Security & Safety Officer

What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Context

The Safety & Security function supports ICRC operations within a complex and dynamic operational environment requiring continuous security monitoring, preparedness and adaptation of security measures.

The Security Guard workforce operates across ICRC premises and operational sites and is structured through Security Guard Team Leaders (SGTLs). The SSO works closely with management and relevant departments to ensure security arrangements and guard operations remain aligned with operational needs and the evolving context

Purpose

The Safety & Security Officer (SSO) supports the management of security and safety within the assigned Area of Responsibility (AoR), advising management on security risks and appropriate mitigation measures and ensuring the effective implementation of security procedures and arrangements.

The SSO directly supervises the Security Guard Team Leaders (SGTLs) and oversees the effective functioning of the Security Guard workforce, including performance, coordination and development, in line with ICRC policies and operational requirements.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with management and relevant ICRC departments and colleagues across the Area of Responsibility, according to operational and security needs.
• Externally, interacts with relevant authorities, emergency services, Movement partners, humanitarian and security actors, service providers and other external stakeholders according to operational and security needs and within delegated authority

General Duties

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

Security Risk Management

• Monitors and analyses the security environment and reports security developments, incidents, threats and trends that may affect ICRC personnel, operations, premises or assets.
• Contributes to Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and advises management on identified risks and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Conducts and follows up security and safety assessments of ICRC premises, operational locations and other facilities as required.
• Maintains relevant security information, incident records, databases and security mapping.
• Supports security preparedness, contingency planning, staff-accountability arrangements and emergency response measures within the AoR.

Security Procedures & Compliance

• Monitors the effective implementation of approved security and safety policies, procedures and mitigation measures and follows up on identified gaps.
• Develops, reviews and maintains security documentation, including site-specific SOPs, security procedures, Plans of Action (PoAs), instructions and operational tools.
• Ensures security incidents are timely and appropriately reported, documented and followed up.
• Maintains security information and documentation on institutional platforms, including SAFE and any other tool in use, ensuring accuracy and timely updates.
• Advises management on security-related non-compliance and escalates significant or recurring issues as appropriate.

Security Guard Management

• Directly supervises SGTLs and oversees the effective management and functioning of the Security Guard workforce.
• Ensures adequate guard staffing, deployment and rotation according to operational requirements and established criteria.
• Provides SGTLs with clear objectives, priorities and guidance and monitors their implementation.
• Holds regular coordination meetings with SGTLs to address operations, staffing, incidents, performance and security-related needs.
• Ensures consistent application of security procedures and working standards across sites and shifts.
• Supports SGTLs in addressing performance, conduct and other personnel-management matters and escalates cases when required.

Training & Capacity Building

• Identifies security and safety training needs for SGTLs, Security Guards and other personnel as required.
• Develops, provides and/or coordinates security briefings, awareness sessions and relevant training.
• Ensures SGTLs and Security Guards understand their roles, responsibilities, reporting lines and applicable security procedures.
• Coaches and supports SGTLs in providing routine briefings, knowledge sharing and guidance to their teams.
• Maintains appropriate records of security briefings and training activities.

Coordination & Operational Support

• Coordinates with relevant departments to address security-related infrastructure, equipment and operational requirements.
• Follows up on identified security needs and mitigation measures and ensures appropriate documentation and reporting.
• Maintains relevant internal and external security networks within delegated authority.
• Supports management during security or safety incidents and related follow-up when required.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and supervises the Performance Management & Development (PMD) activities for employees under their supervision
• Makes sure that deadlines for the PMD cycle are met
• Engages in ongoing and continuous feedback and support, particularly for employees under their supervision, but also other staff members
• Organizes regular meetings within their team to ensure optimal coordination of the work and proper flow of information
• Ensures that job descriptions for employees under their supervision are up to date; seeks feedback and support from the HR Department if needed
• Plans and coordinates the annual leave of the employees under their supervision ensuring continuity of the operations throughout the year and making sure that there are no outstanding holiday balances at the end of the year
• Coordinates and supports the employees under their supervision in their personal development by coaching and advising them on internal and external training and development possibilities

ِAdditional Duties

• Follows up on work-related correspondence and actions with relevant colleagues and departments.
• Collects and shares relevant information contributing to the ICRC's understanding of the operational environment.
• Represents the ICRC appropriately during activities, meetings and field visits.
• Takes responsibility for their own professional learning and development.

Additional information

• Type of role: National staff
• Working rate: Full-time (100%)
• Starting date: October 2026
• Location: Gaza Strip
• Job level: B2
• Length of assignment: 6 months fixed-term contract (renewable)
• Application deadline: 04/10/2026
• This vacancy announcement may close before the deadline once an adequate number of applications has been reached. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Certifications / Education required

• University degree
• Security and safety management background.
• 3-6 years of experience in security and safety management.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.
• Computer literacy (word/Excel/PowerPoint) and excellent communication skills

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.