Short Term Trainer on Safety and Security

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is a non-governmental organization that operates in over 30 countries across four continents supporting development and humanitarian projects that aim to combat poverty and injustice, as well as advocating for a life of dignity for all people. In all its work, HEKS/EPER emphasizes four priorities: climate justice, the right to land and food, flight and migration, and integration. In the event of disasters caused by natural hazards and during and after armed conflicts, HEKS/EPER provides emergency aid worldwide to quickly improve the living conditions of the civilian population. The priority is the provision of vital supplies such as water services, food, sanitation and temporary shelter. HEKS/EPER also helps to restore economic livelihoods, rebuild destroyed homes and infrastructure, and protect citizens from future disasters and conflicts.

HEKS/EPER operates in remote, hard-to reach areas, often in volatile and insecure environments. The organization is committed to build the capacity of its staff and partners to ensure they have the skills, procedural knowledge and tools to operate with safety and security. The training covers various topics related to safety and security to prevent any negative consequences that may arise because of their operation in insecure and unsafe environments. 

i.   Training objectives:

 o   Create a clear understanding of HEKS/EPER’s Country Security Plan and SOPs

o   Create a clear understanding of HEKS/EPER’s safety policies, procedures, and regulations, and compliance with applicable laws.

o   Help participants understand the factors that impact personal security and teach them preventative measures for personal security.

o   Promote knowledge and skills needed to work safely and avoid creating hazards that could place themselves or others at risk.

o   Develop effective communication strategies between management and staff regarding safety issues.

ii. Training target

The training targets HEKS/EPER, and partner staff involved in the implementation of an EHF-funded integrated multi-sector assistance project in Abe-Dongoro woreda, Horo Guduru zone, Oromia region. 

iii.   Scope of work

The trainer:

o   Develop context-specific staff safety and security training materials that incorporate practical exercises, scenarios, roleplays, and others.

o   Provide safety and security training for up to 25 project staff in Addis Ababa over three days.

o   Conduct the pre-and post-evaluation of the trainees.

o   Produce and submit the training report within three days after completion of the training.

 iv.  Proposed training topics.

 o   Introduction to personal safety and security in the field:  Based on the practical challenges faced by professionals on the field, the training is expected to cover topics such as preparation for travel, field communications, preventing assaults, minimizing vulnerabilities and biases, how perpetrators select their victims, how to respond to arrest and detention situations, and more.

o   Cyber security: Humanitarian aid workers often collect and store sensitive client information in digital format. It is essential to ensure the confidentiality of this information in the digital world, which requires knowledge of how to secure digitally generated and stored data. HEKS/EPER is currently seeking a trainer to assist its field staff in understanding and implementing digital security techniques.

o   Incident Reporting: HEKS/EPER has a procedure for capturing, recording, and managing incident occurrences such as injuries, property damage, or security incidents. The training is meant to refresh project staff on internal incident handling procedures.

o   Safety and wellbeing: The training needs to cover how staff are protected from health risks and how they can ensure their psychosocial well-being in stressful situations.

 v.  Training Methodology

The training methods shall include but not be limited to case studies, role plays, video and group exercise sessions, demonstrations, and active participation to facilitate the learning process. 

vi.   Qualifications

o   A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study.

o   At least 5 years of experience in facilitating safety and security training.

o   Sufficient knowledge and understanding of the operational environment.

o   Ability to prepare training materials and deliver the training on time.

vii.  Line of communication/working arrangement

The trainer will work closely with the HEKS/EPER humanitarian coordinator. 

x.  Additional information