Field Security Officer | Shire

Location: Shire, Ethiopia

Organization: Samaritan’s Purse

Deadline: May 20, 2026

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Field Security Officer supports the Field office lead in safeguarding program operations, staff, and facilities by developing and maintaining security and evacuation plans, enforcing security procedures, and providing regular training for national and international staff. The role advises the field office lead on security matters, coordinates with local authorities to protect Samaritans Purse personnel and assets, oversees property and security guards at program sites, and carries out additional security-related duties assigned by management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the overall security posture of SPE within the assigned operational area.
Reduce security risks and ensure safe implementation of SPE activities.
Maintain proactive and timely information flow to the SPE Security Coordinator (Security Department).
Advise field staff on key threats, mitigation measures, and recommended security actions.
Continuously monitor the local security environment and update plans, procedures, and protocols accordingly.
Ensure full compliance with all security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Recommend updates to core SPE security policies, contingency plans, and SOPs relevant to the program area.
Conduct security risk assessments across the operational areas.
Promote and maintain a strong incidentreporting culture and system.
Build and sustain effective relationships with local authorities and key security stakeholders.
Provide the required security guidance to the security guards and drivers as needed.
Submit weekly security updates to the field staff members and to the security coordinator, and the Security Department as needed.
Report suspicious activities and security incidents to the Security Coordinator (department) without delay.
Provide timely support to field leadership during crises and critical incidents.
Engage community leaders to secure safeaccess arrangements for field missions.
Maintain strong security coordination with NGOs, local authorities, and relevant partners.
Coordinate on incident reporting, staff induction, fleet safety, and asset protection.
Share security information with INGOs, coordinate movement, and align safety practices.
Any other task as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Relevant bachelors degree with previous police or military experience.
5 years of relevant experience, of which at least two years with INGOs
Demonstrable working knowledge of context analysis and the current security environment, particularly the area of assigned responsibility.
Strong working knowledge of threat assessment and risk management.
Committed to following the SP code of conduct, values, and ethical standards

LANGUAGE

Good written and spoken English communication skills are required for the position.
Knowledge of the regional language required

SKILLS REQUIRED

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritans Purses code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritans Purses Statement of Faith, as well as be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Attention to detail, anticipation and follow-up are core values of the job function while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality regarding contracts and salaries.
Possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced environment.
Must be a self-starter and internally driven to success and hard work.
Committed to the SP values and ethics.
Ability to create accurate reports as required.
Ability to work in a team environment by maintaining good working relationships with superiors and colleagues.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk and run; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be exposed to loud noises around the maintenance and construction workshops.
May travel in country with exposure to communicable diseases, hot and humid weather conditions.
Work in a security context that is fluid

SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT

The employee is required to carry out his/her duties in accordance with Samaritans Purse Safeguarding policy and Code of conduct.

Employee should remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills, which will enable him/her to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct his/herself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding Policy.