Security Manager – Ukraine At Winrock International

Winrock International works with people around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock is seeking a Security Manager to oversee the security for an anticipated $10M donor-funded project to support vulnerable populations through comprehensive, trauma-informed services; prevent and address human rights violations such as gender-based violence, exploitation, human trafficking, and conflict-related violence and abuses; and strengthen related policies and their implementation at the national and subnational levels.

The Security Manager will oversee measures to ensure the safety and security of Ukraine Human Rights project staff and assets.

This role does not include any expatriate benefits. candidates must be eligible to work in country without sponsorship

The position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Security Manager will be the primary security contact point for program personnel for Ukraine. The primary responsibilities for this position will be to oversee security information collection, security planning and implementation, operational management of project facilities and vehicles, and reporting. These responsibilities fall into three categories, as follows:

Security Planning and Implementation:

• Act as security expert on all emergency preparedness planning and incident responses.
• Provide complete oversight and management for the safety and security for all Ukraine personnel and assets countrywide.
• Develop strategies to continuously improve and refine security management systems for effectiveness and efficiency, considering evolving project needs, team dynamics, and project mission.
• Maintain and ensure compliance with project and organizational security policies.
• In collaboration with the Global Security Director and Chief of Party, develop the Field Travel Policy, Vehicle Administration and Safety Policy and Project Security Plans.
• Review and update the security plans on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if changing security situation warrants.
• Ensure offices have adequate life safety measures.
• Supervise, update, and test the communication tree.
• Review performance standards and conduct regular evaluations of all local security staff and external security contractors and guards at all locations of Ukraine operations.
• Ensure drivers and vehicles are following safety standards and requirements.
• Advise on in-country travel of Ukraine personnel, including provision of situational travel security information, and safety measures to be taken by staff while traveling.
• Conduct security risk assessments for offices and venues, evaluating physical, geographical, social, and structural features which may support or detract from the overall safety and security of a properties’ facilities or location; subsequently, provide recommendations for implementation of risk mitigating practices and features for each location.
• Develop project Standard Operating Procedures, including but not limited to: access to Ukraine facilities, travel procedures, communications, and implementation of Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS).
• Serve as a key member of the Incident Management Team.
• As possible, train local staff in security awareness, first aid, and where not a subject matter expert, identify sources of relevant training and recommend staff to be trained.
• Following the guidance and in close collaboration with the ICT team, oversee the cybersecurity framework for the project, ensuring that IT systems, networks, and data are protected from emerging threats in a conflict zone. Work closely with the ICT corporate team to implement proactive monitoring, incident response, and encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive information.

Security Information Collection:

• Assist the Chief of Party in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in Ukraine and specifically with respect to Ukraine operations
• Collate security information and relays to the Chief of Party and project personnel as required.
• Track and records security related incidents throughout project operational areas
• Participate in weekly meetings with the NGO Security Forum, UNDSS, and other Security Focal Points/Security Managers to obtain up-to-date security information

Reporting:

• Report security incidents affecting all project personnel (including subgrantees), offices and assets to Chief of Party, Home Office Project Manager, and Global Security Director.
• Provide security updates on daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, of all project security-related activities and issues to Chief of Party, Home Office Project Coordinator and Global Security Director.
• Draft, edit and distribute security updates and alerts to all country project staff.
• Distribute security related information, alerts, and policies as directed by Chief of Party.
• Provide travel recommendations and restrictions to ensure staff receives personal risk mitigation advice specifically tailored to the individual, their personal background, their region of travel and their anticipated task.
• Participate in weekly security meeting with the Global Security Director.

General Administration:

• Visit locations that Winrock staff must frequent throughout the country annually and conduct risk assessments.
• Maintain a database of contacts who are national country security authorities.
• Supervise the procurement of equipment related to safety and security upgrades and training.
• Prepare and deliver security briefs to staff in country and visiting home office staff.
• Maintain regular communication and liaison with the Global Security Director to ensure integration of Winrock global security requirements into all security technical and logistical operations.
• Respond to other requests by Chief of Party, Home Office Project Manager, and Global Security Director as required.
• Monitor social media, news, open source and procured intelligence to inform staff of areas that may become unsafe to visit.
• Conduct periodic staff accountability drills via SMS and project phone tree.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education: Academic degree in a relevant field, or 10 years’ experience in related fields

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in security management, preferably in complex environments
• Vast experience working in Ukraine is required

Skills/Knowledge:

• Tactical medical training and certifications is advantageous
• Strong knowledge of security practices in NGO or diplomatic settings
• Professional security certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP) are advantageous
• Ability to analyze information and make quick, informed decisions.
• Excellent management, communication, and organizational skills are required.
• Excellent computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases) are required.
• Ability to make sound judgement decisions in regards to staff and project security
• Fluency in English and Ukranian (both spoken and written).
• Ability to maintain physical presence in Ukraine.
• Effective people management skills.
• Flexible and work well under pressure.
• Experience with IT security in high-risk, conflict-affected regions preferred: demonstrated knowledge of securing ICT infrastructure and data, including familiarity with encryption technologies, threat intelligence, and risk management strategies.