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.

Position Summary:

IFES is recruiting for a Global Risk Management and Security Director to engage with the Vice President of Programs, teams across IFES, and contracted security providers to oversee and manage the inherent risk in the environments in which IFES operates. The director will be responsible for security and emergency planning, orientation, training, responding to crisis situations, and managing security contractors. The director will work with senior leadership at IFES 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.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a holistic organizational security management system, along with associated policies, procedures, and training.
• Oversee 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 crisis management response plan. Coordinate the crisis response team, including relevant security 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 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 a plus.

RELATED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

 A successful candidate will have:

• Prior experience leading risk management and security for a global organization.
• Proven experience in crisis management with the ability to work well under pressure in sensitive situations.
• Must be a strategic thinker who also pratical and results-oriented.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Strong diplomatic skills with the ability to work in a variety of different cultural environments.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff and contractor management.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality; strong negotiation skills and the ability to quickly problem-solve is a must.
• Extreme flexibility and ability to multi-task; ability to work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment; and demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding people and financial resources.
• Ability to travel internationally as needed.
• Good attention to detail, with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.