Senior Officer, Security

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination, (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization, (iii) Management and Accountability and (iv) People and Strategy.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. 

Afghanistan is experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, fuelled by implications deriving from a decades-long conflict, a deterioration of economic conditions, recurring natural hazards – including droughts, earthquakes, floods, and landslides – which often cause disasters, displacement, gaps in health services, and other pre-existing needs. It is estimated that around 24 million people, more than half of the country’s population, need assistance in 2025. The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, like elsewhere in the world, requires an approach which addresses immediate needs while at the same time providing durable solutions in a manner that also tackles root-causes and people’s vulnerabilities.

In 2021, the IFRC scaled up its humanitarian operation and increased the number of national and international staff to support ARCS with a rigorous, systemic, and structured coordination, collaboration, and cooperation towards more efficient and effective implementation of the complex humanitarian operation. Four years on, the IFRC is shifting most of its focus in Afghanistan to humanitarian-development nexus programming and National Society Development (NSD), which includes elements of programmatic capacity strengthening and more fundamental organizational development. The IFRC is also drawing down in-country technical international staff in view of changed needs. However, significant operational support will continue especially on compliance, risk management, safeguarding, quality and accountability, corporate services, strategic engagement and partnerships, security management, and supply chain management. Further, some operational coordination capacity will be maintained since the possibility of a dramatic change in the humanitarian situation requires an ongoing readiness for scaling up.

The Senior Security and Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring that effective security planning is conducted and that sound security management structures are established within the IFRC Afghanistan Country Delegation. The Senior Security Officer ensures the effective implementation of and institutional compliance with security plans. The plans and responses are guided by effective, accurate, relevant and multi-sourced situational monitoring, recent quality security management training and competence in incident data mapping and analysis. The Senior Security Officer also maintains working relationships with his/her counterparts in other organizations and key players present in the operational area.

The Senior Security Officer is also responsible for protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the organization.  He / She is responsible for ensuring the utmost security of the country office staff and delegates, by providing quality advice to the delegates and national staff and through the management of watchmen ensures safe and secure access within IFRC property.

The Senior Security and Safety Officer will work closely with the ARCS and ICRC to support the ongoing development of the ARCS security systems.

Security Support and Coordination

• Ensure implementation of the IFRC Minimum Security Requirements (MSR) and Federation Security Guidelines.
• Maintain updated, context-aligned security plans for the Afghanistan Country Delegation.
• Monitor and assess operational areas and field offices in line with management and operational objectives.
• Track and assess daily events, incidents, and near-misses, ensuring all security matters are promptly recorded, resolved, and communicated.
• Coordinate works closely with the regional security coordinator and provide timely updates and incident reports to the team, and Head of Delegation.

Security Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor security developments through news, reports, and field feedback, and conduct regular security assessments, route surveys, and site inspections.
• Record and analyze incidents, identify trends, and contribute to country-level security analysis and reporting.
• Maintain up-to-date incident maps and databases.
• Act as first point of contact for the Head of Delegation during incidents in the absence of the Regional Security Coordinator.
• Share timely security information and updates with staff via meetings, SMS, or email.
• Report any incidents or policy breaches affecting staff, property, or assets to the Regional Security Coordinator and line manager.
• Support security briefings for new delegates and visitors, ensuring familiarity with IFRC regulations, emergency responses, and communication protocols.
• Keep guards, drivers, and radio operators informed of all safety procedures and movement restrictions.
• Respond to IFRC related security incidents and emergencies, ensuring immediate mitigation measures are taken and reported.

Training and Awareness

• Deliver arrival, mission, and event-specific security briefings to staff and visitors.
• Support planning and facilitation of safety and security training for staff and support personnel.
• Monitor compliance with mandatory training and report gaps to the Regional Security Officer.

Lateral Relationships

• Maintain strong coordination with ARCS and other partner organizations’ security focal points.
• Build and sustain networks with security POCs in ICRC, UN, government, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.

Passive Security

• Monitor and ensure functionality of physical and passive security measures (locks, barriers, CCTV, lighting, communication systems – Thuraya, Vsat, etc.).
• Verify firefighting and first-aid equipment functionality and staff readiness.
• Report maintenance and repair needs to the Regional Security Coordinator.
• Ensure offices and premises are locked and secured outside working hours.

Management and Supervision

• Prepare and post monthly duty rosters for watchmen; verify presence through regular and ad-hoc checks.
• Report breaches or security concerns to the line manager and Regional Security Coordinator.
• Provide feedback on the performance of watchmen for further training or disciplinary action.

Reporting

• Immediately report all security incidents to the line manager, Head of Delegation, and Regional Security Coordinator.
• Assist in preparing weekly and quarterly security reports and mapping updates.

Maintain organized, reviewed incident reports and ensure all records are up to date.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in security management, Risk Management, International Relations, Political Science, Crisis Management, or a related field.

Preferred:

• Security Risk Management / Crisis Management / Hostile Environment Training.

Required:

• 5-7 years’ experience in a similar role preferably with an INGO/NGO/UN/Military.
• At least 3 years of experience in field experience in humanitarian security work.
• Security risk assessment and analysis.
• Proven experience in incident and crisis management.

Preferred:

• Experience working with the military, security agencies and law enforcement agencies

Required:

• Knowledgeable in security protocols.
• Knowledgeable in Crisis management, contingency planning, and emergency response.
• Proficiency in using security information systems, tracking tools, and communication equipment.
• Strong coordination, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical skills in political, socioeconomics and security areas
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Good stress management skills.
• Self-supporting in computers [Windows, Microsoft Office, database, e-mail (Outlook) etc.]
• Knowledgeable in security protocols
  
  
• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Good command of Dari and Pashto.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust
Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.