TOR – for Engaging Safety and Security Advisor (Short-term Consultant) (Re-advert)

Terms of Reference for Engaging Safety and Security Advisor (Short-term Consultant)

Background – About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For more than 60 years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world. A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of 12 child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. The Alliance helps nearly 23-million children and their families in more than 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

 

Introduction

Children Believe Ethiopia Country Programme has been operational in Ethiopia since 1987. We strongly believe in local partnership as programs implemented with local partners increase the collective knowledge, skills, reach, and experience to deal with child poverty, inequality, and injustice. We work with and through seven local NGO partners and collaborate with relevant government offices. Our programs focus on increasing inclusive and quality education, improving maternal and child health nutrition, promoting child participation and protection, strengthening disaster risk management and humanitarian actions, and enhancing gender equality. The geographic intervention areas for Children Believe Ethiopia program cover Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, and Tigray Regions. In the 2023 Fiscal Year (April 1, 2022-March 31, 2023), Children Believe in Ethiopia has directly reached over 283,000 vulnerable children, youth (boys and girls), women, and men.

At present, CB is implementing a project, namely, Championing Nutrition and Gender Equality (CHANGE) Project for five years, tentatively from September 2023 – August 2028 in Gazo, Angot, and Gidan Woredas, North Wollo Zone of Amhara National Regional State. The project is financially and materially supported by Global Affairs Canada. The goal of the project is to improve the nutrition for 243,509 of the poorest and most marginalized women, adolescent girls, children, and other community members in the three target Woredas by the end of August 2028.

The objectives of the project include: 1) to improve women’s leadership and individual gender-equitable nutrition practices among more than 25,000 women and increase awareness/knowledge about nutrition among 117,250 community members; 2) to strengthen gender-equitable integrated nutrition and health services for 60,000 of the poorest and most marginalized, especially women, adolescent girls, and children; and 3) to improve the effectiveness of key stakeholders to provide gender-responsive community-based nutrition-specific activities for 243,509 women, adolescent girls, and children.

 

Rationale

Effective safety and security management is crucial for the successful implementation of the. Given the current safety and security situation in the target areas, careful examination, planning, and management are essential to address potential threats that could hinder the operational and program implementation of the CHANGE project in North Wollo. Effective safety and security management is crucial for the project’s success. The engagement of a Safety and Security Advisor is vital to conduct comprehensive security assessments, mitigate risks, and ensure the safety of personnel and project operations.

 

Purpose

This Terms of Reference outlines the roles, responsibilities, expected deliverables, and timeline for the Safety and Security Advisor engagement.

 

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

The Safety and Security Advisor will:

 Security Planning and Implementation:

• Implement security protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the CHANGE CB Conflict Sensitivity Analysis and Implementation guidelines for project personnel and operations.
• Provide guidance and training to CHANGE project staff on security measures and emergency response procedures.
• Provide guidance and training to Country and Field Office security focal points to regularly review and update security plans in response to changing threats or operational environments.

 

Coordination and Liaison:

• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders to enhance understanding and cooperation on security issues.
• Coordinate closely with the Safety and Security Focal Person at Children Believe Ethiopia Country Office  and Field Office in North Wollo.
• Maintain regular communication with the Country Director, Regional and Global Team on security matters.

 

Crisis Management and Response:

• Develop contingency plans and protocols for crisis management and response.
• Provide timely advice and support during security incidents or emergencies.
• Conduct post-incident reviews and implement lessons learned to improve future security measures.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular security reports, incident reports, and risk assessments.
• Document all security-related activities, decisions, and incidents in accordance with organizational protocols.

 

Timeline

The assignment will be for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension based on project and organizational needs.

 

Hours of Work

The Safety and Security Advisor will work one day per week, approximately 4 days per month, with flexibility required to respond to security incidents or emergencies as they arise.

 

Supervision and Collaboration

The Safety and Security Advisor operates under a matrix management structure, reporting administratively to the Country Director, with dual reporting responsibilities to the Global Security Focal point.

 

Confidentiality

The Safety and Security Advisor agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all security-related information and to adhere to Children Believe’s policies on data protection and confidentiality.

 

Termination of Agreement

Termination terms will follow Children Believe’s standard protocols, allowing for termination with notice or compensation in lieu thereof based on performance and organizational requirements.

 

Disciplinary Rules/Grievance Procedure

The Safety and Security Advisor will adhere to Children Believe’s disciplinary rules and grievance procedure as outlined in the Country Office HR policy.

 

Governing Law

This agreement is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Ethiopia. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ethiopian courts.

 

Notices

Official notices under this agreement shall be deemed properly given if delivered in writing or by email to the parties’ designated addresses.

 

Miscellaneous

• This agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Children Believe and the Safety and Security Advisor and supersedes any previous agreements or arrangements. Amendments to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
• By signing this agreement, the Safety and Security Advisor confirms understanding of and commitment to the terms outlined herein.

 

Disclaimer

This Terms of Reference serves as a guideline and may evolve with changing security needs and project demands.