Provides security-related technical expertise to the Crisis Response portfolio of humanitarian programming. Serves as the primary advisor to departmental leadership regarding security matters. Oversees the preparations for and response to security situations in the Crisis Response portfolio. Ensures adherence to organizational policies and procedures related to security, crisis response, emergency management, and duty of care. Provides analyses of ongoing security situations and makes recommendations to mitigate risks to staff, assets, and programs and advises on access strategies. Serves on the HQ-based Emergency Management Team. Leverages extensive subject matter expertise to provide strategic guidance to the Crisis Response team, seeking ways to identify and address security risks in a manner that will support continued growth and expansion. Serves as a member of the start up team in new Crisis Response countries where humanitarian programming is being launched. May provide coverage when in-country security is on leave or increased support is needed.
Accountabilities:
- Serves as the primary resource for security issues within the Crisis Response portfolio.
- Manages, and coordinates, security programs within the portfolio to address a variety of issues including, privacy, physical security, investigations, and ensuring that programs meet appropriate FHI 360 Global Security’s policies.
- Mitigates risks to staff and programs in HIGH and EXTREME risk environments by synthesizing information and providing critical reviews of upcoming trends and possible implications.
- Reviews and updates scenario and contingency planning for Crisis Response countries, ensuring that mitigation measures (including evacuation routes) are validated regularly and are applicable based on the relevant operational context.
- Serves as a member of the HQ-based Emergency Management Team and takes the response lead role in incidents, emergencies, and crisis affecting Crisis Response.
- Conducts and ensures quality of security risk and threat assessments and prepares weekly and daily reports for project offices under the Crisis Response portfolio.
- Supports business development by contributing security-related analysis, security management plans, text, and budget inputs for proposals being prepared for opportunities within the region – providing final sign off on these security elements prior to submission.
- Develops and manages all security-related training programs for the portfolio.
- Supports the solicitation, review, and approval of country-level Security Management Plans and Emergency Action Plans for Crisis Response countries on an annual and as needed basis.
- Supports and mentors the country-level Security Management Teams as they address Crisis Response security-related issues.
- Monitors intelligence sources and disseminates security alerts and warnings to Crisis Response leadership (global and national), security management teams, and to travelers.
- Responsible for managing of contracted security professionals and vendors supporting Crisis Response.
- Develops and establishes security policies, tools, and procedures specific to a humanitarian context.
- Provides advice and timely counsel to departmental and portfolio leadership.
- Investigates risk management and public relations issues affecting Crisis Response.
- Complies with all applicable laws, statutes, or standards from regulatory and accrediting agencies within the region.
- Maintains good working relations with external agencies, including governmental and international agencies within the region, and informal networks including INGO security forums.
- Works with country and project leadership to gain insight on local regulations pertaining to security.
- Adheres to and applies all aspects of security regulations in a consistent manner.
- Establishes principled and secure humanitarian access to enable durable and safe programming.
- Contributes in developing and implementing guidelines for humanitarian access and engagement with authorities and/or non-state actors, complying with standard FHI 360 policy and guidance.
- Advises on the implementation of tailored acceptance and community engagement strategies.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong knowledge of current and emerging security technology, document control, and physical security.
- Comprehensive knowledge of INGO security best practices, the protective services industry, and government security directives.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of humanitarian principles (and their practical application).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated project management skills for long- and short-term projects.
- Ability to develop, administer, and evaluate security training.
- Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of others in discharging the protective services.
- Ability to work with external agencies including governmental, and international agencies.
- Ability to work effectively in a regional team environment and work closely and communicate clearly with all offices, departments, and affiliates.
Experience:
- Typically requires 8+ years of security experience in non-governmental organization (NGO), corporate or government organizations, or military asset protection programs.
- Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO).
- Prior security experience in conflict settings related to humanitarian relief/crisis response context preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with implementing security strategies, policies, procedures, and standards.
- Demonstrated experience with risk management and contract and vendor negotiations.
- Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
- Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English.
- French and/or Spanish language proficiency preferred.
Problem Solving & Impact:
- Responds quickly and effectively to crisis situations occurring in the international arena.
- Stays abreast of social, cultural, legal and criminal issues, nationally and internationally, and their impact on the region and its activities.
- Manages regional security goals and activities in conjunction with sound security and management concepts.
- Interacts with USAID missions, local government agencies, State Department, UN Security and other foreign agencies to implement regional security strategies and procedures.
- Identifies and defines objectives, strategies and priorities relating to security matters for Crisis Response
- Maintains composure in stressful situations and can act independently when conditions warrant immediate action.
Supervision Given/Received:
- Initiates and facilitates changes to improve regional security services through effective communication, collaboration and interdisciplinary problem solving.
- Provides direction and guidance in maintaining security services and protection.
- Provides training and technical supervision of any field-based security staff or security focal points (and where such staff/focal points are not in place, identifies, trains, and ensures the functionality of such a structure).
- Represents the regional office at all requested or required functions pertaining or related to security.
- Reports directly to HQ-based Director for Global Security, with a dotted technical line to the Director, Crisis Response
Technology to be Used:
Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, satellite phone, radio, tracking applications, and other hand-held or communications devices.
Travel Requirements: up to 50%
Typical Physical Demands:
Typical office environment. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; ability to move 5-50 lbs. Ability to interact effectively in the country/project office environments, as well as satellite office environments.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent: Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Security Administration, or Related Field. Master’s Degree in similar field preferred.
Certifications
ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation desirable.
** Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the key responsibilities of the job.