Afghanistan: Country security director

Chemonics seeks an Afghanistan-based country security director (CSD) to oversee its security platform in Afghanistan. Based in Kabul, the CSD will facilitate the operational and planning capacity of the country security team (CST) in Afghanistan. The director will lead continuous efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Chemonics employees in Afghanistan.

The CSD will be a strong leader and a motivated team player, capable of astutely guiding the CST by example and experience. The CSD will draw on a depth of field experience, an extensive professional network, and technical expertise in safety and security to enhance CST capacity to operate with focus, purpose, and in a fully integrated manner in Chemonics project activities in Afghanistan. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership, vision, and management to the CST


• Commission and review long-term strategic intelligence analysis and reports to provide consolidated and coherent information to Chemonics employees and the CST


• Develop and supervise the implementation of Chemonics safety and security policy and procedures in Afghanistan


• Actively consider new and innovative ways to seek improvement in the delivery of safety and security best practices in Afghanistan


• Conduct regular meetings with the chiefs of party and participate actively in the Chemonics Afghanistan strategic planning process, including discussions on safe, feasible, and innovative ways to implement technical assistance


• Contribute to the drafting of the CST budget and oversee CST resource allocations and spending


• Assist in the recruitment of CST employees and undertake dispute resolution when necessary


• Establish, develop, and leverage a network of high-level interlocutors inside and outside Afghanistan from both the international community and within senior Afghan civil and military circles


• Collaborate with Chemonics training practitioners to ensure safety and security training is delivered in a systematic program that promotes interactive and participative learning and the personal development of Chemonics employees


• Provide input and guidance in the curriculum and delivery of training courses; provide input on the safety and security components used in training courses; and recommend new course material where necessary


• Lead in the development and implementation of contingency plans responsive to major situations necessitating the mass relocation of project staff

Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in a related field of study. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent with a relevant combination of experience may be accepted in lieu of an associate degree; preference will be given to candidates with a high level of professional knowledge and extensive work experience​


• Minimum seven years of military, security, or law enforcement experience with senior level management exposure to the spheres of strategic planning, project and budget management, and employee mentoring and leadership


• Negotiation and advocacy skills in the establishment and use of networks to achieve desired results and positive change


• Knowledge of industry-wide safety and security best practices and a willingness to develop an in-depth knowledge of Chemonics’ security policies and procedures


• Understanding of the role security plays in the development context


• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to establish and maintain positive working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, respecting local diversities and gender balance


• Comprehensive oral and written skills, including the ability to provide clear and precise instruction and briefings to a variety of internal and external audiences


• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity


• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential; a working knowledge of Dari or Pashtu would be a distinct advantage

Application Instructions:

Send electronic submissions to cstafg@chemonics.com by January 8, 2016. Please include “country security director” in the subject line. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

In addition, please download and complete Chemonics’ equal employment opportunity self-identification form and submit it separately to EEOselfidentify@chemonics.com with only “country security director – Afghanistan security” in the subject line. If you prefer not to disclose your sex, race, or ethnicity, you may check “I do not wish to complete the information requested.” Thank you for completing the form and supporting our equal employment opportunity reporting requirements.

​​​​Chemonics is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.​​ ​
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