Security and Logistics Manager, Iraq Civil Society Activity - IQ Talent Marketplace

Counterpart International is currently seeking an Security and Logistics Manager (SLM) to support the Iraq Civil Society Activity (ICSA) project. The overall objective of ICSA is to increase citizen engagement in the public sphere, especially among women and youth, while supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) to connect to and empower citizens and one another, thereby enhancing CSO resilience, increasing its credibility and effectiveness. The expected result is a more active and inclusive civil society sector that effectively fosters change and contributes to a more equitable and democratic Iraq.

The SLM will build and manage safety, security and logistics capacity in two regions in Iraq – Erbil and Baghdad. The SLM will be responsible for ensuring overall quality support in the areas of security, procurement, transportation, communication, equipment inventory and maintenance and reporting, and will work closely with the Human Resources and Office Manager and several drivers. This role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in security management, logistics, and coordination and will report to the Director of Finance and Operations.

Responsibilities

Safety and Security Role Specifics:

Collaborating closely with our national team, the SLM will perform the following tasks:

• Conduct safety and security assessments of field offices across Iraq.
• Develop, implement and maintain all safety and security policies and procedures for the ICSA project to protect personnel, assets, and information. Ensure these protocols are effectively communicated to all staff, visitors, and consultants.
• Evaluate program activities to gauge their impact on staff safety and security, proposing recommendations to reduce staff vulnerability.
• Establish professional relationships with external organizations such as the UN, government offices, police, INGOs, etc., to improve early warning systems and knowledge of potential security threats that could affect our staff, operations, and assets.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources and the Office Manager to manage contracts with the third-party security guard provider and internet service provider.
• Participate in Incident and/or Crisis Management teams during emergency situations.
• Identify and train safety and Security Focal Points (SFP) within regional offices (s).
• Provide technical support to the SFPs and the Chief of Party (CoP).
• Attend meetings and conferences, providing debriefs on any safety and security issues that might affect our programs.
• Advise staff and management on risk exposure, potential impact, and liability.
• Maintain a network of security contacts and stay updated on the security situation in all project areas.
• Maintain and keep the security plan updated in line with our standards, ensuring all staff have read and fully understand its contents. Assist the CoP in enforcing these standards.
• Develop and implement a security training plan for all staff, develop and apply evaluation processes to determine that training competencies are met and share results with Counterparts Director of Global Security (DGS).
• Develop, document, and store security briefing materials, ensuring all new staff members receive a comprehensive security orientation within the first 24 hours of their field arrival.
• Improve and enforce security standards and selection procedures for both office and residential facilities.
• Ensure proper usage of the security incident reporting system, apply data analysis to incident data, and disseminate relevant information to staff and other NGOs as necessary.
• Produce regular safety and security reports for Counterpart as requested by the Chief of Party/Director of Global Safety and Security.
• Ensure that Counterpart’s storage facilities are secure and well-managed, including maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Regularly evaluate communication requirements across all program regions, guarantee the availability of suitable communication technology, update the emergency communication contact list regularly, train all staff on emergency communication procedures and technology, routinely test the emergency communication system, analyze results, and make necessary adjustments.
• Carry out comprehensive security assessments, threat analysis, and risk management to minimize security risks.
• Oversee logistics, procurement, servicing, and planning while ensuring compliance with USAID regulations and internal policies.
• Prepare and submit detailed security and logistics reports as required by USAID and internal reporting mechanisms.

Logistics Specifics

• Provide assistance with logistical aspects as required.
• Manage logistics, procurement, and supply chain operations for the project.
• Ensure regular and accurate inventory of all program equipment and assets.
• Develop and maintain a preventive maintenance schedule for all vehicles and equipment to ensure their optimal functioning. Ensure all Counterpart vehicles have the necessary registration and insurance.
• Implement and manage vehicle fleet policies; ensure vehicle inspection procedures are followed and all vehicles are properly equipped; train drivers in established procedures and necessary skills.
• Review monthly vehicle log sheets and prepare a monthly report detailing fuel usage and vehicle maintenance.
• Make sure all Counterpart vehicle movements are authorized, monitored, and tracked using appropriate systems.
• Ensure all procurement tracking is current and updated and bills/invoices are processed and paid in coordination with the finance team.
• Maintain accurate records of all logistics and procurement activities.
• Supervise and manage logistics staff members as required.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Finance & Operations.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or a combination of education (Master’s degree) and relevant experience in security management, logistics, etc.
• Possession of a formal security qualification or advanced security management training.
• Significant field experience in security management in a leadership role, preferably with direct INGO security management experience.
• Proficiency in implementing mass messaging communication systems, phone trees, and security information systems as required.
• Experience working in insecure/hostile environments.
• Ability to work effectively within a multicultural and diverse team.
• Knowledge and experience in addressing personnel and organizational security issues, conducting threat/risk assessments, security management, and promoting security awareness in an insecure environment.
• Experience in incident reporting, incident mapping, intelligence gathering and analysis, setting up and executing an incident warning system (warden system), and compiling security reports and assessments.
• Experience in training, coaching, and mentoring both national and international staff on safety and security matters.
• Technical competency and training experience in field-based communication systems such as HF Codan, Motorola VHF, Thuraya, satellite systems, and internet systems.
• Ability to adapt to needs and balance the demands of beneficiaries and security actors while maintaining appropriate contextual NGO security advice and coordination.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations related to security and logistics.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information with absolute integrity and discretion being paramount.
• Strong multitasking skills with the capacity to meet deadlines and perform under pressure.
• Experience in managing staff members.
• Willingness and ability to respond remotely or in-person to emergencies 24/7.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to work in challenging and dynamic environments.
• Strong report writing, verbal communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• A valid security management certification is a plus.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic.