Senior Security Specialist

Description

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

The Senior Security Specialist contributes to the success of Forsah TVET program activities by ensuring the safety and security of program operations. This role involves monitoring operational contexts, managing security information and incident reporting, advising and training on safety and security protocols.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Daily Tasks

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of security and contingency plans; ensure that plans are current and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with the global security team at headquarters to monitor, report, and act on security changes, threats, and guidance.
• Lead ongoing evaluation of resources for use in emergencies.
• Ensure physical security of office space, staff, and resources; investigate suspicious activity and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
• Conduct regular appropriate exercises (e.g., fire drills, communications tests) to ensure staff preparedness for emergencies; provide training and guidance as needed.
• Prepare and revise security risk assessments, draft reports on security analysis, develop and maintain a system for classifying and storing sensitive information, and map security incidents.
• Ensure that program teams and partners are kept informed about matters affecting their security and brief new staff. Ensure that health and safety practices are followed and updated.
• Develop and maintain contacts with national law enforcement and security agencies with a view to obtaining the best possible protection for staff and property. Co-operate closely on security issues with other international organizations operating in West Bank and Gaza.
• Maintain regular and close contact with Global Security colleagues and other relevant stakeholders to stay abreast of security developments and best practices.
• Ensure that program team and partners are kept informed on matters affecting their security and brief new staff. Ensure that health and safety practices are followed and updated.
• Provide strategic guidance to program staff in all security and safety-related issues that could negatively impact program implementation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for security questions and support vetting decisions from program staff and partners, including reviewing applicable regulations and internal policies.
• Coordinate and lead security and vetting trainings.
• Support the establishment, cultivation, and maintaining of relationships with the ecosystem of program stakeholders, including public sector entities, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and local governments, donors, and implementers, program beneficiaries, and others.
• Contribute to activities that are gender-sensitive/transformative, align with positive youth development, and emphasize participatory and youth-led approaches.
• Ensuring that expenses align with allocated resources and program objectives.
• Monitor security-related expenditures, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with organizational financial policies.
• Review and approve security-related expenses, ensuring that they are necessary, justified, and within budgetary limits.
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for security-related activities.
• All Forsah TVET staff will meet high standards of financial management and compliance, including contributing to accurate and timely vetting under MO21. 
• Encourage teamwork and open communication across other program departments to ensure effective coordination on security-related matters.
• Promote a positive team culture by recognizing achievements, encouraging feedback, and addressing conflicts or issues constructively.
• Coordinate with program leadership and other stakeholders to ensure security plans and objectives align with broader program goals.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professional behavior, ethical conduct, and a commitment to safety and security.
• Other duties as assigned.