Position: Security Coordinator 

Department: Programs

Reports To: Head of Emergency Opertations 

Duty Station: Deir Elbalah- Gaza Strip 

WeWorld has been working in Palestine since 1992, operating in the field of human rights, humanitarian aid and development to guarantee Palestinian communities access to basic services and available natural resources, in particular with regard to integrated service management, the strengthening of the integrated protection of the population and the enhancement of local socio-economic development in a sustainable and innovative way, with particular attention to the social and economic empowerment of women.

WeWorld in Palestine has 5 offices (Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas and Gaza Strip). Over the decades, WeWorld has implemented several interventions funded by multiple donors: ECHO and EU, UN agencies as UNICEF and OCHA, as well as national agencies such as AICS, SIDA, GIZ, JICA, GFFO, FCDO, and others.

With a people-centered approach, the priorities are always identified together with the communities we serve, with a specific focus on a triple Nexus approach. The significant amount of data and analysis collected and elaborated by WeWorld in oPt inform the intervention of multiple agencies in Country. WeWorld is a member of the Global WASH Cluster and is part of all the clusters at national level: WASH, Education, Food Security/Livelihoods, Shelter, Protection and Health. WeWorld is currently active in emergency operations and activities within Gaza to support the ongoing crisis.

WeWorld has been active in the Gaza Strip since 1997. In November 2023, the organization was able to immediately activate an integrated humanitarian response to address the critical needs of the population in the Governorate of Rafah, Khan Younis, Middle Area and Gaza City. WeWorld is currently implementing   comprehensive WASH services – including provision of water, hygiene promotion and Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures and the provision of sanitation facilities; Food Security responses – through the distribution of Food Parcels- and distribution of essential Non-Food Items (hygiene kits, blankets and cooking gas and constructing material for tents).

Objective\ Purpose of the Role:

The Security Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of staff, assets, and operations in Gaza. This involves developing, implementing, and updating security strategies, conducting risk assessments, and providing training and advice on security matters to humanitarian teams. The coordinator will also be the focal point for liaising with local authorities, other humanitarian actors, and security networks.

MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Security Strategy and Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and update the security management plan (SMP) in line with the organization's policies and the local context.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and threat analysis, adjusting security protocols as necessary.
• Ensure security plans are compliant with international standards, particularly the principles of neutrality, independence, and humanitarian access.
• Maintain an effective incident reporting system and ensure that all incidents are logged and analyzed.

Access Management:

• Develop and implement access strategies onto the Gaza Strip to enable safe and sustainable presence of international staff
• Map stakeholders and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to negotiate and advocate for humanitarian access.
• Conduct regular access assessments and update operational plans accordingly.
• Identify and mitigate access-related risks, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and international humanitarian principles.

Movement Management:

• Coordinate the safe movement of personnel, goods, and vehicles to and from operational areas, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Develop and maintain movement plans, including route assessments, checkpoints, and contingency measures.
• Liaise with logistics teams to ensure alignment between operational needs and security considerations.
• Provide real-time support and monitoring of field movements, responding promptly to any access or security issues.

Staff Safety and Security

• Develop and implement safety protocols and ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for staff movement, accommodation, and workspace.
• Organize and conduct regular security briefings for staff, including on-the-ground security awareness and context updates.
• Ensure the implementation of appropriate contingency planning, including evacuation and relocation procedures.
• Coordinate with the HR department to develop and provide security training and drills, including personal security, first aid, and hostile environment awareness training (HEAT).
• Premises safety and security. Perform safety and security checks, reporting identified shortcomings in line with the We World Policies on safety and security for premises.

Crisis and Incident Management

• Lead in the management of security incidents, including response coordination, information gathering, and post-incident reports
• Develop crisis management and emergency response plans, ensuring readiness for various scenarios, including staff evacuations, lockdowns, and mass casualty events.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for emergencies and security incidents. 

Reporting and Documentation

• Provide timely and accurate security updates and reports to the Country Director, Head of Mission, , OPT Security Advisor and HQ Global security advisor.
• Ensure that security documentation, such as security risk assessments (SRAs), incident reports, and contingency plans, are up to date and stored securely.
• Monitor and analyze security-related news and developments, providing relevant analysis to guide decision-making.
• Report non-compliance with safety and security rules and regulations to the Head of Mission and technically to the Security Advisor.
• Prepare draft incident reports for the Head of Mission’s approval and ensure timely submission of incidents reports as per We World guidelines.
• Prepare after action and lessons learned report with recommendations for improvement of prevention and mitigation measures based in incident analysis.

Qualifications and Experience:  Essential: A minimum of 5 years of security management experience, with at least three in high-risk humanitarian settings. Proven experience in developing and implementing security protocols and risk management systems. Understanding of the humanitarian principles and a demonstrated ability to work in conflict-affected environments. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, authorities, and other humanitarian actors. Proven experience in managing security incidents and crisis situations, including evacuations. Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic Desirable: Previous experience in Gaza security operations. Knowledge of the socio-political context in Gaza. Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) certification. Key Competencies Risk Management: Ability to assess threats and vulnerabilities and implement measures to mitigate risks effectively. Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams under pressure in challenging environments. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear security instructions and guidance. Adaptability: Flexibility and resilience in rapidly changing security environments. Collaboration: Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and with multi-disciplinary teams. *The above list is a non-exhaustive one, nor limitative. You could be asked other responsibilities and tasks within the framework of your job on demand of the direct line manager WeWorld is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law. WeWorld has also a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process. WeWorld commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. WeWorld promotes a welcoming, diverse and discrimination- and harassment-free workplace and expects the highest standards of behavior from all its staff, who are requested to adhere to the principles and behavioural rules defined in the CoEC and the Organisational Policies. The CoEC and all the internal policies can be found here: https://www.weworld.it/en/about-us/transparency.