Security Officer

AVSI - Security Officer in Federal Iraq

The Security Officer will be the main focal point in terms of safety and security and related tasks in Federal Iraq.

Main tasks and responsibilities

1. Main Safety & Security Tasks:

I. Provides technical support to the Country Area regarding the management of personnel safety and security and the safe and secure performance of activities.

II. Helps Country Areas to prepare local safety and security management procedures.

III. Helps Country Areas to prepare local Plans.

IV. Helps Country Areas to manage incidents involving AVSI personnel and resources.

V. Assesses the risks posed by future AVSI missions in new areas within the Country Area, directs the actions to be taken to ensure that safety and security standards are met and helps to choose and implement required humanitarian access measures.

VI. Monitors the use and implementation of equipment, procedures, and training to ensure that minimum security conditions are met at Country Areas level.

VII. Continually monitors the available sources in order to gather, prepare and report information on incidents and trends regarding humanitarian access and security at Country Area level.

VIII. Monitors, amalgamates, and assesses the information received through safety and security tools and reporting procedures to the benefit of the Country Area.

Other Safety and Security tasks:

• Conduct regular security risk assessments of offices, project locations, field sites, and staff accommodation where applicable.

• Monitor the security environment and identify potential threats affecting staff and organizational operations.

• Ensure that emergency contact lists are regularly updated.

• Monitor political, social, environmental, and security developments in areas of operation.

• Collect, verify, analyze, and share relevant security information.

• Prepare regular security updates and situation reports.

• Maintain contact with relevant security coordination platforms, forums, and other relevant humanitarian security stakeholders and represent AVSI as delegated.

• Conduct security induction briefings for newly recruited staff and visitors.

• Organize regular security awareness sessions and refresher training.

• Provide guidance on personal safety, travel security, situational awareness, and emergency response.

• Review and monitor staff movement plans and field travel requests.

• Ensure field movements comply with approved security procedures.

• Assess routes, destinations, and security conditions before field missions.

• Coordinate movement tracking and check-in procedures.

• Monitor access control systems, visitor registration alarms, lighting, fences, and other security measures.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to safety and security, or equivalent professional experience.

• 2–3 years of relevant professional experience in safety and security roles for INGOs.

• Very good written and spoken communication skills in Arabic and English (mandatory).

• Previous experience with an NGO or international organization is an advantage.

Required skills and experiences

• Experience conducting security risk assessments and developing mitigation measures.

• Experience in staff security training and awareness.

• Knowledge of humanitarian security management principles and practices.

• Knowledge of the geographical Area and the field.

• Good communication skills

• Capable of working under pressure in a multitasking position.

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment. Good experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)

AVSI reserves the right to request information from previous employers regarding any disputes, safeguarding concerns, investigations, or disciplinary actions, and to require the candidate to provide criminal and civil records, for the purpose of assessing the worker’s professional suitability for roles involving contact with vulnerable individuals, including children and adults.

** AVSI applies the principle of inclusiveness and non-discrimination in its selection process, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, religious belief, disability, or belonging to protected classes.