This is a new role within the foundation, added due to the staff size and security needs of the established London regional office, and expansion of the foundation into a new office in Berlin, Germany. The new Senior Security Specialist will serve as the Global Security liaison and “tip of the spear” in engaging regional office country directors and staff in London, Berlin and in support of foundation grantee site visit and business meeting/travel activity throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Provide direct operational/physical security oversight and management for the two Europe regional offices (London, UK and Berlin, Germany). Responsible for researching and analyzing country data to produce comprehensive geopolitical assessments for consumers regarding risk issues specific to the countries, regions, and cities where the foundation operates. Responsible for identifying opportunities to enhance and improve team strategies and processes through various tasks. Establish and implement processes, policies and protocols for an effective security management system in foundation locations.
- Act as the Global Security liaison with regional office country directors, staff, and other affiliated personnel to implement, adjust, and enforce appropriate security measures.
- Oversee security operations for the two Europe regional office in London and Berlin, as well as remote workers in other parts of the continent. Manage and control the quality of the security programs and contracted vendors within a regional area of responsibility. This includes regular site visits to ensure timely and adequate:
- Site security plans
- Threat, vulnerability and risk assessment reports
- Training awareness programs (Incident Management/Regional Office contingency planning, Traveler Awareness, Personal Security Awareness)
- Security support to Foundation-sponsored events and activities
- Provide security support for foundation staff traveling to North Africa and the Middle East, including by conducting occasional security advance trips for journey management and to engage with local contacts and security vendors.
- Provide credible information and contextual analysis of localized and regional security situations and incidents, along with appropriate advice to GS managers.
- Liaise with government, consular and private sector agencies within the foundation’s regional office locations and through Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
- Maintain an effective security network at regional office locations, with both internal and external partners.
- Demonstrate a problem-solving approach to preserving the foundation infrastructure at all regional office locations and make recommendations to support the strategic aims and objectives of those policies and programs.
- Be a team player, taking ownership and responsibility for addressing the full range of GS responsibilities as best you can in your role.
- Demonstrated capability for regional/country risk assessment and reporting as well as operational security experience, including with corporate security entities and/or formal federal government-level service with diplomatic, law enforcement and/or intelligence agencies.
- Experience working internationally in multiple settings (office & field), understanding varying global perspectives and culture. Direct knowledge of/experience supporting the security needs a multi-national entity operating in Europe and North Africa.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; including research, monitoring and information collection and reporting.
- High level of interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have a proven track record of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, requiring a high level of attention to detail while maintaining focus on the big picture.
- The ability to work independently and make sound decisions to maintain organizational objectives.
- Strong ability to network effectively at all organizational levels.
- Excellent ability to identify and work effectively with key stakeholders on complex, cross organizational and foundation projects in unfamiliar areas.
- Utilize discretion with demonstrated experience in maintaining utmost confidentiality and privacy.
- Available to travel internationally on a frequent basis (25 - 50%).
- 5 + years of relevant experience in international relations, regional studies, security, or a related field is required.
- Fluency in English required, with working-level proficiency in French and German language strongly desired.
- Project/Program management and information security experience highly desired, including working within GDPR guidelines.
- A deep commitment to the overall mission of the foundation, its programs, and an approach consistent with the foundation’s guiding principles. Committed to delivering results against the mission and holds self to the highest ethical standards.