Security Officer Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

The Carter Center, Democracy Program Consultant – Security Officer Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region

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 Carter Center is considering elections observation activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and is seeking highly-qualified candidates to serve as Security Officer. 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 election observation mission, and assist the FOD in representing The Carter Center in the country of work. The Security Officer will report directly to the FOD on operational and logistics matters, as well as security and overall work performance. This independent contract position requires relocation to the MENA region for a six-month deployment. 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 would require relocation to the MENA region, likely beginning in September 2011.

Arabic language skills and/or prior work experience in the MENA region 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. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Under supervision of the Field Office Director (FOD), the primary responsibilities of the Security Officer will include: • Assist in the design and oversight of security protocols for field staff and observers. 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 relevant security forces 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 field office on all operational and security matters in meetings.

• Gather and analyze security-related information from all relevant sources, and stay updated of the security situation in the country of work 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 country of work. 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 Deputy Field Office Director (DFOD), liaise with the relevant election management bodies for travel permits, accreditation, etc. Assist DFOD and Election Observer Coordinator with efforts to advance long-term observer deployment sites; visit observer sites in country of work 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 DFOD 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:

Paul Linnell Democracy Program The Carter Center 453 Freedom Parkway Atlanta, Georgia 30307 E-mail:TCCMENAstaff@gmail.com

Deadline for submissions: September 12, 2011. Preferred method of communication by e-mail, please put MENA Security Officer as a heading.

Note: Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for additional consideration will be notified by the Center.