Job Purpose
The Security Operations Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing security strategies, systems, and procedures to protect CIDRZ personnel, property, information, and operations. The role also manages security service contracts, ensures compliance with organizational standards, and oversees the performance of subcontracted security providers across all provincial offices. The incumbent will act as the primary focal point for security matters, providing leadership, guidance, and support on risk mitigation and crisis management.
Key Responsibilities
1. Security Strategy, Policy, and Planning
- Develop and implement CIDRZ’s security strategy, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and risk profiles.
- Conduct regular security risk assessments for offices, research sites and warehouses to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation measures.
- Develops and maintains emergency preparedness and crisis response plans, including evacuation procedures
- Advises senior leadership on evolving security risks and propose policy or operational adjustments as necessary.
2. Contract and Vendor Management
- Leads the procurement, negotiation, and management of security service contracts across all provincial offices.
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of contracted security companies against service level agreements (SLAs) and organizational expectations.
- Ensures all contracts are compliant with Zambian legal and regulatory requirements, including licensing and insurance.
- Coordinates periodic vendor performance reviews and recommend contract renewals, terminations, or changes where necessary.
3. Operational Security Oversight
- Oversee daily security operations, including guard deployment, incident reporting, and coordination with service providers.
- Conduct regular site visits to assess and improve physical security infrastructure (e.g., access control, surveillance systems, perimeter protection).
- Ensure that all security incidents are promptly reported, investigated, and documented, with appropriate corrective actions taken.
- Liaise with local law enforcement and relevant authorities to strengthen external security coordination.
4. Training, Awareness, and Compliance
- Develops and deliver security awareness training for staff, including personal safety, travel security, and emergency response.
- Trains security personnel (contracted guards) on CIDRZ protocols, ethical conduct, and incident reporting procedures.
- Ensures compliance with donor requirements and CIDRZ policies related to safety and security.
- Keeps abreast of best practices, emerging threats, and evolving security technologies to continuously improve CIDRZ’s security posture.
5. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepares regular security reports and briefings for management, including risk assessments, incident summaries, and recommendations
- Maintains accurate records of security contracts, incident logs, and training documentation.
- Supports audits and reviews of security operations and contract management processes.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Business Administration, or related field
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in security management, preferably in a large NGO, corporate, or government setting.
- Proven experience managing outsourced security services and contracts.
- Familiarity with Zambian security regulations, private security licensing requirements, and law enforcement procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessments and implement security strategies.
- Strong crisis management, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Willingness to travel frequently to provincial offices.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and risk analysis
- Contract negotiation and vendor management
- Strong leadership and decision-making
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Crisis response and emergency planning
- Integrity, discretion, and professionalism
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
