Senior Security Specialist, Latin American and the Caribbean Programs
Company: Kinsley Power Systems
Location: Washington
Posted on: October 24, 2024
Job Description:
ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE
Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that
freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are
accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan,
non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom
globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the
world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from
exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze
threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those
threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists
and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are
dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive
model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of
freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging
our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in
protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.
All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering
commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the
mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen
desire for both personal and professional development. The team is
also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable
workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
POSITION SUMMARY
Freedom House's Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) team seeks a
Senior Security Specialist to oversee and manage all security
aspects of the regional program activities. This position is
responsible for leading the regional approach to holistic security,
developing tools and resources, conducting risk assessments,
designing mitigation plans, and providing training and mentorship
to enhance the resiliency of civil society partners. Additionally,
this position provides support to the Global Security team in
monitoring risk and developing mitigation of Freedom House
activities and operations in LAC. This position reports to the LAC
leadership and closely collaborates with the Global Security team
which oversees security of Freedom House staff. This position will
focus solely on security for our partners, with no security
responsibilities for Freedom House staff.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Analysis
- Develop and periodically update a comprehensive strategy to
provide holistic security to LAC civil society organizations and
human rights defenders that is aligned with the overall Freedom
House security policy and leverages Freedom House's prior security
programming activities in the region.
- Regularly monitor and analyze security threats and risks as
well as mitigation measures in assigned countries. Remain up to
date with key developments in holistic security.
- Produce analysis and briefings on security-related trends and
situations that could negatively impact Freedom House's activities
and partners, creatively problem-solve security challenges that
impact project implementation with solutions that adhere to Freedom
House and donor rules and regulations, and share recommendations
with the Global Security team, and LAC leadership.
- In partnership with the LAC Management Team, the Global
Security team, conceptualize, design, and initiate new security
program activities in alignment with the LAC Strategy.
Security Resources and Training
- Develop comprehensive security resources and training materials
focused on risk assessment, mitigation strategies and contingency
plans. Ensure that all materials are relevant, accessible, and
tailored to civil society's needs, while complying with Freedom
House policies and donor regulations.
- Periodically assess existing security resources and training
materials to identify gaps and areas for improvement, adapting them
to address evolving security needs and challenges. Provide regular
updates to maintain their effectiveness and relevance.
- Develop and deliver expert and tailored holistic security
training curricula for civil society partners. Periodically
evaluate training effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to
enhance learning outcomes.
Consultant Management
- When security activities require specialized expertise and
services that are not available in house, manage all aspects of
consultancies. This includes:
- Define the scope of work for each consultancy, in coordination
with the Global Security Director.
- Review applications and select the most qualified
consultant.
- Prepare consultancy contract package in compliance with Freedom
House policies and donor regulations.
- Monitor consultant's performance to ensure compliance with
contract terms and deliverables, including programmatic deliveries,
financial obligations and monitoring and evaluation
targets.
- Process payments for services rendered.
Security Support to Civil Society Partners
- Conduct risk assessments of assigned civil society partners to
identify and qualify security threats and challenges, and evaluate
strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities of partners' policies,
practices and operations.
- Based on risk assessments, support partners in identifying
effective risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans. Offer
guidance on adopting security policies, protocols and procedures,
and provide support during implementation with the aim of building
up their security capacity.
- Provide training and mentorship to address partners' security
risks and strengthen their overall digital security framework
promoting a tailored and sustainable approach to mitigate security
threats.
Security Support to Field Programs and Operations
- In partnership and coordination with the Director of Global
Security and their department, provide security support to field
programs and operations. Ensure that Freedom House security
policies and procedures are understood and adhered to, risk
assessments are regularly updated, and security plans and protocols
are developed and implemented.
- Conduct daily check-ins with field offices and perform regular
field visits as necessary to assess security conditions, engage
with local teams, and provide on-the-ground support.
- Monitor security aspects of program activities to ensure the
safety of staff, operations and programs. Creatively problem-solve
security challenges that impact project implementation with
solutions that adhere to Freedom House and donor rules and
regulations, but flags concerns to
- In the event of security incidents involving staff or partners,
promptly collect relevant information, create a detailed security
report, and effectively communicate findings to LAC leadership and
the Director of Global Security.
Cross-Team Collaboration
- Serve as liaison with the Global Security Director and their
department to foster effective partnership within a collaborative
environment to advance safety and security of our programs and
operations in LAC.
External Relations
- Cultivate partnerships with external security organizations and
agencies to bolster security efforts for LAC region, in
coordination with Global Security Director.
- Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with
a range of external actors, including donors, grantees, local
partner organizations, security experts, and security counterparts
in other implementing organizations to promote coordinated security
efforts and best practices.
Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in political science, international
relations, geopolitical studies, or related field; advanced degree
in one of these fields preferred.
Experience:
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, including
at least 5 years of experience in security risk management or
protection roles, preferable in the NGO or non-profit
sector.
- At least 3 years of experience conducting security risk
assessments and security management audits and creating risk
mitigation plans.
- Experience living or working in Latin America, specifically in
hostile and stressful environments.
Technical Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to translate risk management principles and technical
knowledge into the human rights sector.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing complex topics
effectively in Spanish and English.
- Ability to convey critical information clearly and concisely in
high-pressure situations, ensuring common understanding among all
stakeholders, while maintaining a calm and authoritative
presence.
- Strong relationship building skills and ability to interact
patiently, respectfully, and with cultural sensitivity on sensitive
security issues.
- Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees,
management, and external agencies, many of whom may have limited or
no understanding of risk management or safety/security.
- Critical thinker with strong analytical skills and sound
judgment.
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and
exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and
forthrightness.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly
to inquiries courteously and professionally.
- Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of
employees, management, external partners, and funders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Freedom House established core values are belonging,
collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these
values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive
environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are
dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through
courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while
appreciating their unique contributions.
- Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse
applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply.
Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various
jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome
asset.
- Applicants should complete our online application form and
submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and
qualifications for this position.
- Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United
States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.
COMPENSATION & REWARDS:
- Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay
grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range
for this role is $85,000 to $95,000 annualized, dependent upon
experience.
- We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to
contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an
excellent benefits package including:
- Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available
on the first date of hire
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
- $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for
work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to
employee's position.
- Generous Leave Programs
- Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days
for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years.
Director level and above start at 25 days.
- Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to
year
- 4 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within
the same calendar year
- Parental leave: 20 days paid
- Bereavement: 3 days paid
- Jury duty: 30 days paid
- Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and "no
meeting Fridays"
- Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home
office equipment
- Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra
Group
- Free gym at the DC office
- Flexible spending accounts
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
- Employee assistance program
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Essential functions are typically performed in an office
setting or remote work.
- May require long hours including evenings and weekends to
complete tasks.
- Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases
personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be
advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform essential functions.
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Keywords: Kinsley Power Systems, Wheaton-Glenmont , Senior Security Specialist, Latin American and the Caribbean Programs, Other , Washington, Maryland
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