Senior Officer, Security at The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Job Purpose

• The Senior Security Officer ensures effective security planning and management across the delegation, including offices, residences, and guest houses. The role guarantees compliance with Minimum Security Requirements (MSR) and duty of care pricinciples. The incumbent safeguards staff, delegates, and assets by providing timely security advice, overseeing security personnel, and ensuring safe access to IFRC premises. S/he also leads incident data analysis, risk monitoring, and the development of contingency measures.
• As the delegation’s lead technical resource on security risk management and critical incident response, the Senior Security Officer works closely with the Head of Delegation, and counterparts in the ICRC and the Red Cross societies in the cluster, while building strong networks with external security stakeholders. The role also carries responsibility for security and safety training for volutneers, national and international staff.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

The post holder is accountable:

• Strengthen security management structures and enhance overall security across the IFRC Abuja Cluster network by ensuring full compliance with Minimum Security Requirements (MSRs).
• Provide timely, accurate, and actionable security advice to the Head of Delegation on all security-related matters, including risk mitigation and critical incident management.
• Ensure managers in the designated areas of operation receive appropriate security training and support before, during, and after incidents.
• Provide security information, analysis, and recommendations to strengthen individual, institutional, and operational security.
• Establish and maintain effective security contacts and networks to support the execution of duties and responsibilities. Analysis and Planning
  • Monitor and analyse the security environment and identify emerging threats, risks, and trends affecting the IFRC operaitons.
  • Recommend operational or procedural changes to the Head of Delegation in response to identified risks and threats.
  • Conduct security risk assessments, including field security assessments and implementation of mitigation measures across the IFRC Abuja Cluster.
  • Support the development and regular review of security contingency plans, including Hibernation, Relocation, Evacuation, and Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) plans.
  • Maintain and update the security incident database for analysis and reporting purposes.
  • Produce regular analytical and thematic security reports relevant to the operating context.

Incident and Emergency Response

• Respond on a 24/7 basis to security incidents, emergencies, and crises to safeguard personnel, assets, and operations.
• Ensure all security-related incidents and emergencies are immediately and appropriately reported.
• Evaluate, document, and analyse incidents using the Security Incident Report (SIR) system to identify patterns, trends, and risks.
• Under the guidance of the Head of Delegation, disseminate regular security updates to IFRC personnel and those under the SSA through established communication platforms.
• Monitor communications through existing security networks and follow up on incidents affecting the IFRC network.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Compliance

• Monitor and evaluate compliance with Minimum Security Requirements (MSRs) across the delegation and serve as the lead technical focal point for MSR documentation development and updates within the country cluster.
• Ensure that all staff are informed, trained, and compliant with existing security procedures, regulations, guidance, and contingency plans.
• Monitor and evaluate compliance with mandatory safety and security training requirements, including online Stay Safe Training.
• Develop and implement action plans to address identified security gaps within agreed timelines.
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Training and Development

• Deliver security briefings to IFRC staff and those under SSA, including arrival briefings, event briefings, and special mission briefings.
• Ensure all new staff, visitors, and deployed Surge personnel receive a comprehensive security induction prior to deployment.
• Maintain and regularly update records of personnel and visitors who have received security briefings in the Regional Security Briefing Tracker.
• Organise and conduct emergency drills, including building evacuations, alarm system testing, and training for contracted security guards.
• Design and deliver tailored security training programmes for IFRC personnel operating in various locations.
• Support the delivery of security and safety training for National RC Society staff and volunteers.

Liaison and Coordination

• Liaise and coordinate with Movement partners (National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, ICRC, Partner National Societies) on security management, capacity building, RC peer learning, training, and resource mobilisation.
• Conduct joint security assessment missions with National Societies to support programme implementation.
• Coordinate with ICRC on Movement security matters and participate in Movement security coordination forums.
• Establish and maintain effective coordination with external stakeholders, including UN agencies, humanitarian actors, and security forums, to remain informed of best practices, contextual developments, and emerging risks.
• Liaise with relevant government authorities, including police, military, immigration, and fire services, as required.
• Participate in relevant country or regioanl operational meetings, coordination forums, and planning processes

Administration and physical security

• Supervise and oversee contracted security service providers to ensure delivery of services in accordance with contractual agreements.
• Train and mentor security guards on IFRC Fundamental Principles, guard post orders, standard operating procedures, and emergency response procedures.
• Conduct physical security assessments of offices, residences, hotels, and guest houses to ensure compliance with IFRC MSRs.
• Maintain an up-to-date register of staff residences and emergency contact details.
• Establish, test, and maintain an effective warden system and communication tree across the cluster.
• Ensure physical security systems (e.g. CCTV, fire alarms, access control, and safety equipment) are functional, compliant, and regularly serviced.

Education

• A Relevant University Degree (Security Management, Risk Management, International Relations, Political Science, Criminology, Peace & Conflict Studies, Disaster Management, Humanitarian Studies). (Relevant)
• A master's degree will be a desired advantage.(Relevant)
• Advanced training or certification in security risk management, humanitarian security, or related fields (e.g. INSSA - SRMP, CSMP, ASIS - CPP, HSSCS, UN ASITF, HEAT) is highly desirable.(Relevant)
• Humanitairan releated qualification such as Humanitiarian Priciples, Humanitarian access and negotiation, civil – military coordination, Humanitarian response as desired. (Relevant)
• Membership and active participation in recognised humanitarian or professional security associations (e.g. INSSA, GISF, CCHN, local networks) is highly desirable.(Relevant)
• Successfully completed the IFRC Stay Safe e-learning courses (basic and managers). (Preferred)

Experience

• 5 years or more working experience in active security management role with a humanitarian organisation in region.(Relevant)
• First-hand experience with IFRC or RC Movement Partners security management system. (Preferred)
• An experienced Trainer on First Aider, Fire Safety, defensive driving, HEAT, HEIST, In-country contextual understanding and operational experience(Relevant)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Good communication skills. (Relevant)
• Good analytical skills in political, socioeconomics and security areas. (Relevant)
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. (Relevant)
• Good stress management skills. (Relevant)
• Self-supporting in computers [Microsoft Office, database, e-mail (Outlook), GIS mapping. (Relevant)
• Valid local driving license (Preferred)
• Demonstrated core proficiency in (a) digital communication & collaboration, (b) basic digital content creation, (c) digital safety & security, (d) data literacy, and (e) problem solving with technology (including responsible use of AI assistants. (Relevant)
• Understanding of and commitment to IFRC’s mission and values. (Preferred)