The Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies is seeking a full-time Yemeni national Access and Liaison Officer.
We are a dynamic, highly mobile, multi-lingual team with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Our main office is in Yemen, while the majority of our team works remotely from locations across Yemen, around the Middle East and in western capitals. Among our core strengths are our versatility, initiative, access, networks, and audacity. We seek new team members who would complement this dynamic.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Where appropriate, consult with resident representatives and groups, and other stakeholders arranging meetings to communicate the program, get feedback and discuss any other locally significant issues in order to evaluate security risks and assess whether and how planned projects can proceed. Liaise with program management to enable the flow of information among all parties.
- Establish security and safety rules, and ensure any risks are reported immediately to the executive director and program management.
- Map key decision-makers in project areas and keep this information updated and available to project managers or their substitutes.
- Maintain and regularly update database of key stakeholder contacts.
- Advise on the design and support the execution of any assessments to be conducted in the field.
- Have a weekly security debriefing session with the executive director and senior management team.
- Act as the security contact for local consultants on the ground.
- Provide safety and security analysis, identifying and using a range of trusted and verifiable sources, to provide rapid and reliable security recommendations.
- Support the development and maintenance of a comprehensive context analysis and risk assessment.
- Support the day-to-day management of security and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring procedures in place are understood and followed by all staff, facilitating training and capacity building where appropriate.
- Management of any security incidents in consultation with the executive director.
- Appropriately brief staff and visitors to Yemen as requested.
Qualification and Skills:
- Large Experience successful on security issues, planning and implementation of procedures in the Yemeni context.
- At least 3 years’ experience in complex/high security environments is required, with demonstrated experience in community networking.
- Experience working in Yemen, with knowledge of local dynamics and culture, is essential.
- Proven negotiation skills in difficult, high-intensity circumstances.
- Excellent interpersonal communication, as well as an ability to maintain poise and focus on strategic priorities in high-intensity circumstances.
- Willingness to travel on short notice, often in difficult circumstances.
- Experience in dynamic, insecure environments.
- Demonstrated gender sensitivity in security matters.
- Strong assessment, analytical and planning skills.
- Arabic fluency and, at a minimum, English proficiency.
- Experienced safety and security trainer.
Position Details:
- Reports to: Executive Director
- Starting salary: To be determined based on experience.
- Contract type: 12-month renewable
- Location: Yemen
- Joining date: As soon as possible
How to apply:
Interested candidates can apply by sending the following:
- CV and a cover letter
To the email: [email protected], please mention the job title in the subject line of the email.
Application Deadline: October 15th, 2021
Only complete applications written in English will be considered, and short-listed candidates will be contacted.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or age.
About Sana’a Center
The Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies is an independent Yemeni think tank that generates knowledge and contributes to shaping policy on Yemen and the wider region. Established in 2014, the Center has established its credibility through its independence, rigorous analysis, and ability to engage constructively across political divides. Its team is highly mobile and multilingual, with the main office in Yemen and staff working from locations across Yemen, the Middle East, and international capitals.
The Center’s work covers political, economic, social, and environmental sectors in Yemen and is delivered through research, community engagement, convenings, and technical advisory services in both Arabic and English. To maintain the quality and reach of its field-based programming, the Center is seeking a Coordinator to oversee activities on the ground, strengthen and expand relationships with national and local authorities, community actors, and partners, and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of field activities across governorates.