Global Security Director

About the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES):
IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. IFES is a nonpartisan, nonprofit headquartered in the United States where it is registered as a 501 (c)(3) organization.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

IFES is recruiting for a Global Security Director to engage with teams across IFES, and with contracted security providers, to oversee and manage the inherent risk in the environments in which IFES operates. As of December 2024, IFES has 91 live projects and 39 country offices across Africa (AF), Asia-Pacific (A-P), Europe/Eurasia (E&E), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Director will report to the Vice President of Programs and be responsible for refining and overseeing IFES' global security policies and procedures, including as it pertains to security analysis, planning, orientation, training, and responding to crisis situations. This position will also help oversee any country-specific and global security contractors engaged by IFES. The Director is part of the Senior Leadership Team at IFES, and will work with senior leadership to support holistic global security operations that protect IFES' personnel, assets, and reputation. The director will also be called upon to engage with relevant actors, including donors, the private sector, and security forums, to share information, guidance and advice. The director will be responsive to country-level security needs both in terms of coordinating and managing security planning and response, and also will travel to country offices as needed.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a holistic organizational security management system, along with associated policies, procedures, and training, and support a safety and security culture across IFES.
• Facilitate and oversee in-house security management and planning, to include risk identification and assessment; plans and procedures for mitigation and response; and orientation and training programs. In coordination with security contrators, provide advice, guidance, and support on safety and security issues to IFES leadership, teams, and events.
• Maintain and update the organization's approach to crisis management and response, based on lessons from high-risk country contexts. Coordinate the crisis response team, including any relevant security/medical emergency response contractors.
• Lead cross-departmental process to evaluate and secure risk-appropriate security-related insurance; coordinate with insurance brokers and carriers to secure best terms, conditions, and pricing to meet IFES' insurance needs based on best practice, donor requirements, and risk tolerance.
• Maintain awareness of best practices in risk and security management across the development sector.
• Monitor global security environment to assess the impact on IFES offices, programs, and travelers; coordinate provision of security-related information to senior management, US-based program teams, and country offices.
• Communicate security issues to the executive team and board, upon request.
• Coordinate institutional response to the full spectrum events including security incidents and situations, medical emergencies and evacuations, natural disasters, pandemics, etc.
• Maintain and develop contacts and relationships with appropriate international agencies, Embassies, government agencies as well as NGO security managements and appropriate external working groups (Interaction, OSAC) to share information and best practices.
• Coordinate assistance and manage relationships with external resources including security and medical assistance providers, crisis response consultants, and security companies.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in international studies, global security management, risk management, business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in risk management, security, and operations. Experience working with security providers and contractors is required. Experience working in or with an international non-governmental organization, especially in an overseas post as a security professional, is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with established non-governmental security coordinating bodies.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Professional-level fluency in English is required. Other language capabilities are a plus.

TRAVEL EXPECTATION: Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

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