Security Director - VisionFund International Location: [Europe & the Middle East] [United Kingdom] Category: Security Job Type: Open-ended, Full-time *Preferred location: United Kingdom/Eastern Time Zone USA Country within +/- 5hrs GMT, where VF/WVI is registered to operate. PUPRPOSE OF POSITION: The purpose of the Security Director VisionFund is to provide security and crisis leadership for the network that is informed by an in-depth understanding of the complex operating context and its risks, systematically manage security risks to an acceptable level and respond to changes quickly. The work involves contributing to the creation of an adaptive and resilient organisation that is prepared for, responds well to, and recovers quickly from adverse events using a continuous improvement approach. This role provides support and thought leadership as a key leader as VisionFund and as part of the global Office of Corporate Security. Importantly, this role is tasked with seeing the bigger picture, working collaboratively and taking action. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategy: Create and coordinate the implementation of the network (VisionFund operations across the globe) security strategy and business planning and contribute to global security strategies, priorities and plans ensuring that strategy concerns of the VisionFund network are integrated. Work closely with security focal points and senior leadership teams to ensure security strategies for Microfinance Institutions (MFI) and responses are appropriate and aligned with regional and global priorities. Collaborate with the other Operations functions to ensure a collaborative approach. Page 1/6
Technical Support: Provide technical advice and support to regional teams in collaboration with the Senior Director Operations, OCS on security and crisis management issues and their likely impact on VisionFund operations. Deliver oversight of security prevention, preparation, response and recovery activities, particularly in insecure complex environments and to counter threats emerging from changing political, social and economic situations. Give guidance and provide leadership and development opportunities to security focal points. Provide technical support and oversight of security risk assessments, incident case management, investigations and provision of after action reviews/lessons learned exercises and conduct security investigations for complex and serious cases. Work with national and regional senior management to ensure security budgets are in alignment with the assessed level of risk. Operational Support: Provide sound technical leadership in managing critical incidents in the network and provide input to the senior management team in crisis management situations and reviews of critical incidents. Provide input into the review of Security Risk Ratings with OCS Analysis Unit in conjunction with the Regional Security Director (RSD) counterpart in the relevant region and assist in the development of mitigation strategies with MFIs that are compliant with WVs Core Security Requirements. Ensure that MFIs have developed security, evacuation and contingency plans in alignment with the Core Security Requirements and the Security Risk Assessment. Monitor security incident reporting and ensure the appropriate dissemination of information during emergencies. Provide oversight and thought leadership on risk reduction efforts in response to transportation incidents causing serious injury and death. Assist Security Focal Points in MFIs to develop, communicate and implement security action plans. Ensure proper cash handling and physical asset/building security are in compliance with VF Operations Policies and Security Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP). Support crisis management and business continuity including impact analyses to accurately define critical timesensitive security activities and assist in the design, development, and documentation of work area recovery plans. Manage surge capacity requirements for critical incidents that are beyond the scope of MFIs and manage the escalation process. Capacity Building: Page 2/6
Coordinate the assessment, development and implementation of capacity building plans for security management across the network based on Security Risk Assessments. Engage with MFIs and Regional Directors to raise the awareness of security management in alignment with World Vision/VisionFund security policies and standards. Identify, share, facilitate access to security tools, resources and materials as well as learning and support opportunities for MFIs. These may include facilitating, conducting training, engagement of trainers, establishing institutional links and identifying opportunities for staff exchange or mentoring. Identify security training needs to operate in complex high risk environments including Security Risk Management Training (crisis management training) for leadership teams and assist with workforce planning to ensure fully qualified capacity is available when required. Develop security focal points to be highly competent in delivering Security Context Analysis, Security Risk Assessments, and developing context specific mitigation Strategies. Collaborate with various forums and key security stakeholders. Consult on the initial stages of programme assessment and proposal development to ensure that an end-to-end security solution can be developed and adequately resourced (e.g., opening of new branches in medium or high risk contexts). Operational security planning will affect programmatic decisions, including logistics, budgeting and capacity building. Knowledge Management: Lead the process of continuous learning on international best practice in security management and identify tools and processes that can be implemented in VisionFund operations. Encourage mutual learning on security management issues within the network. Conduct security analysis to identify emerging organisational security needs and solutions within the changing microfinance and humanitarian landscape. Ensure security policies and practices are informed by industry research and are in alignment with organisational standards, legal considerations and international best practice. Oversee the application of acquired learning, research findings and technological advancements to the operating strategy. Facilitate formation and coordination of security forum/network that promotes the embedding of security management in all layers of VisionFunds operations. Facilitate the documentation of best practices and contribute to the community of practice. Provide a macro view of the networks security context to assist threat identification and planning. Provide ongoing strategic and situational awareness to recognise shifts in the security environment quickly and adjust operations accordingly. Quality Assurance: Review minimum-security standards in the network and promote alignment with World Visions Core Security Requirements. Support and advise MFIs in observing the appropriate security standards in accordance with the context risk rating. Support CEOs in addressing ministry quality issues and needs related to security. Review each MFI annually to
ensure the strategy remains appropriate, and that it is being implemented in a way that maximises the safety of staff and assets. Maintain effective management reporting on security metrics and leverage data from OCS and across the organisation for continuous improvement and prioritisation. Internal Liaison & Co-ordination: Participate and actively contribute in the partnership forums, working groups and networks related to security management. Work with Senior Leaders so as to ensure that they are adequately aware of potential security issues. Work closely with and as a member of World Vision Office of Corporate Security so as to promote mutual learning, support and accountability. Identify and develop strategic security networks to share information on security issues affecting microfinance operations. Liaise with external security networks (INGOs, MFI networks, Embassies, etc) on global and regional operations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Relevant bachelors degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Strategic Studies, International Relations or Emergency Management or other management discipline. Previous experience in the professional security arena (INGO, Corporate, Military, Law Enforcement, or Emergency Services). Sound knowledge of INGO security practices with proven experience in security risk assessments, security planning and crises management in corporate environment. Direct application of security and risk management framework in corporate environment. Understanding of implementing Core Security Requirements, Minimum Operating Security Standards or equivalent. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to establish effective relationships at senior levels, gain credibility and influence senior decision makers. Solid interpersonal, negotiating and networking skills. Strong analytical (tactical & strategic), organisational and problem solving skills. Ability to work under pressure. Demonstrated ability to influence and deliver effective organisational outcomes related to all aspects of security and
risk management. Experience in liaising with all levels of Government, IO & NGOs. Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must be willing and able to travel extensively to high risk contexts. Needs to work with other virtual teams of different time zones. Must be able to coordinate work and interface efficiently and effectively with remote locations. Strong administrative skills, with effectiveness in developing tasks and managing to achieve target dates. Must be a productive team player. Strong PC skills (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Fluency in written and verbal communication in English. Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Experience: Relevant Master degree or other advanced degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Strategic Studies, International Relations or Emergency Management. Or other management discipline. At least 7 years or work related experience in the professional security, resilience, business continuity, NGO or UN working with international agencies with 5 years in a leadership role. Sound knowledge of INGO security practices with proven experience in security risk assessments, security planning and crises management within a microfinance or banking context. Effective communication in Spanish or French an advantage. Formal qualification in business continuity. A good network of contacts in academia, government or humanitarian security fields. Work Environment/Travel:
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) The position requires ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time and includes travel to high risk locations. Role will require successful completion of Hostile Environment Awareness Training provided by employer. Depending on location the position may require home based working with some unsociable hours due to global coverage and online meetings. Will be expected to manage high stress security events. Flexibility in work hours is expected. Page 6/6