Reports to:

Country Director

Work location:

Port Moresby

Department:

International Programs – PNG CO

Budget holder:

No

Grade

5

Direct reports:

No

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation, making a difference to children’s lives in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education, and protection. At Save the Children, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), Save the Children implements programs in the sectors of health, education, child protection, child rights governance, and livelihoods. Save the Children’s program portfolio includes Maternal Child Health programming, including most recently a project to improve maternal nutrition and maternal child health funded by DFAT in Simbu and East New Britain Provinces; and is therefore seeking a lead for this project.

Safety and Security Coordinator

Reporting to the Country Director, the Safety and Security Coordinator (S&S Coordinator) is responsible for ensuring an effective safety and security management system that meets Save the Children’s minimum operating safety and security standards at all times in our operational areas. This will include the ongoing assessment of threats and risk to Save the Children programs and staff, and provision of advice to senior management to manage organization risk. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the S&S Coordinator supports the development of an organizational culture that reflects Save the Children’s mandate and values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and enables our people to deliver outstanding results for children.

Key Responsibilities

Safety and Security Compliance

• Develop and ensure compliance with Save the Children’s safety and security operating standards and protocols. Monitor the security environment and adjust security policies and procedures accordingly.
• Ensure that all staff are familiar with and adhere to the country-wide Safety and Security Management Plan (SSMP); ensure that the SSMP is up-to-date and refreshed at a minimum on an annual basis.

• Provide necessary support during emergencies, working closely with the Senior Management Team and Safety and Safety and Security Focal Points in the provinces.
• Support the Incident Management Team (IMT) in security-related crises.
• Ensure that safety and security strategies, frameworks, policies, and procedures are consistently applied across all Save the Children in PNG offices.
• Provide S&S planning, advice and guidance to Save the Children staff for field trips within the country.
• Develop and provide regular security briefings/presentations to staff in English/Tok Pisin.

Risk Assessment and Analysis

• Develop escalation triggers for security protocols and provide relevant information for decision-making.
• Ensure proper compilation and distribution of incident reports.
• Monitor security events and incidents, coordinating appropriate responses and follow-ups.
• Provide regular security updates, including situational analysis and recommendations, to the Country Director and Senior Management Team.

Support Program Operations

• Conduct security risk assessments for program areas/offices and recommend enhancements.
• Provide safety and security advice to field managers to support program operations.
• Provide technical support regarding the safe movement of staff, adequate safety and communications equipment in vehicles, and training of drivers in established procedures and requisite skills.

Communication and Training

• Liaise regularly with S&S focal points in the UN, NGO, government, and community leaders to gather and verify security information.
• Coordinate the flow of security information with relevant stakeholders and ensure its accuracy and reliability.
• Participate in formal or informal NGO security networks/forums and contribute to collective security analysis.
• Maintain and update incident reporting systems, ensuring timely dissemination of information to staff. Ensure that appropriate systems are in place to effectively disseminate security information and updates of the security system to staff
• Oversee the use of S&S telecommunications systems (e.g., satellite phones) and alert the ICT Officer to any system failures.
• Conduct regular security meetings with relevant staff to review protocols and developments. Develop and implement a security training plan for staff, assessing their competency and ensuring their preparedness.
• Develop security briefing materials and provide orientation for incoming or newly appointed staff. Ensure security briefings are updated on a quarterly basis and conducted at each location within 24 hours of arrival.
• Build capacity within the team for conducting threat assessments and security briefings.

Child protection and safeguarding requirements

-- Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times.

-- Maintain compliance with Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and PSEAH policies and reporting processes among staff and volunteers.

-- Act as a role model by demonstrating highest standards of behaviour towards children in private and professional life.

-- Never abuse the position of trust that comes with being part of Save the Children’s family.

-- Maintain a safe and positive relationship when working with children and young people.

-- Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes.

Health, safety, security and risk management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training. Act safely at all times.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with one’s daily work and apply appropriate mitigation measures in line with Save the Children’s policies and procedures.

All roles at Save the Children contribute to our impact for children.

At Save the Children, every role, whether in our programs or support services, plays a vital part in our impact for children. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their communities, and we value the contributions of every team member in achieving this vision.

Person Specification

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. Here are some of the specific skills and experiences you’ll bring in this role:

Qualifications/Accreditations

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in security and protective services, criminal justice, occupational health and safety, or a related field (or equivalent military/police academy diploma) – or a minimum of eight (8) years of comparable experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in humanitarian or international development work – preferably in an NGO environment.
• Minimum three (3) years of security management experience in humanitarian, military, or law enforcement settings.
• Familiarity with Papua New Guinea’s security contexts, legislation, regulatory landscape, and emergency stakeholders.
• Ability to implement and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety compliance frameworks.
• Competence in conducting risk assessments, threat analyses, and incident investigations.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with communication technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English (both written and verbal) and Tok Pisin.
• Strong people management, training, and capability-building skills; ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in complex and challenging environments.
• Computer proficiency with a particular focus on MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic with a high degree of flexibility with respect to working hours; ability to effectively plan and manage own time under pressure.
• Proven ability to work in a self-directed and motivated fashion, with limited supervision.
• Ability to think strategically, prioritise, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment; must be culturally sensitive.

Additional Information

-- Any offer of employment at Save the Children Australia will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check.

-- Employees must sign on to Save the Children Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.

-- Ongoing performance and employment will be measured against KPIs, values and demonstrated behaviours outlined above

-- Save the Children Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply:

Your application should include a cover letter (2 pages maximum) together with a current CV and contact details of two recent referees, Certificates and current Police Clearance Certificate obtained in the last 12 months.

Interested Candidates are invited to submit their applications via email to: [email protected]

Please address your application to:

The People & Culture Manager, Save the Children, PNG

PO Box 503, Port Moresby, NCD

Applications close on Friday 6 November 2026. please note applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close prior to the deadline. So, we encourage you to apply soon

Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.