Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager at the Norwegian Refugee Council

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the shelter, emergency food security, and water, sanitation and hygiene sectors.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager

Project number: NGFP0000
Location: Abuja / Maiduguri - Borno
Employment Type: Contract
Duration and type of contract: 12 months with possibility of extension / National Only
Potential start date: End of 2023 - January 2024
Reports to: Country Director
Supervision of: Technical supervision of HSS Coordinator, HSS Officer, Access Officer, and CMC Operations with technical lines to area security personnel. 3 direct reports, up to 15 indirect reports
Travel: 50%

Context

• NRC Nigeria is recruiting a Health, Safety and Security Manager for its country operation. The HSS Manager will be responsible for development and management of Health, Safety and Security risks including organizational structures, accountabilities, policies, and procedures in NRC Nigeria.
• We are looking for an HSS Manager that can rise to meet the fluid and complex challenge of security and safety management in multiple changing environments at once, and who is highly knowledgeable about the specifics of humanitarian action in Nigeria. The HSS Manager is expected to travel frequently and regularly to all our office locations.
• NRC started its current country program in Nigeria in 2015, responding to the needs of those who have been displaced by conflict and is currently operating in three area offices; Maiduguri (Borno State), Yola (Adamawa State), Jos (Plateau State) and four field offices; Monguno, Biu, Mubi, Gwoza/Pulka.
• The security situation in the areas where NRC operates has improved in recent years but remains volatile. 
• The program portfolio includes all six core competencies of NRC. ICLA (Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance), Livelihood and Food Security, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. One of NRC core competencies (CC), Shelter, Education and Camp management. 
• The HSS Manager reports to the CD and is a member of the Country Management Group and Senior Leadership Team.

What you will do

• The Country HSS manager serves as the lead technical resource on health, safety and security risks and crisis management within Nigeria country.
• Act as an adviser to Crisis Management Team (CMT) leader during a crisis and take lead as and when delegated. Ensure that CMT members are regularly trained, and membership updated. 
• Oversee and/or conduct Security Risk Assessment (SRA) for all Area Offices as per the Annex 4 and conduct other rapid assessments on need basis. 
• Provide leadership to the HSS Coordinator, Officers and oversee the Centre for Monitoring and Communication (CMC) to ensure it has tools, systems, and equipment to operate 24hrs. 
• Work with CO (Country Office) Logistics to ensure that all vehicles meet the NRC minimum standards of use in line with both Logistic Handbook and HSS requirements. 
• Contribute to improve humanitarian access for NRC operations across Nigeria by providing technical support on tools and strategies, ensuring capacity building for field staff, and supporting AMs (Area Manager) and program/ support staff in managing access related incidents.
• Support, train, capacity building, mentor, and development of HSS staff in all Area Offices and explore opportunities for internal career growth. 
• Facilitate an ongoing culture of learning as it relates to health, safety, and security. Take lead in organizing and conducting mandatory training (HEIST (Hostile Environment Individual Security Training), Field First Aid, HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), CMT) in line with NRC policies and the country Learning & Development Plan. Organize other bespoke onsite training based on assessed needs.
• This function is line managed (direct) by the Country Director (CD) and managed in a technical line (dotted) by the CWA (Central and West Africa) Regional Head of HSS.
• This role acts as the technical supervisor for Area HSS staff or equivalent within the country and serves as a core member of the country management group (CMG) and crisis management team (CMT). 
• Promote and stimulate HSS risk management culture, awareness, and resilience system. 
• Provide Country management group (CMG) with strategic advice based on changes to the context. 
• Oversee and support national HSS risk management to staff, assets, operation, and reputation of NRC.
• Implement the NRC Global HSS Management System at national level and provide reports as required. 
• Develop and maintain national HSS documents and procedures such as the Security Management Pla Standard Operating Procedures including strategy and budgeting. Collaborate with Area Managers, and Support functions (Finance, Logistics, HR (Human Resources)) to ensure that HSS functions and mitigations are adequately budgeted as per the NRC Master Budget instructions. 

Qualifications
What you will bring:

• M.Sc Degree
• Minimum 5 years of experience from working as a senior safety & security manager in an international humanitarian/recovery context
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Substantial and demonstrated prior experience as a trainer 
• Documented results and experience related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile 
• Working knowledge and skills in MS Office, 365, SharePoint
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal is required.
• Valid driver’s license (Driving test to be conducted before being authorized to drive NRC vehicle).

Context / specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Professional qualifications or studies in general management, security management, HSS and/or risk management at a Bachelor or Master level
• Experience in risk management for implementing partners or remote management.
• Knowledge in mapping using any GIS (Geographical Information System) tools, Google maps, Open Street, Scribble maps.
• Hold a valid Security Risk Management Professional Certification from a recognized institute.
• Competent security trainer (Personal safety, defensive driving, fire, HEAT...) including first aid. 
• Experience or qualifications in humanitarian access and negotiation. 
• Experience and qualification in occupational safety and health. 

Context related skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Legal right to work in Nigeria without sponsorship.
• Knowledge of the lake Chad Basin and Nigeria context. 
• Knowledge of Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and/or other local languages is an asset.
• Ability and willingness to work under difficult circumstances.
• Creativity and innovation using available resources. 

Behavioral competencies 

• Handling insecure environments
• Initiating action and change
• Empowering and building trust
• Influencing.

What we offer

• Grade 9 in NRC scale
• Location: This role is currently based in Maiduguri, but is likely to move to Abuja in early 2024. Candidates should be prepared to be based in Abuja if necessary. Significant travel to all NRC offices will be required.
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Important information about the application process

• Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email [email protected] with the job title as the subject line.
• Employment with NRC may lead to employment in or deployment to Regions, Countries, Areas or Offices that may be host to considerable health, safety and security risks. NRC takes this very seriously and we have procedures in place to reduce known risks, but will never be able to take away all risks.
• This position is open to Nigerian nationals only.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility. At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer and aims to have staffing diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality and physical ability.

Application Deadline 16th November, 2023.