About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team! 

About the Role

Working under the direct supervision of the Senior Security Manager and under the overall direction of the Director of Global Risk Management, Security and Operations, the Global Security and Operations Manager will be a key component of the NDI institutional security staffing structure and for implementing NDI security policy. Duties and responsibilities will cover formulation and implementation of all key components of physical, operational, and transport security management at both the field office and institutional level. Subject matter expertise to be leveraged will include: risk identification, risk mitigation planning and resource identification, incident response, training, communications, and day-to-day management of key security functions and technology that will support continued growth and expansion.

Your Purpose and Impact:

• Formulating and effectuating the creation and implementation of security guidance and best practices to NDI staff and programs at both the country office and headquarters level.
• Provides direct security support to NDI country offices and programs globally by conducting and overseeing in-country security risk assessments, coordinating the development and revision of security plans, and support of NDI program-related events, including international and domestic election observation missions.
• Directs the solicitation, review, and approval of country office security management plans, crisis response plans, and contingency plans on an annual and as needed basis.
• Analyzes ongoing security situations and makes recommendations to mitigate risks to staff, assets, and programs and advises on access strategies.
• Oversees security-related content on NDI staff portals to include security policies, procedures, and planning documents.
• Day-to-day oversight and management of electronic staff tracking and communications tools and resources, to include liaising with external service providers.
• Participates in key institutional crisis and incident management teams as needed with the ability to serve as institutional duty officer.
• Represents the Institute with key external security partners to include The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Consortium for Elections and Political Process
• Strengthening (CEPPS) partner organizations, and other external organizations and partners as required.
• Overseas external security service provider contracts to include procurement process management, contract and task order implementation, and invoicing and payment processing.
• Provides direction/supervision to security contractors/consultants, regional and country security focal points, as well as local and short term staff assigned to support election mission, international events and security assessments, including hiring and contracting authority as to these matters
• Monitors security partner alerts and analyses and disseminates information to relevant stakeholders, security focal points, and travelers as appropriate.
• Serving as a resource to NDI local national security focal points at NDI country offices and maintaining engagement and communication to build staff capacity and resources.
• Provides timely and periodic security-related training at both the headquarters and country office level.
• Reviews and provides safety and security input on NDI program proposals.
• Provides rapid regional, country, or situation-specific risk assessment to NDI decision makers.
• Participates in the Operations and Security Team duty rotation which provides 24hr response and management support for security and medical emergencies globally.
• Participates in cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Actively seek and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge in INGO security and operations, to include certification programs provided by INGO and security professional associations and organizations.
• Perform other team support functions as needed, including support of NDI in-person events at HQ, regional venues, and other locations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or other relevant degree preferred; a combination of experience and education in lieu of degree will be considered.
• 6 years experience providing security and operational support to INGOs or related international organizations in a country or headquarters context.
• Experience working in challenging current or post-conflict environments is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with implementing security strategies, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Strong geographical and socio-political knowledge base and strong cross-cultural skills and experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of INGO security best practices and government security directives.
• Solid understanding of current global conflicts, insurgencies, natural disaster trends, and other factors affecting safety and security for INGOs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally both domestically and internationally with NDI partners, funders, and other stakeholders, as well as with U.S. and foreign government personnel
• Knowledge of procurement and contract management best practices for both security and operations-related equipment and services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and through various communication media. The ability to present to varying sized audiences in a manner that influences and drives understanding is highly desired.
• Action-oriented with a high level of initiative and an advanced level of proficiency in the ability to multitask and prioritize; manage time, perform project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills; and flexibility to adapt and respond to shifting priorities.
• Ability to develop, administer, and evaluate security training.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to access a broad range of resources and develop, maintain and communicate risk assessments to guide security and contingency plans for country offices and institution wide use. Understanding of communications and staff tracking technology in an INGO context, to include mobile communication devices, satellite communication devices, and staff and vehicle tracking systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint, knowledge of Google Suites tools preferred.
• Ability to travel internationally on short-notice for prolonged periods of time
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Professional proficiency in French preferred.

Certifications/Licenses (desired):

• INSSA Certification, CPP Certification, or other security-related certifications preferred

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $78,600 - $98,300

Additional Information:

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply.

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.