Consultant, Lead, Security Operations

Reporting to the Head of Security, the Consultant, Lead, Security Operations will lead the implementation of security policies that enable safe and effective operations across diverse environments, ensuring the protection of the Foundation’s personnel, assets, and reputation. The role also supports the development of security policies and the execution of broader Health, Safety, Security, and Facilities (HSSF) policies.

The Consultant, Lead, Security Operations is responsible for overseeing security risk management frameworks across all operations. This includes ensuring organizational duty of care, monitoring evolving security dynamics, and providing practical guidance to staff and program teams in both office and field locations.

• Identify security risks in all areas of operation and design, and implement mitigation measures for identified risks.

• Oversee the maintenance of Community Relations by minimizing the likelihood of adverse impacts to the Foundation from local community action, by integrating with programs to identify and monitor developing issues.

• Keep country leadership updated on security risks.

• Lead incident and crisis management, including evacuation and medical emergencies.

• Ensure appropriate journey management, particularly for travel to high-risk areas.

• Oversee security for Foundation events, partner visits and field operations.

• Ensure Foundation’s physical premises are secure in accordance with the Minimum Physical Security Standards.

• Provide staff inductions and refresher training on security protocols and general personal security awareness, in line with the evolving threat environment.

• Conduct simulation exercises to test emergency management readiness.

• Crosstrain with other HSSF roles in country and be prepared to cover the absence of HSSF colleagues, enhancing the team’s resilience.

• Develop and maintain security networks in both the public and private sectors, to bolster risk awareness, and benchmark risk assessments.

• Maintain liaison with police, local leaders and other persons of influence in operational areas, whilst not compromising the benefits of the Foundation’s low profile. 

• Ensure incidents are reported in a timely manner and tracked to completion.

• Produce weekly/monthly reports with risk analysis and recommendations.

• Ensure adherence to organizational compliance standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, or related field or relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications.

• 10 years of security management experience, including at least 3 years in your country of location or neighbouring countries.

• A thorough understanding and hands-on experience of security risks and mitigation in the African context.

• Deep knowledge of the country’s security landscape, including urban crime, terrorism, political unrest, and field risks.

• Proven ability in crisis management, security planning, and training, including presenting information to internal and external leadership to individuals.

• Ability to travel frequently and respond flexibly to emergencies.

• Proven experience in developing security processes and in deploying them in practice.

• Experience in building and managing high-performing teams in a fast-paced, fluid environment.

• Sound decision-making in high-pressure environments.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Capacity to build trust and influence across teams.

• Takes own initiative and works under minimal supervision.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to articulate information to a variety of constituents across cultures.

• Possess professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplifies the Foundation’s values.

• Demonstrate a commitment to Mastercard Foundation’s values and vision.