About Company
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Our teams are made up of tens of thousands of health professionals, logistics and administrative staff – bound together by our charter. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. MSF has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo for decades, operating in some of the most challenging environments to deliver life-saving care. In Uvira, South Kivu Province, our teams work tirelessly to address critical health needs, offering emergency medical services, treating malnutrition, providing maternal and child healthcare, and responding to disease outbreaks. Our commitment to serving vulnerable populations means we operate in complex security contexts, making the safety and security of our staff, patients, and assets paramount. Joining MSF means becoming part of a global movement dedicated to humanitarian principles and making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.
Job Description
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is seeking a highly vigilant and experienced Security Officer to join our dedicated team in Uvira, South Kivu Province. In this critical role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of our personnel, patients, visitors, and valuable assets within the MSF compound. Working within a challenging operational environment, you will be responsible for implementing and maintaining robust security protocols, monitoring access points, conducting regular patrols, and responding effectively to security incidents. This position requires an individual with a strong sense of responsibility, exceptional observational skills, and the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
As a Security Officer, you will be the first line of defense, playing a vital role in safeguarding our humanitarian operations. You will be expected to enforce strict entry and exit procedures, manage visitor logs, and conduct routine checks of the compound perimeter to identify and mitigate potential risks. This role demands proactive engagement in maintaining a secure environment, which includes daily briefings, incident reporting, and continuous collaboration with the security and logistics teams. Your commitment will directly contribute to MSF’s ability to deliver essential medical and humanitarian aid to communities in Uvira. You will be part of a diverse and multicultural team, upholding MSF’s core values of neutrality, impartiality, and independence in all aspects of your work. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of local security dynamics, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in security management within a humanitarian or similar high-risk context. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to a life-saving mission in a meaningful way.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and control access points to the MSF compound for personnel, vehicles, and visitors.
- Conduct regular patrols of the compound perimeter and internal areas to identify and report security risks or breaches.
- Maintain accurate visitor logs, vehicle movement records, and daily incident reports.
- Operate and monitor security equipment, including CCTV systems, alarms, and communication devices.
- Enforce security policies and procedures consistently to ensure compliance by all staff and visitors.
- Respond promptly and effectively to security alarms, emergencies, and incidents, following established protocols.
- Provide first-line incident reporting and communicate security updates to the immediate supervisor.
- Assist in conducting security awareness briefings for new staff and visitors as needed.
- Ensure proper functioning and readiness of security equipment and emergency tools.
- Collaborate with the security team and other departments to maintain a safe and secure working environment.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in security services, preferably within an NGO, humanitarian organization, or similar high-risk environment.
- Demonstrated understanding of security protocols, risk assessment, and incident management.
- Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to remain calm, focused, and effective under pressure.
- Strong verbal communication skills in French and/or Swahili, with good comprehension of English.
- Physical fitness and ability to perform duties that may require prolonged standing, walking, and occasional lifting.
- Proficiency in operating basic security equipment (e.g., radios, alarm systems).
- Valid security certification or relevant training (e.g., guard training, first aid).
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in South Kivu Province.
- Knowledge of local security context and community dynamics in Uvira.
- Experience with advanced security technologies (e.g., advanced CCTV, access control systems).
- Crisis intervention or conflict resolution training.
- Military or police background with an honorable discharge.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive local salary package.
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- A chance to work with a leading international humanitarian organization.
- Supportive and multicultural work environment.
- Contribution to a meaningful and life-saving mission.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application through our official career portal. Please click on the application link below to apply for this job. Ensure your resume and cover letter clearly outline your relevant experience and qualifications for this role.