Merlin Kenya/Somalia Programme Jobs: Terms of Reference (TOR) for Security System Review and Development

Merlin

Merlin is the only specialist UK humanitarian agency which responds worldwide with vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught up in natural disasters, conflicts, disease, and health system collapse.

Location: based in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to field sites in Somalia, Somaliland and Kenya.

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Security System Review and Development 

1. Introduction and Purpose of the Post

Merlin’s Kenya and Somali Head Offices are based in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition there are sub offices in Kisii and Turkana, Kenya; Ceel Buur and Garowe, Somalia; and Hargeysa, Somaliland. These sub offices, in turn, support a number of project sites.

The modes of operation and operating environments, and thus the risks, vary greatly between the various locations.


Merlin requires a consultant to provide recommendations and assist to develop, implement and document appropriate security measures.

The overall purpose is to conduct a review of Merlin’s security protocols and procedures currently in place in our Somalia and Kenya operations and make recommendations on how these systems can be improved in order to:
  • Protect and minimise the risk to Merlin staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling programme delivery throughout;
  • Ensure security support is included in all aspects of the programming process at the Nairobi office level as well as throughout individual project life cycles, from project identification, planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and project closure;
  • Strengthen the security arrangements of the Nairobi offices, and sub-offices and project sites.
2. Responsibilities 

Security Risk Assessment
  • Determine and assess the specific threats to Merlin staff, premises, and programmes;
  • Identify and make recommendations for systems, procedures and resources to mitigate risk to acceptable levels;
  • Develop a prioritised implementation plan of recommended risk mitigating measures.
Programming
  • Advise the Country Director, Project Coordinators and other key personnel how to mainstream security in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation;
  • Review the impact of security factors on Merlin programme designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that programmes might have on stability and security (both positive and negative), and make appropriate recommendations.
Security Plan and Minimum Operating Security Standards
  • Ensure that staff members are provided with and are proficient in the use of, safety equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field;
  • Document the dates and types of security training staff members have received and make recommendations on training needs;
  • Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.);
  • Ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders;
  • Develop medical support and evacuation procedures as part of the security plan;
  • Provide timely and accurate security advice to Merlin’s senior management, Project Coordinators and other key staff;
  • Immediately report all security-related incidents and potential threats affecting Merlin staff and programmes to the Country Director;
  • Ensure that staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security related information generated both within Merlin and from external sources such as the NGO Safety Programme (NSP);
  • Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for programme implementation;
  • Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts and represent Merlin at security meetings.
Office and Residential Security
  • Conduct appropriate security assessments of Merlin premises and equipment and advise on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions;
  • Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for regional and project offices.
  • Ensure that there are mechanisms in place so that security costs are included in all project proposals.
General 
  • He/She will report directly to the Country Director.
  • Due to the inter-relatedness of Logistics and Security in this operating environment, he/she may be required to advise and assist in logistics matters.
3. Application Requirements 
  • Bachelor degree in Arts, Social Sciences, or any related field. However, a diploma backed by strong relevant technical experience will also be considered
  • Previous work experience in Somalia and Kenya;
  • At least three years in NGO Security/ Logistics;
  • In-depth knowledge of NGO security management and risk management;
  • Experience working for or in collaboration with UN agencies is an advantage;
  • A willingness to work in high risk environments;
  • Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds;
  • Due to the need to travel extensively in Somalia, Somali language skills and/or extensive and demonstrated experience operating in the Somali context are essential for this consultancy.
  • Any relevant security management or intelligence training
  • Strong analytical as well as administrative skills
Interested candidates should send their letter of application and detailed CV to the address below by 23rd April 2010

HR Committee,
Merlin Kenya/Somalia Programme
P.O Box 3350-00200, Nairobi
Email addresses: recruitment @ merlin-eastafrica.org