Venezuela – National Security Advisor At COOPI – International Cooperation

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About COOPI

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is a secular and independent NGO, founded in Milan in 1965. It carries out development projects to contribute to the fight against inequality and emergency programs to support people affected by natural disasters or conflicts. Currently, COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Since 2019, COOPI has maintained a presence in Venezuela, and in July 2020, it launched a regional program implemented in partnership with Venezuelan organizations and in coordination with local and international institutions, within the framework of existing response plans. In recent years, COOPI has expanded its interventions and currently carries out projects with various donors in Caracas, Sucre, Delta Amacuro, and Bolívar states, focusing on protection (violence against women, trafficking, and smuggling of persons), sexual and reproductive health, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), school feeding programs, and institutional strengthening.

Job objective/description

The Security Consultant will be responsible for managing and updating all aspects related to the security of COOPI’s missions in Venezuela, supporting context analysis, updating security plans, training staff, and managing incidents, in order to ensure a safe environment for humanitarian operations.

This is a part-time technical advisory role focused on ensuring continuous monitoring of the security situation, supporting the Country Coordinator and teams in operational decision-making, and maintaining up-to-date security systems, tools, and documents developed by the mission. The role combines analytical work with regular on-site presence and practical support as needed. Venezuelan nationality or a Venezuelan residence permit is required.

Areas of responsibility

Context analysis and monitoring

  • Prepare periodic reports monitoring context and risk analysis, with emphasis on political dynamics, public security measures, and their impact on humanitarian operations.
  • Maintain direct and regular communication with humanitarian security forums (UNDSS, OCHA, INSO, NGO Forum) and synthesize relevant alerts for COOPI.

Review and update of security documents

  • Keep mission security documents updated and adapt them to the evolving context, as prepared in the previous phase, including;
  • Risk and vulnerability analysis of COOPI in the different intervention areas and risk reduction measures;
  • Country security plans (mission and bases);
  • Contingency plans for the different bases: hibernation, relocation, evacuation and Medevac (medical evacuation);
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing various aspects related to security: movements and transportation, interaction with authorities, handling security incidents (assaults, kidnappings, etc.);
  • Handbook for expatriate staff in Venezuela: pre-arrival briefing, movement regulations and general security for expatriates;
  • Basic recommendations for digital security and secure handling of sensitive information during missions, travel and communication with field teams, in coordination with the Administration/IT and Country Coordination areas.
  • To be the focal point for the implementation and ongoing review of the mission’s safety guidelines, duty of care, and operational risk management, in coordination with the Country Coordination and relevant areas;
  • Prepare periodic reports on the security context;
  • Participate in the drafting of security analyses for donor reports and funding proposals.

Staff training and support:

  • Organize and conduct regular training sessions for the COOPI team on key security issues in the humanitarian context, including emergency protocols and risk analysis;
  • Conduct safety briefings for coordination and base personnel;
  • Update training topics according to the security context of Venezuela and international regulations;
  • Carry out monitoring and support missions for field activities.

Security Incident Management:

  • Act as the main point of contact in the event of security incidents (with local authorities, armed groups or other security threats);
  • Advise base teams on preparing hibernation kits and reviewing safe routes;
  • Support the review and updating of procedures for planning, authorization, monitoring and reporting of movements of personnel, vehicles and supplies, including criteria for suspending or rescheduling movements according to the level of risk;
  • Coordinate the response to incidents, following established protocols, under the supervision of the mission chief.

General Advice and Representation:

  • Provide advice on decision-making regarding security and access to intervention areas and in crisis situations;
  • Provide ongoing advice to the Head of Mission and Base Coordinators on decision-making regarding mobility, temporary relocations, or the progressive return of expatriate staff;
  • Act as a focal point in forums, working groups and coordination spaces when required.

Work Modality

  • Part-time: The consultant will work part-time, with an estimated dedication of 20 hours per week;
  • Weekly office meeting: The consultant must attend the mission office in Caracas or the corresponding location at least once a week for scheduled meetings with the head of mission and the base managers;
  • The consultant will work in a hybrid manner (in person and remotely) for the development of documents and the execution of activities.
  • Supervision and Reporting: The Security Consultant will report directly to the Head of Mission and will collaborate closely with the managers of the different COOPI bases in Venezuela.

Expected Products

  • Periodic reports on context, relevant risks, and operational recommendations;
  • Mission security documents and bases reviewed and updated according to agreed priorities;
  • Updated incident log and follow-up recommendations, where applicable;
  • Periodic briefing, induction or security update sessions for COOPI staff, as needed.
  • Specific recommendations on movements, field missions, temporary relocations, hibernation, evacuation or progressive return, when the context requires it;
  • Proposals for continuous improvement in mission safety.

Desired profile

ESSENTIALS

  • Bachelor’s degree in areas related to Security, Risk Management, Social Sciences, International Law, or related fields. Training in Humanitarian Security preferred;
  • Professional experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of security in humanitarian missions or in high-risk contexts.
  • Experience in developing and implementing security plans, evacuation protocols, and crisis management.
  • Experience in the design and delivery of safety training.
  • Knowledge of the security context in Venezuela and in regions of risk for humanitarian organizations.
  • Training in first aid, personal safety and crisis management.
  • Ability to prepare detailed and clear reports.
  • Ability to work in a team, make quick decisions and lead in emergency situations.
  • Ability to work independently (organization, work planning, analytical development, synthesis) and in contexts with high complexity and under pressure (meeting deadlines);
  • Motivation, honesty, proactive and decisive attitude, common sense, discretion;
  • Respect for COOPI’s vision and mission and its charter of values;
  • Proficiency in Spanish (oral and written)
  • Proficiency in computer tools (Microsoft Windows operating system) and office software (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
  • Venezuelan nationality or residence permit in the country;

DESIRABLE

  • Previous experience in International Cooperation, Humanitarian Action and/or related fields;
  • Languages: English highly valued;
  • Immediate availability or as soon as possible.

How to apply

Those interested should send their application by email to the address: reclutamiento.venezuela@coopi.org Please indicate in the subject: Security Advisor.

Deadline: November 13, 2026. If suitable candidates are available, the application period may close before this date. COOPI reserves the right to contact only those candidates deemed suitable and shortlisted.