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Head of Security Woking

We are currently seeking to recruit a Head of Security.

About the Role

Working in 50 developing countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas, Plan aims to reach as many children as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalized with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively.

Responsible for the development and implementation of security measures to ensure the safety and security of all Plan staff and volunteers and safeguard Plan property.

The position has a global remit and oversees all security matters for all Plan entities. Through the Deputy CEO there is a direct impact on line management in Plan International and indirect impact on National Offices(NOs) through working with NO Programme Directors and National Directors and ensuring that all NOs, as with Country Offices, Regional Offices and International Headquarters, comply with global security standards

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the position will be based from Plan International Headquarters in Woking, Surrey. This is a global role and there will be extensive international travel.

Dimensions of Role:

  • Global security and critical response services
  • Global security policy and procedures
  • Global security reporting structure
  • Matrix management of four regional security advisors (who report to their respective Deputy Regional Directors for Operations
  • Manage a budget, for travel, meetings, training, development, consultancy and communications

Key End Results and typical Responsibilities:

  • Develop overarching security strategies to guide Plan in its efforts to provide for the safety of its staff and volunteers.
  • Oversight of security planning in all regions in accordance with policy and procedures.
  • Maintain operational security procedures and advise on their implementation at all Plan offices, International Headquarters, Regional Offices, Country Offices and National Offices alike.
    • Oversee security training for Plan staff as necessary to ensure understanding of and compliance with policies and procedures
    • Support and monitor Regional Offices toensure that all Plan offices prepare and maintain updated security Manual and Plans specific to locations
  • Monitor, research and assess factors regarding security of Plan staff and volunteers worldwide, and make recommendations to mitigate risks
  • Support (regional) security assessment missions to high risk country offices
  • Support Regional Offices in monitoring country- and national office compliance with security assessment and protocols
  • Prepare detailed and analytical reports on security matters for a range of internal stakeholders
  • Coordinate and advise International Headquarters security incident group and maintain records of security incidents handled by the group
  • Organise web-based security tools and resources
  • Maintain global internal compliance reporting including monitoring security incidents
  • Manage external global security consultants and advisors and assist with terms of reference for local security consultants
  • Collaborate on security matters with peers in other INGOs and multilateral organisations

Criteria for Success:

  • Global security Manuals, Policies, Plans and Standard Operating Procedures that are fit for purpose
  • Good compliance with policies and procedures
  • Effective functioning of International Headquarters security incident group
  • Strong internal and external (security) network
  • Well maintained security tools and resources

Dealing with Problems:

  • Pro-actively intervene when countries are behind with assessing security or responding to emerging security threats
  • Though an advisory role in nature, step up with authority when needed

Communications and Working Relationships:

  • Global Risk Manager
  • Regional Risk and Security Managers/officers
  • Humanitarian and Disaster response Director
  • Logistics Specialists at all levels
  • Executive Team
  • Global Assurance
  • Country Directors
  • National Directors and National Office Program Directors
  • Security functions at other INGOs and multilateral agencies
  • People & Culture Team at IH and P&C partners in the regions

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

Leadership Behaviours

  • Matrix management
  • Ability to gain credibility and influence
  • Effective communication to different audiences
  • High degree of discretion
  • Good planning and evaluating skills
  • Negotiation and influencing skills

Knowledge and Skills Specific to the Post

  • Safety and Security knowledge
  • Good policy, procedure and report writing skills
  • Ability to ‘matrix’ manage a team of four regional security advisors, who report to the Deputy Regional Directors for Operations
  • Ability to work calmly under pressure
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment
  • Experience of managing external service providers, preferably Global Security Service providers
  • Safety and Security work in conflict situations, both in field environment as well as in policy and standard setting environment.
  • INGO, UN, or security/police/military experience
  • Used to hardship conditions
  • Fluency in English and one other working language of Plan (Spanish or French)

Physical Environment and Demands:

  • Based at International Headquarters in Woking but travel to conflict areas and possible emergency situations at short notice may be required.

Location: Plan International Headquarters, Woking, Surrey, UK.

Type of Role: Permanent

Reports to: Deputy CEO

Salary: Circa £55,000

Closing Date: Friday 31stAugust 2012


References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

Your online application form can be saved, reviewed and amended before submission.

Head of Security Woking