Officer, Security

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 the 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.” The 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 the 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 delegation 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.

The Kinshasa Delegation covers the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and the Republic of Congo.

The Ebola outbreak, declared mid-May 2026, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, with thousands of suspected cases and thousands of deaths reported across Ituri, South Kivu and North Kivu provinces. It began with clusters of unexplained deaths in early May and is spreading in a context of weak health systems, population movement, insecurity, and community mistrust, which together increase the risk of sustained transmission and cross-border spread to neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Kenya. The absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain makes the outbreak particularly complex and heightens the urgency of rapid containment

The Security Officer provides day-to-day operational security support to IFRC BVD Operations, personnel, assets, premises, and programmes within the designated area of responsibility. The role supports the implementation of security risk management measures, compliance with Minimum Security Requirements (MSRs), staff safety procedures, and movement security protocols.

The Security Officer serves as the primary field focal point for BVD security operations, information collection, incident reporting, staff briefings, and emergency preparedness. The incumbent supports safe programme implementation through regular security assessments, monitoring of local developments, liaison with security stakeholders, and direct oversight of security guards and safety systems.

The Security Officer contributes to maintaining a safe working environment for IFRC staff, volunteers, visitors, and assets while ensuring that security procedures and contingency measures are effectively implemented at field level.

The Security Officer Reports directly to the Field Coordinator for day-to-day operational planning, tasking, deployment priorities, leave management, performance management, and integration of security support into field operations.

Technically the Security Officer reports to the Security Delegate on all security risk management matters, including implementation of security policies and procedures, security assessments, incident management, security reporting, compliance monitoring, staff briefings, training, emergency preparedness, and Minimum Security Requirements (MSR) compliance. The Officers also work closely and in collaboration with the Country Cluster Security Officer to ensure synergy and consistency in security risk management approaches.

Security Operations and Risk Monitoring

• Monitor the local security environment and provide timely updates on incidents, threats, and developments that may impact IFRC personnel or operations
• Conduct routine security patrols and inspections of IFRC offices, residences, warehouses, guest houses, and operational locations.
• Carry out field security assessments and provide recommendations to reduce identified risks.
• Verify implementation of security procedures and risk mitigation measures including supporting the Staff Health to put in place health hazard mitigations.
• Support the preparation and updating of field-specific security assessments and security plans.
• Maintain updated field -specific security information, contact lists, maps, and emergency resources.

Movement Security and Travel Support

• Conduct pre-travel security briefings for staff, visitors, consultants, and delegates before field missions.
• Review mission plans and provide route assessments, threat updates, and movement recommendations.
• Track staff movements within the designated area of responsibility and ensure compliance with movement procedures.
• Conduct routine communication checks and monitor movement tracking systems.
• Coordinate and monitor arrival and departure movements, including airport transfers where required.
• Ensure staff travelling to high-risk locations are equipped with the required communication and safety equipment.
• Maintain movement boards, journey management records, and travel tracking systems.
• Conduct routine vehicle safety and security inspections.
• Verify that vehicles are equipped with required safety equipment including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, spare tyres, communication equipment, and emergency supplies.
• Ensure vehicle tracking and communication systems are functional.

Incident Management and Emergency Response

• Respond promptly to security incidents and emergencies affecting IFRC personnel, assets, and operations.
• Conduct immediate personnel accountability checks and head counts during security incidents, emergencies, evacuations, or crisis situations.
• Support emergency response actions including relocation, hibernation, evacuation, and medical evacuation procedures

Physical Security and Safety Management

• Conduct regular physical security inspections of offices, staff residences, warehouses, and accommodation facilities.
• Verify that access control measures are functioning effectively.
• Conduct routine checks of alarm systems, fire safety equipment, CCTV systems, generators, perimeter lighting, and emergency equipment.
• Report maintenance and security deficiencies and follow up on corrective actions.

Guard Force and Contractor Supervision

• Supervise contracted security guards and ensure compliance with post orders, standard operating procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Conduct regular guards' inspections, evaluations, and performance monitoring.
• Ensure guard attendance, deployment schedules, and duty rosters are maintained and verified.
• Brief security guards on operational updates, security incidents, and changes to procedures.

Coordination and Liaison

• Maintain regular contact with local authorities, security services, emergency responders, and community leaders as appropriate.
• Ensure close coordination with the ICRC in full compliance with the established protocols and provisions of the L3 Agreement.
• Liaise with National Society security focal persons and operational teams on security-related matters.
• Participate in local security coordination meetings and information sharing forums.

• Any relevant University Degree (Law / Police/Military Science / Political Science, / Labour Safety)
• Security risk management qualifications or relevant training including humanitarian access negotiations.
• Successfully completed the Stay Safe e-learning courses (basic and managers)

• 2 – 4 years Working experience in active security management role with a humanitarian organisation, or UN in DRC or Great Lakes region.
• First-hand experience with IFRC or Movement Partners security management system
• Trainer, First Aider, Fire Safety, defensive driving
• RC/RC Movement experience or volunteer
• In-country contextual understanding and operational experience

Knowledge and Skills

• Good communication skills
• Good analytical skills in political, socioeconomics and security areas
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Good stress management skills
• Self-supporting in computers [Microsoft Office, database, e-mail (Outlook), GIS.]
• Valid driving license (light vehicles)

Languages

• Fluently spoken and written English and French

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust

Duties applicable to all staff

1. Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals
2. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
3. Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Lateral Relationships

1. Establish and ensure effective working relations with the delegates and national staff.
2. Establish and maintain effective liaison relations with HNS, ICRC, UNDSS (and other UN organizations'/departments), NGO community including security forums and other security service advisors, including, where pertinent, with local authorities.