Regional Security Advisor - MEER

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Employee Contract Type:

Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)

Job Description:

IMPORTANT:

WORK LOCATION: Cyprus. Candidates should reside or have the legal right to work in Cyprus or elsewhere in the EU.

JOB PURPOSE

The Regional Security Advisor provides dedicated support to the Middle East and Eastern Europe (MEER) Regional Security Director in strengthening security risk management across all National Offices. The role ensures that security directives from Global and Regional Security leadership are implemented, and that security capacity is built, monitored and maintained at the country level. Through technical guidance, operational support and training, the position enhances organizational resilience and enables safe, effective ministry delivery.

In addition, the role provides specialized advice to the Regional Security Director and Country Security Managers on emerging risks and their operational implications. It supports the assessment and implementation of Core Security Requirements, contributes to incident reviews and investigations, and assists with risk assessments, country risk ratings and crisis support. The position also provides surge capacity to National and Field Offices when needed and helps strengthen capability, information sharing and coordination across the region to embed consistent security standards.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

Technical Support

• Provide technical advice and support to the MEER Regional Security Director and Country Security Managers on security risk management issues and their likely impact on World Vision operations in the region. Actively support the assessment and implementation of the Core Security Requirements across National and Field Offices, to ensure both compliance with the standards and the practical implementation of the required processes and protocols. As directed, support After-Action Reviews and investigations in the aftermath of security incidents. Act as a subject matter expert when required to contribute to broader SSR projects.

Operational Support               

• Support National Directors, the Regional Security Director and Country Security Managers in conducting Security Risk Assessments, updating country risk ratings, and managing crises and critical incidents (as needed). Provide operational support during investigations, and act as surge capacity to National or Field Offices if there is a capacity gap (e.g., covering roles while recruitment is ongoing). Support with the oversight of security service providers in-country to ensure compliance with WV standards. Support ongoing strategic and situational awareness to recognize shifts in the security environment quickly and adjust operations accordingly.

Capacity Building

• Strengthen security risk management capability across National Offices by ensuring that Country Security Managers and Security Focal Points receive appropriate technical training and guidance on the Security Risk Management Framework. This includes providing mentoring and coaching where required to support consistent application of security standards and processes.

• Facilitate the sharing of resources, tools and learning materials, and create opportunities for peer exchange by leading discussions and disseminating relevant insights from internal and external security forums. Coordinate the delivery of core security training programs, including SAINT, SRMT, IMT/CMT, Drive Safe, Ride Safe, and First Aid, and ensure training plans and records are maintained to support ongoing capacity development.

• Actively engage with the regional Integrated Security Team to ensure the SSR function is working seamlessly to meet the security requirements of the region. Support the development of good cross-cultural communications skills and coordination skills to work with various forums and key stakeholders.

Knowledge Management    

• Assess and monitor National Office compliance with security standards, risk assessment processes and Core Security Requirements in alignment with SSR guidance. Contribute to the preparation of regional and global security reports, ensuring timely follow-up on incidents and adherence to WVI Security Policy. Support the collection, analysis and dissemination of security information to enable informed decision-making.

• Support engagement as well as the development of communication channels across the Partnership and support the development of regional forum/networks alongside Regional Security Directors that promote the embedding of security risk management in all layers of World Vision’s programs. Facilitate the documentation of best practices.

Quality Assurance                  

• Ensure consistent application of the Security Risk Management Framework across all National Offices in the region. Monitor the quality and effectiveness of security standards, policies and procedures, providing technical guidance where improvements are needed. Support National Offices in embedding a strong security culture that prioritizes risk management as an integral element of organizational effectiveness. This includes reviewing compliance with Core Security Requirement and promoting continuous improvement in security practice and awareness.

Internal & External Liaison & Coordination         

• Strengthen engagement in NGO security networks and ensure relevant information is shared through agreed channels. Build and sustain external relationships to support information gathering and security coordination. Work closely with and as a member of SSR to promote mutual learning, support and accountability. Identify and develop strategic regional networks to share information on issues affecting humanitarian operations in the regional area. Liaise with external networks (UN, INGO’s, Embassies, etc) on regional operations.

General  

• Provide other support to regional office and SSR as determined.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, TRAINING, LICENSE, REGISTRATION, AND /OR CERTIFICATION:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Strategic Studies, International Relations or Emergency Management or other management discipline.
• At least 3 years or work-related experience in professional security, resilience, business continuity, NGO, or UN working at an international level with international agencies, INGOs, governments, military, law enforcement or the private sector.
• Excellent communication, networking, and interpersonal skills sufficient to establish effective relationships, gain credibility and influence decision-makers.  
• Experience in liaising with levels of Government, IO & NGO’s.
• Previous experience in the professional security arena (INGO, Corporate, Military, Law Enforcement, or Emergency Services). 
• Must be a productive team player; high level of integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to work cross-culturally.
• Strong analytical (tactical & strategic), organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Sound knowledge of INGO security practices with proven experience in security risk assessments and security planning in the humanitarian context.
• Understanding of the application of the security and risk management framework within complex NGO operating and organizational environments.
• Understanding of implementing Core Security Requirements, Minimum Operating Security Standards or equivalent.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Must be willing and able to travel extensively in the region.
• Must be able to coordinate work and interface efficiently and effectively with virtual teams, those in remote locations, and across different time zones.
• Strong PC skills (Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong time management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant Master's degree or other advanced degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Strategic Studies, International Relations or Emergency Management. Or other management discipline.
• At least 5 years or work-related experience in professional security, resilience, business continuity, NGO or UN working at an international level with international agencies, INGOs, governments, military, law enforcement or private sector.
• A good network of contacts in academia, government or humanitarian security fields.
• Field experience in the INGO/NGO context.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent speaking, writing and editing skills in English. Effective in written and verbal communication in Arabic or other languages relevant to the Middle East and Eastern Region [MEER] is preferred.

Travel and/or Work Environment:

• Work setup: Primarily hybrid, combining office presence with home-based work. Due to global collaboration, some meetings may occur outside standard working hours. Flexibility in working hours and across cultures and regions is expected.
• Ability to stay focused without direct supervision.
• The position requires the ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time and includes travel to high-risk locations with minimal notice.
• The role will require successful completion of Hostile Environment Awareness Training provided by the employer.
• Will be expected to manage high-stress security events. 

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only