Security and Safety Officer2 (SSO)/Political Advisor

Job Title: Security and Safety Officer2 (SSO)/Political Advisor

Level: B3

Duty Station: Baghdad Delegation (BAG**)**

Reports to: Field Security and Crisis management Coordinator

Duration of Contract: One-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal to an open-ended contract. For internal candidates, this contract may be open-ended based on your existing contract status.

Date of Issue: 05 August 2024

Deadline for applications: 19 August 2024

Objective:

As a Political Advisor, the role involves strengthening the Delegation’s engagement with Iraqi stakeholders through effective networking and structured interactions. The advisor will inform the Head of Delegation (HoD) about political developments, conflict, and security issues. They will assist in facilitating outreach, meetings, and engagements with various stakeholders, and provide analysis on political, economic, and security matters. This includes mapping key actors and advising on ICRC’s priorities and strategies while fostering internal collaboration and guiding field management.

As a Security and Safety Officer (SSO), the role supports delegation management on security risks and ensures the security management system’s effectiveness. Based in Baghdad, the SSO is responsible for overseeing security matters, coordinating with various teams, and supporting security reporting and activities. They help with daily security management, staff movement, and risk assessment, ensuring compliance with Duty of Care obligations.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Political Advisor:

• Keeps the Delegation’s context analysis current, accurate, and comprehensive, covering political, security, economic, socio-cultural, and geographical aspects through reports.
• Briefs new staff on political, cultural, economic, and security contexts, and updates them weekly.
• Participates in meetings and sessions with high-level officials, including ministers, parliamentarians, academics, and religious figures.
• Contributes to the PfR process with insights on political and security matters.
• Facilitates collaboration with authorities, including checkpoint and residency office interactions.
• Manages high-level visits, including planning, execution, translation, and follow-up.
• Provides peer advice and support to colleagues.

1. Safety and Security Officer:

• Coordinates daily ICRC movements in Baghdad with the BGD security cell and Radio Room.
• Ensures alignment with general security protocols for movements and security procedures.
• Collaborates with departments to implement and follow Minimum-Security Requirements.
• Reports and documents security events and assesses safety for delegation locations.
• Manages proof of life documents for ICRC and national Societies’ staff.
• Compiles and revises security data and documents with discretion and accuracy.
• Delivers quality security services and leads safety drills and exercises.
• Ensures functional passive security measures and equipment across delegation premises.
• Facilitates information sharing on security and field trips.
• Assists in analyzing the Iraqi security and political situation, advising on risks.
• Oversees GPS system operations and replaces SSO2 when needed.

NETWORKING & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Builds and maintains relationships with influential figures like politicians, religious leaders, tribal chiefs, and scholars to secure ICRC support.
• Organizes and facilitates interactions between the HoD and these figures.
• Advises on strategies and approaches for engaging Iraqi interlocutors.
• Acts as an interpreter and prepares meeting briefs, speaking points, and background information.
• Supports the ICRC-Iraqi MoFA Protocol file and helps identify and access key contacts.
• Advises on contact and outreach priorities and strategies.
• Ensures a strong network for emergency mobilization.
• Enhances understanding of the ICRC’s mandate within relevant ministries and stakeholders.
• Contributes to developing networking strategies and operational analysis.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• University degree in Social Science/Law/Sociology/Development/International Development
• 4 to 6 years’ professional experience in protection, humanitarian diplomacy or similar fields with an international organization.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Proven diplomatic skills, able to work and engage with stakeholders across political and ideological divides.
• Proven experience in relationship-building, facilitation, convening.
• Fluent command of English and Arabic with strong writing skills
• Excellent computer literacy, good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Transferable experience in Safety Management Systems and Organizational Duty of Care,
• High level of organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure,
• Proven leadership and teamwork skills