Security Manager – DAI Mexico

Job Description

Background:

At the time of writing (June 2020), DAI has a portfolio of four, concurrently running, UK Prosperity Fund projects in Mexico, totalling ~£60 million over four years. Based in Mexico City but with a need to operate in a variety of Mexico’s states, the Energy, Better Health, Skills and Financial Services projects have a combined total of approximately 50 staff.

Operationally, all projects are coordinated by a central unit (FOSU), that provides contractual, financial, logistic and administrative support to the various teams in the field. In this context, DAI is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Security Manager (SM), with a security management background and familiarity with the Mexican context.

Objective:

Considering the challenging security landscape with varying risks such as: organized crime and armed violence, opportunistic crime, civil unrest and natural disasters, DAI requires a low profile and flexible risk approach to mitigate the above identified security risks and enable project implementation. In consultation with DAI’s Department of Global Security (DGS), the Project Team Leads (TLs), The Manager of the DAI Mexico Finance & Operations Service Unit (FOSU), and DAI’s UK Home Office, the PRM will draft and oversee a project security solution, to include risk assessments, project security and continuity plans, design physical security components, security training and provide information reports.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The SM position ensures that the security component serves as a project enabler prioritising staff safety and security and asset protection. Communication and reporting to the project TLs and DAI HO, ensures that the project develops a culture of security and that operations are conducted in a DAI Security compliant manner. Coordination with the British Embassy, Mexico Security Agencies, INGO Security Networks and other professional Security Networks such as the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) on the ground will be another responsibility, as well as oversight and quality control and assurance of the subcontracted static and mobile security services.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic:

• Develop project security plans, become accustomed to DAI crisis and incident management response procedures and provide training to project leadership and other project staff with security responsibilities.
• Coordinate with project staff with operations, IT and technical functions where security issues and considerations are crosscutting.
• Ensure DAI DGS is informed of all incidents and that incidents are reported to the client through the FOSU Manager and project TLs.
• Research and identify emerging threats and risks, and develop threat/vulnerability analysis to compliment preparedness, avoidance, response and evacuation programs.
• Provide weekly verbal and as needed security updates to the FOSU and projects leadership.
• Serve as a key member of DAI Mexico’s project resilience and business continuity structures, relying on risk management best practices.

Operational:

• Quality Control/Quality Assurance of the local static and mobile security services.
• Quality Control/Quality Assurance of the local security company to include training, conduct, tactics and ethics.
• The lead role for Incident Management when relating to project staff.
• Conducts DAI staff security briefings for all staff.
• Ensuring any plans, movements, operations, proposed changes or recommendations are fair and reasonable and within the context of the project Security Plan.
• Delivering prudent oversight of budgets, equipment, technology and personnel, and allocating resources to meet changing security needs and new threats.
• Approves and manages security procurement items such as communications equipment, vehicle tracking equipment, medical kits, security upgrades and ancillaries.
• Provide written briefings and updates as necessary to include areas to be avoided in cities DAI has travellers and latest developments.
• Provide pre-deployment briefings for staff traveling to areas for the first time or other high-risk project locations.
• Support route assessments and provide advice on travel management.
• Escort DAI staff as needed.
• Conduct various drills, as per pre identified risks, on a scheduled biannual and as needed basis.

Communication:

• Communicates directly with the DGS.
• Communicates directly with the FOSU Manager, TLs and other project leadership staff.
• Liaison with key in-country coordinating bodies including Security Agencies as required.
• Incident Management reporting to the DGS as required.
• Writing of monthly reports that summarise main issues of project security.
• Maintains and improves a coordinated security communication system with all other DAI projects.

Compliance:

• Ensures the security company contract is compliant with local regulations, client and DAI policies.
• Enforcement of DAI’s security policies and procedures across the project offices.

Qualifications

1. Education: At a minimum a bachelor’s degree in security studies, political science, international relations or other relevant field.
2. Experience: 5-7 years of Mexico security experience (police, military, etc.) and 3 years of private security experience or project management. Experience working with government security institutions and private security providers. Experience working with donor funded programs is a plus. Experienced, networked and able to provide support in Mexico City and other cities and project locations across the country.
3. Languages: Spanish and English.
4. Computer Skills: ability to work with Microsoft Office and other common office programs.
5. Personal Skills: good analytical and presentation skills in writing and verbally. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively with security staff and non-security staff alike. An acute understanding of low-profile tactics regarding all facets of security operations. Ability to problem solve and lead in high stress environments.

Start date: As soon as possible

Status: Full time

Last date for submission of applications is 14th July 2020.

About the Organization

DAI is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.