Officer, Security

Organizational Context

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.

Job Purpose

The Security Officer supports the Head of Country Delegation (HoD), who holds overall accountability for duty of care and the safety and security of staff and operations, on all matters related to security in Yemen, ensuring that an effective security risk management framework is established and maintained in line with IFRC Minimum Security Requirements (MSRs). The Security Officer contributes to a safe operational environment by ensuring that relevant security procedures, plans, and documents are in place, updated, and effectively implemented.

The Security Officer ensures the safety and well-being of IFRC and integrated PNS staff by implementing and monitoring IFRC security standards, in close coordination with the ICRC. The role upholds the duty of care toward all staff, ensuring that security measures meet the organization’s employer obligations. Established as a precondition for integration, this position requires close coordination with YRCS and ICRC to address security concerns and ensure alignment with organizational requirements.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Security Awareness and Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IFRC security frameworks, including e-learning courses, security tools, handbooks, and the “Hotspots” security newsletter.
• Promote, train, and monitor compliance with IFRC and ICRC security standards for all staff.
• Ensure all personnel under IFRC in Yemen receive timely alerts and advisories (via SMS/WhatsApp and email) when the safety and security environment changes due to natural disasters or other crisis.

Support to the HoD in MSR Compliance

• Maintain a strong understanding of Yemen’s security context, identifying threats, risks, and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Use and regularly update the MSR Self‑Assessment tool to support the HoD in ensuring compliance.

• Ensure all required safety and security documents are established, and functional; review and update security measures at least every six months.
• Support ICRC security team in generating the assessment results after conducting security assessments where applicable.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date critical contact list for all staff.

Security Information Management and Networking

• Maintain strong coordination with YRCS and ICRC and update the HoD.

• Attend relevant security coordination meetings where applicable.

• Monitor the country and regional developments affecting ongoing operations, drawing from open sources, networks, and official channels.
• Share relevant information promptly with the HoD and the Regional Security Coordinator.
• Disseminate appropriate updates to all staff.

Briefings and Training

• Prepare and deliver security briefing notes as per MSR to all staff Ensure alerts and safety measures are communicated immediately within one hour to HoD, all staff, and the Regional Security Coordinator.
• Provide updates on new developments and procedures during team meetings when required by the HoD.

Security Reporting and Documentation

• Draft and support the revision of MSRs, situation reports, and safety and security updates.
• Produce a formal weekly update covering security developments relevant to the country and region.

Field Travel Coordination

• Ensure field travel requests submitted to the ICRC and IFRC relevant teams and are coordinated.
• Ensure all movements are monitored by IFRC and ICRC with YRCS involvement.

Security Incident Management

• Immediately inform the HoD of any security incident or concern.
• Advise the HoD on necessary actions following security incidents.
• Ensure incident reports are completed and shared with the Regional Security Coordinator.
• Conduct incident reviews to identify lessons learned and required follow‑up actions.
• Update MSR documents and procedures following incident assessments when necessary.

Protection of IFRC Integrity and Operational Ethics

• Promote safety and security considerations into all program planning.
• Highlight and promote cultural awareness and the Movement principles of Neutrality, Acceptance, and Impartiality.
• Support the development of a strong security culture within the delegation.
• Report any breaches of security regulations or the IFRC Code of Conduct.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Security Management or equivalent experience in a related field (Required)
• Certified in basic life support, preferably on paramedic level (Preferred)

Experience

• A minimum of five years of experience in related security work (Required)
• Field experience in humanitarian work, preferably in the region (Required)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Self-supporting in computers (Windows, spreadsheets, Word, etc) (Required)
• Advanced level of understanding of various communications technologies, including VHF and HF radio systems, satellite phones, cell phones, etc. (Required)
• Additional practical knowledge of tools and mechanisms and procedures for personal and organizational security in relevant specialist areas such as security in the field, security communications, physical security, critical incident management, occupational safety and security training (Required)
• Direct personal experience of working successfully in hostile environments or under difficult operational circumstances (Required)
• Excellent planning, coordination, and reporting skills, with the ability to organize a substantial workload comprised of complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities (Required)
• Full adherence to security protocols Sensitivity and respect for diversity (Required)
• Staff development and capacity building (Required)
• Valid Driver’s license (Required)
• Fluent spoken and written English and Arabic (Required)

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Sound judgement and coordination; National society and stakeholder relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust

IFRC Disclaimer

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.

If you appointed to or undertake a role within IFRC, whether as staff, staff on loan or secondees, you will be subject to the organization's Code of Conduct, which is available here and on our website.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include prior professional conduct checks and review of criminal records. IFRC will request a conduct check from all prior employers for a period of 5 years, including but not limited to employers who like IFRC participate in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. For more details on the Scheme, please see ont-style: italic;">THE MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE SCHEME — SCHR.

IFRC ensures equal employment opportunities!