Regional Security Officer, Europe

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Regional Security Officer.

The Regional Security Officer Europe supports the safety and security of staff, operations, and programs across all programes and advancement offices in Europe. The RSO works closely with regional and global leadership to ensure the implementation of pragmatic, field-informed security measures. The RSO will be a self-starter with a strong track record of collaborating with a diverse array of stakeholders, delivering security training, and managing security incidents in complex environments. The Regional Security Officer will be required to travel extensively and will be expected to deploy at very short notice to support program offices in times of need. The Regional Security Officer may be required to deploy to offices for extended periods of time.

The ideal security leader embodies integrity, courage, and humility—holding themselves to the highest ethical standards while making decisive, principled choices under pressure. They lead with quiet authority, balancing expertise with a posture of learning from local contexts. Their situational awareness and emotional composure allow them to navigate complex environments with clarity and calm. Discretion and professionalism are paramount, especially when handling sensitive safety concerns. They demonstrate empathy and trauma-informed care, supporting staff and survivors alike. Proactive and resourceful, they anticipate risks and find solutions even in constrained settings. With cross-cultural competence and unwavering commitment to the mission, they ensure security is not about control, but about enabling safe and sustainable freedom work.

This position is based in the EMEA Region and reports to the Global Director, Safety and Security. The successful candidate must either currently reside in, or be willing to relocate to, Romania. Candidates not currently resident in this location must have the ability to obtain and maintain the required work authorization.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

Provide security leadership across the European region, supporting program offices in proactive risk management.
Mentor and guide local security focal points, fostering a culture of accountability and readiness.
Promote a proactive, field-focused security culture across the region.
Coordinate incident response and support crisis management efforts.

Strategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation

Contribute to the design and execution of regional and global security strategies.
Identify and implement best practice and innovations in security operations.
Support global regional leadership in the advancement of programs into new countries

Networking & Partnership

Maintain active relationships with law enforcement, security agencies, and NGO security networks.
Coordinate with government and civil society actors to support secure program implementation.

Policies and Procedures

Develop and update country-specific security protocols and contingency plans.
Ensure all policies are realistic, pragmatic, and aligned with operational realities.

Communication

Serve as the primary security point of contact for the region or for programs in region?
Provide timely updates and briefings to regional and global leadership.
Ensure there are valued and efficient communication rhythms between all national, regional and global stakeholders

Training and Development

Develop and deliver contextual security training to staff and partners.
Support security drills and awareness campaigns to strengthen field readiness.

Casework

Respond to security incidents with urgency and professionalism.
Support sensitive cases involving law enforcement or protection concerns.
Establish a trusted, valued and effective relationship with casework teams including Liaison Officers and partners

Documentation, Reporting, Data Management and compliance

Maintain up-to-date security records, incident reports, and risk assessments.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting to the Global center and other stakeholders as required.
Monitor security trends in operational areas and report.
Comply with regional and national data privacy and protection laws
Develop, update and ensure compliance with regional security plans and protocols.
Maintain compliance of global security standards across the offices within the region.

Events and Logistics

Conduct risk assessments and provide security support for regional events and gatherings.
Advise on secure transport, venue selection, and logistics for field visits receiving high-profile visitors including donors and IJM CEO

Fieldwork Projects

Conduct field visits to assess risk and support operational teams.
Conduct risk assessments for new country program areas.
Provide on-the-ground leadership during times of heightened security concerns.
Maintain a regular presence within the regional program and advancement offices to establish trust and provide valued support

General tasks

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including HR, legal, and program operations.
Support emergency preparedness, crisis simulations, and business continuity planning.

Education & Experience:

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in government, military, police, or NGO security operations.
Experience working with law enforcement and government stakeholders.
Comprehensive background in security training, risk analysis, and emergency response.
Bachelor’s degree in security studies, criminal justice, international relations, or related field preferred.
Five years’ experience in security management role

Technical Competencies:

Security risk assessment and incident management.
Design and delivery of in-person and remote security training.
Knowledge of European security environments and NGO safety standards.
Understanding of duty of care and compliance obligations in an NGO context.
Proficiency in written reporting and digital communication tools.
Experience in VIP/Close Protection is desired

Non-Technical Competencies:

Demonstrates humility, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control in all aspects of work, and is a servant leader.
Able to travel extensively 50% of the time and at short notice and for longer periods of time.
Able to relocate to Romania or Poland if not already resident and the ability to obtain a work visa.
Cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence.
Excellent judgment and decision-making under pressure.
Collaboration and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
Self-motivation, flexibility, and leadership presence.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Desired (but not required) ability communicating in Romanian, Bulgarian and/or Polish.