The Carter Center, Democracy Program
Consultant – Security Officer
Khartoum, Sudan
The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.
The Center is considering ongoing activities in Sudan, focused on monitoring the voter registration and referenda for self-determination in Southern Sudan and Abyei, and is seeking highly-qualified candidates to serve as Security Officer in Sudan. The Security Officer is primarily responsible with assisting the Field Office Director (FOD) to design, implement and evaluate the security aspects of the Center’s international observation mission of Sudan’s referenda, and assist the Deputy Field Office Director (DFOD) in representing The Carter Center in Khartoum. The Security Officer will report directly to the DFOD on operational and logistics matters, as well as reporting to the FOD on security and overall work performance.
Applicants should have a minimum of 7-10 years of experience working in the security or related fields, preferably with previous experience working on an election observation mission. The position requires relocation to Sudan beginning in August 2010. This independent contract position is initially assigned for seven months, with possibility of further extension. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Arabic language skills and/or prior work experience in Sudan is highly desirable. Leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and a background dealing with sensitive political situations are encouraged. Strong writing/communication skills and competence with technology required.
Summary:
• Assist in the design and oversight of security protocols for field staff and observers, with a focus on areas in Northern Sudan. Provide input into the design of operations and deployment plan for field staff and observers. Develop field office policies and procedures relating to staff travel and security, requests for transportation, communications, etc.
• Establish and facilitate contacts with the SAF, SPLA, Sudan Police Forces, Internal security, UNMIS, UNAMID, and all international organizations on security, medical, and health matters. Liaise with key government officials and international organizations regarding the security environment and its repercussions on Carter Center activities. Represent the Khartoum field office on all operational and security matters in meetings.
• Gather and analyze security-related information from all relevant sources, and stay updated of security situation in Northern Sudan with particular attention to its impact on the political environment and security of Carter Center staff and observers.
• Contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly project reporting on security, logistics, and operations as relates to the Khartoum office and Northern Sudan. Produce ad hoc security updates/analysis and recommendations in case of political and security events threatening Carter Center staff, project partners, or national security.
• Manage observer security status on daily basis through scheduled reporting and oversight of local staff. In coordination with temporary security advisor, track movements of staff and observers. Oversee and conduct twice daily check-in calls with observers.
• Train and supervise security-related field office staff. Provide security training to drivers, guards and other staff if needed, on continuous basis; Train staff in the use of all communication equipment (HF radios, VHF radios, sat phones, and cell phones) and provide detailed instructions for all communications methods.
• Participate in observers’ briefings and debriefings, and core team meetings to disseminate relevant information on security, deployment and logistics, as appropriate. Provide briefings/trainings for observer teams on relevant security protocols and information.
• In coordination with DFOD, liaise with the Sudanese Ministry of the Interior and NEC for travel permits, accreditation, etc. Assist DFOD and LTO coordinator with efforts to advance long-term observer deployment sites; visit observer sites in Northern Sudan as necessary to assess and provide security and logistics advice to observers.
• Locate and assist in making arrangements for evacuation assets with international and local government agencies as well as private companies. Negotiate and/or review security contracts with local providers for security guards, and advise FOD and DFODs on procurement of health and security related services.
• Perform any other duty requested by the FOD or project manager.
Please send cover letter, CV, contract requirements, and list of references:
Ms. Sarah Johnson
Assistant Director
The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
E-mail: sarah.johnson@emory.edu
Deadline for submissions: August 25, 2010
Note: Because this is an international election observation project, Sudanese nationals are not eligible to serve as Security Officer. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified by the Center.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Consultant – Security Officer
