Security Officer

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

The IFRC has been present in Afghanistan since 1990, supporting the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS)’s development, auxiliary role, contributing to its partnership development, humanitarian footprint, and sustainability. The IFRC coordinates/facilitates engagement from and cooperation with Partner National Societies (PNS) and represents them in the country as an international organization as well as engaging with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Movement Coordination and Cooperation in line with an existing Movement Cooperation Agreement. Other Movement partners with presence in Afghanistan are Danish Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, Qatar Red Crescent Society and Turkish Red Crescent.

Afghanistan is experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, fueled by implications deriving from a decades-long conflict, a deterioration of economic conditions, recurring natural hazards – including droughts, earthquakes, floods, and landslides – which often cause disasters, displacement, gaps in health services, and other pre-existing needs. It is estimated that around 24 million people, more than half of the country’s population, need assistance in 2025. The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, like elsewhere in the world, requires an approach which addresses immediate needs while at the same time providing durable solutions in a manner that also tackles root-causes and people’s vulnerabilities.

The incumbent will ensure to support the IFRC Senior Security Officer as well as the Head of Delegation in the management of security risks in the area of responsibility while ensuring the security of the personnel, assets and operations of the IFRC as well as the Afghanistan Red Crescent Society (ARCS). 

The Security Officer is responsible for managing the day-to-day security of IFRC at the duty station and in areas of assignment, while providing consistent and reliable security advice and decision support.

1. Security Support and Coordination

• Support the Senior Security Officer in the implementation of the organizational security management strategy and Minimum Security Requirements (MSR).
• Assist in the review and adaptation of security plans and procedures according to the changing operational environment.
• Act as a Security Focal Point at duty station, maintaining close communication with the Senior Security Officer.
• Provide timely security updates and ensure incidents are reported immediately to the Senior Security Officer and Head of Delegation.
• Support the Senior Security Officer in maintaining relationships with external stakeholders (government, law enforcement, community leaders, NGOs, UN, ICRC, INSO, ARCS, PNS, etc.).

1. Security Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor the daily security situation in duty station and operational areas by following news, reports, and field feedback.
• Conduct routine field security assessments, route surveys, and site inspections (offices, residences, warehouses, and project sites) under guidance of the Senior Security Officer.
• Record and assess incidents, identify local patterns or trends, and provide inputs for country-level analysis and reporting.
• Maintain up-to-date maps and databases of incidents in coordination with the Senior Security Officer.

1. Incident and Emergency Response

• Respond to IFRC related security incidents and emergencies, ensuring immediate mitigation measures are taken and reported.
• Support the implementation of contingency plans (hibernation, relocation, evacuation, fire, earthquake, etc.).
• Assist in ensuring emergency stocks, equipment (first aid kits, fire extinguishers, hibernation kits), and safe rooms are in place and serviceable.
• Conduct or support emergency drills such as evacuations and hibernation exercises.

1. Training and Awareness

• Deliver routine security briefings (arrival, event-specific, and mission briefings) to staff, visitors, and guests under direction of the Senior Security Officer.
• Support in organizing and delivering safety and security training for staff, drivers, guards, and radio operators.
• Monitor compliance of staff with mandatory security training (e-learning or in-person) and report gaps to the Senior Security Officer.

1. Internal Security and Supervision

• Support in preparing and monitoring duty rosters for watchmen and drivers at the duty station.
• Conduct daily and ad hoc checks to ensure presence and performance of guards and drivers.
• Report breaches of security regulations, incidents, or staff misconduct (including non-permitted movement) immediately to the Senior Security Officer.
• Provide feedback on the performance of watchmen/drivers for further training or disciplinary action.

1. Passive Security

• Monitor physical and passive security measures at offices, residences, and other facilities (locks, barriers, lighting, CCTV, etc.).
• Ensure firefighting and first aid equipment is functional, and staff are trained to use it.

Report maintenance and repair needs to the Senior Security Officer.

Required:

• University Degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Required:

• 3-5 years working with local and/or international organisation as a security officer.
• Demonstrated experience in gathering safety and security related information from multiple sources (civil society, universities, mosques etc).
• Working with communication equipment.
• Solid and pertinent network of contacts in Nangahar, Police, GDI and various branches of the security forces.

Preferred:

• Previous experience with Red Cross / Red Crescent or knowledge

Required:

• Self-supporting in computers (Windows, Microsoft Office).
• Ability to produce written documentation on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
• Good knowledge of data management and data mapping for analysis and visualisation.
• Supervision and management of staff.
• Fluently spoken and written English.
• Fluent spoken Dari and Pashto

Preferred:

• Training and developing staff
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

Core competencies: Communications, Collaboration & Teamwork, Judgement & Decision, National Society & Customer  Relations, Creativity & Innovation, Building Trust.

Values: Respect for Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability