Job Description: Senior Security Advisor
Spearfish are recruiting a Senior Security Advisor (SSA) to support one of their main development sector clients. While headquartered in the UK, our client has offices, projects and operations throughout the world and operates in several high risk and post conflict environments. The role would suit an ex- military (SNCO and above), law enforcement, or security and risk management professional, with strong development sector/NGO experience; ideally having lived and worked in either Africa, the Middle East and/or Asia while providing security advice and management services in challenging environments. Commercial experience and an in-depth understanding of emerging markets and conflict-affected areas would be a bonus.
While the role would be UK based, ideally situated near to Winchester, it would entail travel abroad on a frequent basis, often to high-risk environments. The candidate should be a UK National, or have residential status in the country.
The role of the SSA will provide risk advice and security support to our client, with oversight of their security training requirements and management of a small team of country-based security professionals who work in support of their country offices and regional requirements. The SSA will be responsible for maintaining a robust security infrastructure that allows our client’s staff and consultants to operate in some of the most hostile areas in the world, and will work closely with our client’s Global Security Manager. The position is a full time salaried role, with good opportunities for advancement within the company.
Duties of the SSA
The SSA will be responsible for:
- Providing day-to-day relationship management and advice on security to our client portfolio.
- Managing local national Spearfish security consultants working in country.
- Producing weekly risk updates for those travelling and working in High Risk Areas.
- Conducting risk analysis of high-risk locations in order to provide advice to inform client journey management processes.
- Assistance to our client’s Global Security Manager in producing contingency plans for countries in which they do not have a country/project office.
- Managing relationships with security sub-contractors, such as close protection officers, security equipment providers and risk information analysts.
- Security advice and support to inform security budgets for our client’s proposal writing.
- Carrying out security and risk management (SRM) and critical incident management training (CIMT) for the clients’ teams, including regular briefings.
- Coordinating (and sometimes) leading specialist-training courses such as Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT), driver training and first aid for all staff.
- Participating in the local crisis management response to an incident involving the clients’
Core competences:
The SSA should have the following competences:
Operational experience of high-risk regions including, but not limited to Africa, South Asia and the Middle East, including a knowledge of the modus operandi of terrorist and criminal groups active in these areas, and an understanding of commercial activities; in particular corporate and development sector projects.
- Experience of relationship management with commercial clients, and an ability to communicate and interact effectively with a wide range of people. Experience of managing different stakeholders in testing environments and challenging situations.
- A strong network of contacts in the security industry and an ability to gather information on complex situations at short notice, particularly during a security incident or times of civil unrest.
- Strong analytical and writing skills backed up by operational experience to produce concise forward-looking statements for weekly risk updates. The ability to produce spot reports as incidents happen and their implications for project teams.
- Ability to train staff in SRM and CIMT and general security awareness and brief them on security risks relevant to their areas of operation. This might include clients who have never travelled to high-risk locations before. Experience of crisis management and the knowledge to lead the clients’ team in the event of an incident.
- Experience of managing security sub-contractors, including oversight of contracts, deployment of close protection officers, and security equipment suppliers in a wide range of countries.
- Experience of working for clients or projects funded by DFID, US AID, EU, UN, World Bank and/or other major international donors. An understanding of how these organisations work and their expectations is beneficial.
Pay and work patterns:
The role is a full time salaried position, and a competitive package will be offered depending on experience and career history. We operate a staff pension scheme, statutory holiday allowance and a bonus scheme. The working patterns are split between our Winchester office, the client’s office in Oxford, remote working, and travelling abroad. Foreign travel will take place once every 4 to 6 weeks. Normal working week and hours are required, with occasional call out during the silent hours for crisis situations.
Qualifications:
- At least 8 years of proven security management experience working in high-risk environments (references will be sought).
- NGO/Humanitarian/Development experience
- Degree level education is desirable.
Qualities:
You will want to join a rapidly growing, dynamic and agile business where there is room for growth and personal development. You must have excellent client facing skills, with strong time management and an ability to work to deadlines. You will be flexible, able to work alone and will be self-motivated. You must have the ability to lead the client in a crisis. A sense of humour is also important.
To apply:
Send CV and cover letter to: rosieturner@spear-fish.com
Closing Date is Friday 6th October.
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