Safety Advisory

Caritas Lebanon is procuring specialist consultancy services to strengthen the safety and security framework of its operations in Syria. The assignment calls for a Safety and Security Advisor who will conduct a comprehensive review of the existing policies and procedures of the local partner, identify shortcomings, and develop new guidance that aligns with international best practices while remaining sensitive to the local context. The advisor will design and deliver a tailored training program for staff, covering threat awareness, emergency response, communication protocols, and incident reporting, and will provide recommendations for additional equipment and resources to reinforce the organisation’s security posture.

The contract is for a two‑month period, with a work arrangement of 25 % remote in Syria, 50 % based at the local partner’s offices in Damascus, and 25 % travel to other governorates. Deliverables include an assessment report, updated policies and procedures, training materials, a report on training outcomes, and a recommendation report on further security needs. Deliverables must be submitted according to the agreed milestones, and the consultant will report jointly to the organisation’s focal points and the local partner on technical progress.

The consultancy must be performed in accordance with international best practices for safety and security management and must reflect the specific conditions present in Syria.

INTERVENTION SECTOR(S): Safety and Security
DURATION OF CONTRACT: Two Months

1. Background:

Caritas Switzerland (CACH) has been actively engaged in implementing multisectoral interventions across various Syrian governorates since 2017. This endeavour involves a collaborative approach with longstanding local faith-based local partners. The organization primarily focuses on offering technical expertise and financial assistance, while local partners assume direct responsibility for executing activities through their dedicated and qualified teams and units in various offices.

In line with our commitment to the partnership, the organization is eager to extend further technical support to their safety and security unit through consultancy services. This consultancy will involve a thorough review of current policies, identification of any existing gaps, and the development of necessary procedures to address them. Additionally, it will include capacity-building efforts tailored to meet the specific needs of the newly hired security focal point.

 

1. Objectives:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are as follows:

a. Review existing safety and security policies and procedures to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

b. Develop new safety and security policies, procedures, and guidelines where necessary to align with best practices and local context.

c. Provide training and capacity building to local partner staff to ensure they are well-informed and competent in adhering to safety and security protocols.

d. Offer recommendations and guidance on additional safety and security measures, equipment, or resources that may be required to enhance our organization's safety and security posture.

 

1. Scope of Work:

The Safety and Security Advisor is expected to undertake the following tasks:

a. Review and analyse the existing safety and security policies and procedures of the local partner.

b. Identify areas where the current safety and security policies and procedures may be lacking or need improvement.

c. In collaboration with the local partner security focal point, develop and draft new safety and security policies, procedures, and guidelines as needed, ensuring that they are in compliance with international best practices and take into account the local context.

d. Develop a comprehensive safety and security training program for local partner staff. The program should cover topics such as threat awareness, emergency response, communication protocols, and incident reporting.

e. Conduct training sessions for local partner staff and ensure that they understand and can implement the safety and security protocols effectively.

f. Provide recommendations on safety and security equipment, measures, or resources that may be required to enhance the organization's safety and security.

g. Review the organization's current emergency response plan and recommend improvements.

 

1. Deliverables:

The following deliverables are expected from the consultancy:

a. An assessment report highlighting the gaps and areas for improvement in the existing safety and security policies and procedures.

b. Drafted and updated safety and security policies, procedures, and guidelines for the organization.

c. A comprehensive safety and security training program for staff, including training materials and modules.

d. Conducted safety and security training sessions and a report on the training outcomes.

e. Recommendations and a report on additional safety and security requirements and enhancements.

 

1. Timeline:

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 2 months from the start date.

1. Location

The consultancy is:

25% Remote in Syria

50% based at local partner offices in Damascus

25% travels to governorates

1. Reporting:

The Safety and Security Advisor will report technically jointly to the designated focal points of the organization and the local partner on the progress and agreed milestones of this consultancy. Administratively the consultant will report to the organization in all contract relating manners.

1. Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:

a. A minimum 5 years extensive experience in safety and security management, preferably in humanitarian or NGO settings.

b. Expertise in developing safety and security policies and procedures.

c. Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering safety and security training programmes for humanitarian organizations.

d. Knowledge of the local context in Syria is an advantage.

e. Language: Native Arabic – reporting language: English

f. Native Arabic Speaker

g. Certified trainer