Senior Officer, Security

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. IFRC uses the Triple R – response, resilience and respect – to deliver on Strategy 2030. IFRC responds to disasters and crises, ensuring timely, coordinated and locally led humanitarian action. IFRC supports its members in building community resilience in the areas of climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. IFRC promotes respect for our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, including in our work on values, power and inclusion. The IFRC focuses throughout on our core mandate – our raison d’être – of strategic and operational coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, National Society development, and accountability.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General and has its Headquarters in Geneva and five regional offices in Africa (Nairobi); the Americas (Panama); Asia Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); and MENA (Beirut) as well as representation offices, service centres and delegations across the globe.

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.

The Abuja Country Cluster Delegation covers Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Togo with the Cluster Office based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Reporting directly to the Head of Delegation, the Senior Security Officer is accountable for leading and coordinating the security risk management function across the delegation. The role provides expert technical advice and operational support to ensure the safety and security of personnel, assets, and operations, while enabling the delivery and continuity of IFRC programmes in complex and volatile environments. All responsibilities are carried out in full compliance with the IFRC Minimum Security Requirements (MSR) and Duty of Care principles.

The scope of the position includes providing security oversight and support to IFRC‑supported National Societies, as well as surge personnel and deployed assets across the countries within the delegation’s area of responsibility. The Senior Security will work under the technical supervision of the Africa Regional Security Manager.

The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and delivers both strategic advisory and hands‑on operational security support. Regular travel to field locations and across the delegation footprint is required.

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.

The post holder is accountable:

1. Strengthen security management structures and enhance overall security across the IFRC Abuja Cluster network by ensuring full compliance with Minimum Security Requirements (MSRs).
2. Provide timely, accurate, and actionable security advice to the Head of Delegation on all security-related matters, including risk mitigation and critical incident management.
3. Ensure managers in the designated areas of operation receive appropriate security training and support before, during, and after incidents.
4. Provide security information, analysis, and recommendations to strengthen individual, institutional, and operational security.
5. 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.
   • egularly serviced.

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.

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Languages:

• Fluently spoken and written English(Relevant)]
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic) (Preferred)
• Fluently spoken and written local language (Relevant)