DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONAL SECURITY

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled and visionary security professional to join our team as the Director of Operational Security. This is a pivotal role holding significant responsibility within the CARE Security Unit, overseeing CAREs operational security function but also acting as a key strategic partner and thought leader within the team. If you are an experienced NGO security professional, this is a unique opportunity to shape the way we work and react to security challenges, make a positive impact on daily lives of colleagues, and contribute to our mission of empowering communities and eradicating poverty. 

Reporting to the CARE Executive Director Security, Operational Access and Risk as the Director of Operational Security, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our staff, programs, and assets across CARE's operational areas. You will lead and manage a team of Regional Security Managers (RSMs) and regional security assistants, providing guidance and support in the operational delivery of the function.

As a champion of staff safety in humanitarian response efforts, you will drive preparedness within the CARE Security Unit (CSU) to ensure we can effectively meet all program challenges. Your innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, and adaptability will be key as CARE evolves, continuously finding effective solutions to emerging challenges. Additionally, you play a vital role in insuring critical information flows reach decision makers and crisis teams, you will support CARE’s crisis teams to respond effectively to events and challenges.  You will be responsible for ensuring safe operational access to program areas by enabling a security risk management platform, approving and implementing security protocols, and coordinating with local stakeholders and partners. You will lead efforts to create a secure environment for program delivery, enabling teams to operate effectively in challenging contexts. Your expertise in risk assessment, security planning, and crisis response will be critical in maintaining access to program areas while safeguarding personnel and assets.

Success in this role relies on building strong relationships and influencing internal and external stakeholders. Your exceptional communication and negotiation skills will be instrumental in forging partnerships that support our collective mission.  Collaboration and partnership are also the heart of this of your work. You will work in partnership with the units Executive Director and closely with the units functional directors and serve on the teams Senior Leadership Team, to develop comprehensive security strategies and initiatives. Together, you will establish and implement sector best-practice standards, ensuring consistent high-quality programs for all our presences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Global Technical Leadership and Systems Management

The primary responsibility of the Director of Operational Security is to manage operational security systems and structures across CARE’s global presences.

• Design and maintain consistent global standards for the safe operation of CARE’s programs with the objective of enabling sustainable presences to fulfill CARE’s mission and mandate. 
• Oversee compliance and audits on global standards, and engage with accountable positions on compliance gaps. Solve problems that emerge in the implementation of CARE’s safety and security standards, and find innovative solutions to system and structure issues. 
• Align CARE’s operational security systems and structures with sector best practice, continually striving for improvement and enhancement to the benefit of CARE’s mission.
• Manage the budget for the CARE Security Unit’s operational accounts, including Regional Security Management budgets, in alignment with the CSU’s overall budget envelope. Ensure resourcing is commensurate with the requirements of staff safety globally.
• Further develop the CARE Security Unit’s emergency response protocols, building on lessons learned from previous humanitarian action and emerging sector best practice to ensure CARE’s ability to surge in a safe and effective manner in the event of both slow- and rapid-onset emergencies.
• Maintain the CARE Security Unit’s knowledge management, in coordination with the Security Analysis and Communications Manager, to ensure appropriate record keeping, availability of key information for internal stakeholders, and accountability. 
• Manage the safe and secure conduct of all VIP travel, including high-profile internal personnel, donors, celebrity advocates, political leaders and Learning Tours. Maintain the VIP travel protoc