EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)
EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.
EDC is committed to diversity in the workplace.
The International Development Division (IDD) of EDC has an opening for a Security Director, reporting to the Deputy Division Director for Operations. The person in this position will serve as subject matter expert on safety and security, with responsibility for all activities related to security, risk assessment and management, crisis response, protocol development, intelligence gathering and technical assistance to the field. This position is located in Washington, D.C. or Waltham, M.A. and is full-time (a part-time position may be considered).
EDC’s International Development Division (IDD) focuses on three major areas: literacy and basic education, youth livelihoods and workforce development, and the application of technologies. Within these three areas, programs support national school reform efforts, HIV/AIDS prevention and other health promotion, and communities and local governing bodies. Another key strand of EDC’s international work focuses on helping countries expand economic opportunity and build civic society. EDC works with governments, agencies, and other partners in 30+ countries in West and Central Africa, East and Southern Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and South and Southeast Asia.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Security Director serves as the primary security contact point for development projects around the globe. The position will assume full responsibility for management of security concern in interntational project and US facilities. The Security Director will coordinate the EDC crisis response mechanism, support business continuity planning and incident management. The Security Director will deploy internationally in support of project activities and be responsible for the establishment of field security operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.
Working in close collaboration with colleagues across EDC, and IDD in particular, Security Advisor has responsibility for:
- Overseeing all security and emergency preparedness activities relating to international EDC operations
- Advancing a vision for all EDC security and emergency preparedness activities
- Advising division and company leadership on security risks and any recommended risk mitigation measures
- Supporting EDC staff both posted and travelling internationally during emerging and emergent security crisis
- Working in concert with program mangers/Chiefs of Party to develop project-specific contingency plans
- Managing interactions with security providers
- Conducting security assessments in-country
- Maintaining the system for and conducting project security reviews
- Leading the investigation of security-related incidents
- Developing annual plans and budgets for security and emergency preparedness
- Reviewing, updating, and refining existing security policies and procedures, and developing instruments as may be necessary
- Support management of the company’s domestic business continuity process under the leadership of the Director of Operations
- Providing technical and cost input for proposals
The Security Director also:
- Leads EDC’s crisis response team
- Develops and maintains strong collaborative working relationships with all Chiefs of Party and Project Directors
- Represents EDC at external meetings with USG, relevant security agencies, and other NGOs
- Provides consultation on EDC-wide security issues
- Demonstrates diplomacy and leadership to foster an atmosphere of teamwork and fairness in support of EDC’s commitment to diversity
- Travels internationally in support of project activities
QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently and effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements include:
- Master’s degree or equivalent combination of training & experience required in a related discipline
- 8-10 years of relevant management experience in NGO international security or domestic security environment
- Expertise in crisis management and emergency preparedness planning
- Excellent consensus-building skills
- Experience working in conflict and post-conflict settings
- 4-6 years experience working in developing countries
- Proven ability to work successfully within a cross-cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure
- Willingness to travel to developing countries several times a year for two to three-week trips as needed
- Excellent organization, analytical and communication skills (both written and verbal) in English
- Proficiency in using computers, basic software systems, and email
- Strong knowledge of communications equipment (e.g., radio and satellite telephone systems), protocols, systems and usage
- Foreign language fluency (French) is a plus
CONTACT
Jessica Miranda
EDC, 1025 Thomas Jefferson St NW
Washington DC 20007
No phone calls, please
Posted: 12/03/2015
As an EOE/AA employer, EDC does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status. EDC is a smoke-free workplace.
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