Senior Officer, Regional Security Manager at Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation

This is an individual contributor role, which does not have direct/internal people management responsibilities, however, vendor management is a critical part of this role. The RSM will collaborate frequently with internal and external partners.

This role resides within the Risk Intelligence team, within Global Security and reports to the Deputy Director, Risk Intelligence.

What You'll Do

• As RSM, act as the GS liaison with the Nigeria Country Office and Senegal Country Office directors, operations and facilities managers, staff, and other personnel to implement, adjust, and carry out appropriate security measures.
• Lead all aspects of security operations for the Nigeria Country Office and Senegal Country Office. Lead and control the quality of the security programs, inclusive of moderate risk travel/transportation and management of outsourced Secure Transport Coordinators (STCs), Drivers, Guards, and Security Reception. This includes regular site visits to ensure timely and adequate:
• Site security plans, and conduct threat, vulnerability, and risk assessments.
• Training and awareness programs (Incident Management/Regional Office contingency planning, Traveler Awareness, Personal Security Awareness, Low HEAT)
• Security support to foundation-sponsored events and activities
• Relationship management with our staff based locally and external security counterparts.
• Act as an incident response coordinator for each office under your purview.

These responsibilities include:

• Working in consultation with each office director, to select and train local incident response team members, ensuring they represent key programmatic and operational portfolios consistent with foundation incident management standards.
• Lead annual incident management exercises for each office, constructing scenarios and training objectives to address key risks specific to each office context.
• Respond to security incidents in assigned areas of responsibility, activating and coordinating activities of the local incident response teams and preparing options for decision by the office director or foundation’s leadership team as appropriate.
• Provide credible information and contextual analysis of localized and regional security situations and incidents, along with appropriate advice to GS managers.
• Maintain an effective security network at office locations, with both internal and external partners.
• Liaise with government, consular, and private sector law enforcement and security agencies within the foundation’s regional office locations.
• Demonstrate a problem-solving approach to preserving the foundation infrastructure at all regional office locations and make recommendations to support the strategic aims and objectives of those policies and programs.
• Assist GS with developing training and awareness programs, for inclusive security practices and engagement with Employee Resource Groups.
• Provide security support for Moderate Risk foundation travel and operations within the West and Central Africa region.
• Engage in thought partnership discussions with our Analysts on issues within your area of responsibility, and provide backstop support to other RSMs as needed, as a member of the Risk Intelligence team.
• Partner closely with GS Protective Operations counterparts who manage our Secure Transport for High and Very High-Risk locations and Medical Support Programs in the regions.
• Be a great teammate, taking ownership and responsibility for addressing the full range of GS responsibilities, and collective GS voice – as best you can in your role.

Your Experience

• Master’s degree preferred or a bachelor’s degree with 10 + years of experience with relevant experience in international relations, regional studies, security, or a related field is required.
• Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing, in both English and French.
• Demonstrated capability for regional/country risk assessment and written reporting as well as operational security experience, including with corporate security entities and/or formal government-level service with diplomatic, law enforcement, and/or intelligence agencies.
• Experience working domestically and internationally in multiple settings (office & field) with strong security operational experience, understanding, and inclusivity to varying global perspectives and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience leading responses to security incidents, including investigations and support to include crafting and providing security messaging to locally based staff and travelers.
• Proven track record in security vendor management.
• Shown experience developing security mitigation plans for high-level events and VIP visits.
• Experience representing security organizations with a broad range of external stakeholders, including government officials, and benchmarking with partners in other organizations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; including research, monitoring, and information collection and reporting.
• High level of interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with an emphasis on collaboration, and ability to engage executive-level decision-makers.
• Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, and diplomacy both individually and collaboratively as part of a team effort in a highly matrixed environment.
• Strong ability to network effectively at all organizational levels, developing trusting and positive relationships.
• Must have a consistent track record of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, requiring a high level of attention to detail while maintaining focus on the big picture.
• Flexibility in working across time zones is essential for this role, as well as the ability to work independently and make sound decisions to maintain organizational objectives.
• Excellent ability to identify and work effectively with key collaborators on complex, cross-organizational, and foundation projects in unfamiliar areas.
• Tolerance for ambiguity and ability to apply structure to simplify complex problems.
• Apply discretion with demonstrated experience in maintaining utmost confidentiality and privacy.
• Project/Program management and information security experience are highly desired.

Other Attributes

• Available to travel domestically and internationally frequently (25 - 50%).
• Fluency in French is mandatory.
• A sense of humor and a positive attitude is required.
• Self-motivated and have a passion for the mission of the foundation.
• Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.