOS for over two years.

Note 2: The categorisation of Family, Non-Family, and Accompanied Duty stations is subject to security criteria, access to health and education services, and is non-negotiable.

Accommodation

Shared accommodation in a Guesthouse is provided in Field duty stations. In the Accompanied duty stations and Family duty stations, there is also the option of reimbursement of part of the accommodation cost and a flat allowance for installation expenses. In Family duty stations, there is also a contribution to school fees for dependent children.

R&R

INTERSOS staff required to work for extended periods at duty stations under hazardous, stressful and difficult conditions are granted a regular and mandatory period of Rest and Recuperation (R&R). This is due to protecting their health and well-being and ensuring optimal work performance upon the resumption of their duties, while, at the same time, preserving the operational readiness of the Organisation. R&R benefits are not financial compensation for the degree of hardship and insecurity of a duty station. Eligibility: staff members recruited as international field staff whose contract states one R&R Duty Station as the main Duty Station and whose contract duration is equal to or longer than 4 calendar months. R&R: it consists of 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 8/12 weeks, depending on the duty station. A €1000 allowance is associated with it.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:

https://www.intersos.org/en/field-eng/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/69b80cb0b23cd12a6fca5b75/

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.