Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

HelpAge International (www.helpage.org) is the secretariat to the HelpAge Global Network, which brings together a wide range of organisations and individuals working to promote the rights and meet the needs of older women and men, nationally and/or internationally.

Responsibilities or duties

Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Strategic Security Risk Management

• Review, refine, and harmonise the organisation’s global SRM framework in alignment with GISF and UN standards.
• Develop or update global and country-level security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on emerging security threats, geopolitical developments, and access implications.

Operational Support and Capacity Building

• Conduct Security Risk Assessments (SRA) and country audits in priority operations.
• Facilitate staff capacity development through tailored trainings (HEAT, Crisis Management, Family Liaison).
• Mentor regional and national safety focal points, building sustainable internal security management capacity.
• Support the integration of Gender, PSEAH, and Duty of Care principles into security management systems.

Crisis and Incident Management

• Strengthen the organisation’s crisis management structures, including contingency planning, communication protocols, and decision-making processes.
• Facilitate after-action reviews of major incidents and develop learning reports and recommendations.
• Advise on access negotiation, staff evacuations, and emergency response planning in high-threat environments.

Representation and Coordination

• Liaise with peer agencies, UN, INSO, GISF, and host government authorities to ensure effective coordination and information sharing.
• Represent the organisation in global or regional security networks and forums as required

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 20 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian security risk management and access coordination.
• Proven leadership experience as Global or Regional Security Advisor in major INGOs.
• Demonstrated expertise in crisis management, conflict analysis, and negotiation with non-state actors.
• Certified instructor in HEAT, or equivalent field safety training.
• Proven ability to design SRM frameworks and policies for international organisations.
• Advanced academic background in International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, or related disciplines.
• Fluency in English; working proficiency in other languages is an asset.

Experience needed

At least 20 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian security risk management and access coordination.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Check how your CV aligns with this job

• Review, refine, and harmonise the organisation’s global SRM framework in alignment with GISF and UN standards.
• Develop or update global and country-level security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on emerging security threats, geopolitical developments, and access implications.
• Conduct Security Risk Assessments (SRA) and country audits in priority operations.
• Facilitate staff capacity development through tailored trainings (HEAT, Crisis Management, Family Liaison).
• Mentor regional and national safety focal points, building sustainable internal security management capacity.
• Support the integration of Gender, PSEAH, and Duty of Care principles into security management systems.
• Strengthen the organisation’s crisis management structures, including contingency planning, communication protocols, and decision-making processes.
• Facilitate after-action reviews of major incidents and develop learning reports and recommendations.
• Advise on access negotiation, staff evacuations, and emergency response planning in high-threat environments.
• Liaise with peer agencies, UN, INSO, GISF, and host government authorities to ensure effective coordination and information sharing.
• Represent the organisation in global or regional security networks and forums as required

• Crisis management
• Conflict analysis
• Negotiation with non-state actors
• HEAT certification or equivalent
• Design of SRM frameworks and policies
• Fluency in English
• Working proficiency in other languages (asset)

• At least 20 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian security risk management and access coordination.
• Proven leadership experience as Global or Regional Security Advisor in major INGOs.
• Demonstrated expertise in crisis management, conflict analysis, and negotiation with non-state actors.
• Certified instructor in HEAT, or equivalent field safety training.
• Proven ability to design SRM frameworks and policies for international organisations.
• Advanced academic background in International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, or related disciplines.