Safety and Security Manager - Philippines

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence by 2030, we are seeking a Safety and Security Manager to serve a critical role in IJM’s work by assessing potential risks and developing and implementing appropriate risk management strategies related to the safety and security of IJM personnel and the protection of IJM assets. The Safety and Security Manager will provide IJM personnel with training and services to promote safety and security while engaged in casework and other activities, and take a leadership role in preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies and other security concerns.

This position is based in Cebu Philippines and reports to the Regional Vice President of OSEC Programs.

Responsibilities:

General

• Evaluate current political, social, and climatic conditions in the host country (and region) for possible threats to the safety and security of Field Office staff;

• Perform risk and threat assessments for IJM staff, clients, casework, and office space and property;

• Support the Regional Security Director and Director of Operational Security in the implementation of security and threat assessments using standard tools and processes, as and when needed;

• Develop, implement, and review risk mitigation strategies and operational security plans for field work in collaboration with other IJM teams;

• Assist in the selection/supervision of additional security guards, if necessary;

• Provide on-the-ground leadership in response to critical incidents in the country, and provide input to office and country leadership on crisis management;

• Draft context specific security policies/standards and strategies in compliance with IJM global standards security strategies for FO and HQ review and approval as necessary;

• Establish and periodically review plans of action for all security policies, standards and strategies;

• Hold safety and security drills (phone tree drills, fire drills, evacuation drills, shelter-in- place, etc.) as necessary, at the frequency outlined in the Safety and Security Risk Management Plan;

• Monitor and document the implementation of security policies, procedures, and plans of action;

• Ensure that all relevant security information is disseminated in a timely manner to the appropriate IJM personnel and offices;

• Orient new staff, interns, fellows, volunteers and other visitors on safety and security issues related to the office and the project areas, to include arrival briefings;

• Provide or facilitate necessary training and support so that staff have the skills and knowledge to deal with and mitigate risks and threats that arise in their work;

• Manage security requirements for special events, including trips to the field, visits by donors, VIPs, etc.;

• Assess and provide recommendations on security related equipment for the office and the field, and work with the equipment custodian for replace or repair when needed;

• Draft and implement policies for background checks of any staff or volunteers with direct access to clients, in collaboration with the HR Manager and Field Office Director/s(FOD);

• Ensure that concise, thorough, and timely written reports are provided on all security-related activities;

• Establish network with Law enforcement units / or military for better collaboration and security information gathering;

• Establish network with security leads / heads of other industry and/or establishment for security best practices sharing;

Office Security

• Conduct security assessments and threat analysis for the office location as required, and where necessary propose mitigation strategies for specific threats; Review national office security assessments and threat analysis;

• Ensure compliance with fire regulations;

• Provide or coordinate training of IJM personnel to prepare for evacuation, fire and other potential office-based safety and security incidents;

• Work with the Administration Manger to oversee implementation and regular review of the FO’s visitor policy to screen and mitigate security risks related to office visitors;

Field Security

• Ensure all staff who travel to the field have needed security assessments and risk mitigation support;

• Communicate promptly as needed with staff on security-related issues;

• During IJM supported law enforcement operations, perform the role of the Security Officer, coordinating security related logistics and ensuring the security of all staff and clients;

• Provide ongoing field security trainings to the all teams/personnel who travel to the field; and monitor and document compliance of the field security policies by all staff;

• Assess the security of existing and potential partner organizations that will have direct contact with clients, in collaboration with the respective FO teams, and provide recommendations;

• Assess the security of external locations where IJM will be hosting events (as requested);

• Gather information or assess information received from various networks or contacts;

• Collaborate with government and/or industry security networks for additional security information or requirements;

Administrative/Other Duties

• Solid Line reporting to the National Director / VP OSEC Program and dotted line report to Cebu FOD. Manila Sr Security Coordinator has solid line reporting to this role;

• Manage administrative, logistic, and budgetary issues related to safety and security programs/procedures;

• At the National Level, manage all security and safety related tasks and compliances;

• Ensure that all reports, correspondence, and similar documents are communicated to the NILED and FOD for field security matters in a timely manner;

• Maintain close links with all FO departments to ensure that all projects are implemented with the highest degree of staff safety and security;

• Coordinate with the Director of Security Operations (HQ) or Regional Security Director, as necessary on the implementation of safety and security standards and tools;

• Conduct periodic update of all safety and security-related policies and procedures, in coordination with the Global Safety and Security team and other staff

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus;
• Professional security or risk management training;
• At least 10 years of experience in the analysis of security threats, risks, and vulnerability, and developing security concepts;
• With established network with LEA or military and other professional security leaders
• Demonstrated leadership experience;
• Experience in crisis management preferred;
• Experience in security and guard force management preferred;
• Excellent written and spoken English and Cebuano required;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook;
• Strong analytical, organizational and facilitation skills and attention to detail;
• A former law enforcer or military is an advantage but not preferred;

Critical Qualities:

• Self-starter with strong initiative;
• Disciplined with priorities;
• Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness;
• Exceptional verbal and written communication;
• Flexible, collaborative, and eager to support others;
• Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment; and
• Adept at creative problem solving.

Application Process:

Please submit your updated resume and cover letter in one PDF document to phpeoplesupport@ijm.org on or before 7 June 2023.

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance and reference check processes.