Senior Security Specialist, Latin American and the Caribbean Programs

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free.

Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom.

We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally.

By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House.

We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY

Freedom House’s Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) team seeks a Senior Security Specialist to oversee and manage all security aspects of the regional program activities.

This position is responsible for leading the regional approach to holistic security, developing tools and resources, conducting risk assessments, designing mitigation plans, and providing training and mentorship to enhance the resiliency of civil society partners.

Additionally, this position provides support to the Global Security team in monitoring risk and developing mitigation of Freedom House activities and operations in LAC.

This position reports to the LAC leadership and closely collaborates with the Global Security team which oversees security of Freedom House staff.

This position will focus solely on security for our partners, with no security responsibilities for Freedom House staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Analysis

• Develop and periodically update a comprehensive strategy to provide holistic security to LAC civil society organizations and human rights defenders that is aligned with the overall Freedom House security policy and leverages Freedom House’s prior security programming activities in the region.
• Regularly monitor and analyze security threats and risks as well as mitigation measures in assigned countries. Remain up to date with key developments in holistic security.
• Produce analysis and briefings on security-related trends and situations that could negatively impact Freedom House’s activities and partners, creatively problem-solve security challenges that impact project implementation with solutions that adhere to Freedom House and donor rules and regulations, and share recommendations with the Global Security team, and LAC leadership.
• In partnership with the LAC Management Team, the Global Security team, conceptualize, design, and initiate new security program activities in alignment with the LAC Strategy.

Security Resources and Training

Develop comprehensive security resources and training materials focused on risk assessment, mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

Ensure that all materials are relevant, accessible, and tailored to civil society's needs, while complying with Freedom House policies and donor regulations.

Periodically assess existing security resources and training materials to identify gaps and areas for improvement, adapting them to address evolving security needs and challenges.

Provide regular updates to maintain their effectiveness and relevance.

Develop and deliver expert and tailored holistic security training curricula for civil society partners. Periodically evaluate training effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to enhance learning outcomes.

Consultant Management

• When security activities require specialized expertise and services that are not available in house, manage all aspects of consultancies. This includes :
• Define the scope of work for each consultancy, in coordination with the Global Security Director.
• Review applications and select the most qualified consultant.
• Prepare consultancy contract package in compliance with Freedom House policies and donor regulations.
• Monitor consultant’s performance to ensure compliance with contract terms and deliverables, including programmatic deliveries, financial obligations and monitoring and evaluation targets.
• Process payments for services rendered.

Security Support to Civil Society Partners

• Conduct risk assessments of assigned civil society partners to identify and qualify security threats and challenges, and evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities of partners’ policies, practices and operations.
• Based on risk assessments, support partners in identifying effective risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans. Offer guidance on adopting security policies, protocols and procedures, and provide support during implementation with the aim of building up their security capacity.
• Provide training and mentorship to address partners’ security risks and strengthen their overall digital security framework promoting a tailored and sustainable approach to mitigate security threats.

Security Support to Field Programs and Operations

In partnership and coordination with the Director of Global Security and their department, provide security support to field programs and operations.

Ensure that Freedom House security policies and procedures are understood and adhered to, risk assessments are regularly updated, and security plans and protocols are developed and implemented.

• Conduct daily check-ins with field offices and perform regular field visits as necessary to assess security conditions, engage with local teams, and provide on-the-ground support.
• Monitor security aspects of program activities to ensure the safety of staff, operations and programs. Creatively problem-solve security challenges that impact project implementation with solutions that adhere to Freedom House and donor rules and regulations, but flags concerns to
• In the event of security incidents involving staff or partners, promptly collect relevant information, create a detailed security report, and effectively communicate findings to LAC leadership and the Director of Global Security.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Serve as liaison with the Global Security Director and their department to foster effective partnership within a collaborative environment to advance safety and security of our programs and operations in LAC.

External Relations

• Cultivate partnerships with external security organizations and agencies to bolster security efforts for LAC region, in coordination with Global Security Director.
• Develop and maintain effective professional relationships with a range of external actors, including donors, grantees, local partner organizations, security experts, and security counterparts in other implementing organizations to promote coordinated security efforts and best practices.

Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS : Education :

Education :

Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, geopolitical studies, or related field; advanced degree in one of these fields preferred.

Experience :

• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years of experience in security risk management or protection roles, preferable in the NGO or non-profit sector.
• At least 3 years of experience conducting security risk assessments and security management audits and creating risk mitigation plans.
• Experience living or working in Latin America, specifically in hostile and stressful environments.

Technical Skills and Abilities :

• Ability to translate risk management principles and technical knowledge into the human rights sector.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing complex topics effectively in Spanish and English.
• Ability to convey critical information clearly and concisely in high-pressure situations, ensuring common understanding among all stakeholders, while maintaining a calm and authoritative presence.
• Strong relationship building skills and ability to interact patiently, respectfully, and with cultural sensitivity on sensitive security issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies, many of whom may have limited or no understanding of risk management or safety / security.
• Critical thinker with strong analytical skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries courteously and professionally.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect . Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply.

Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.

• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & REWARDS :

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $85,000 to $95,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including :
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
• Generous Leave Programs
• Annual paid time off that grows with your employment : 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years.

Director level and above start at 25 days.

• Sick Leave : 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
• 4 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
• Parental leave : 20 days paid
• Bereavement : 3 days paid
• Jury duty : 30 days paid
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and no meeting Fridays
• Supply annual allocation benefit : $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
• Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group
• Free gym at the DC office
• Flexible spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Supplemental / Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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