Deputy Director Global Security - UK, NL, Kenya, The Hague

Location:

UK, NL, or Kenya Status:

Full-time, on-going Starting salary range:

UK GBP 63,840; NL: 75,000 euros; Kenya: local benchmark in process - hiring range commensurate on professional experience Closing date:

Please submit application by June 1st

Position The Deputy Director will support the Senior Director Global Security in shaping Mercy Corps’ global security policies and operating approaches, and will manage a team of security advisors. The role focuses on reducing risk exposure for staff and programs, supporting field and headquarters teams, overseeing threat monitoring and crisis response, and driving continuous improvement.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Support the Senior Director in developing and implementing Mercy Corps global security strategy and ensuring departmental work‑streams align with that strategy.

Draft and implement the Global Security departmental annual work plan and monitor key performance indicators.

Manage the global security budget in line with internal requirements, including annual budget planning and tracking of BvAs.

Provide direct support to regional program teams, leadership, and SFPs, including contingency planning and crisis management.

Ensure global standards of safety and security, including metrics for staffing, budgeting and training.

Maintain consistent security guidance and guidelines aligned with Mercy Corps policies and international best practices.

Develop and track global security metrics and coordinate multi‑directional communications and action reviews after major incidents.

Support country programs in conducting security assessments and developing security strategies, field security audits, technical support, and training.

Develop team capacity, mentor team members, and promote accountability through regular feedback and performance reviews.

Lead recruitment and orientation of key security personnel as needed.

Build and sustain a respectful working environment that encourages excellence.

Represent Mercy Corps in global security forums, fostering coordination with partner agencies and donor networks.

Engage stakeholders in collaborative solutions to security challenges.

Handle any other duties essential to the safety and security of Mercy Corps staff, property, and reputation.

Minimum Qualifications&Transferable Skills

Advanced understanding of NGO philosophy and operations.

Undergraduate or Master’s degree in International Relations, Politics, or a related humanitarian field.

Minimum 10 years’ experience in complex, insecure settings, preferably across multiple countries and large teams.

Or extensive experience in the security or management field, including at least 5 years in team management and senior leadership roles.

Experience managing humanitarian access negotiations and strategic planning.

Experience in Crisis and Critical Incident Management.

Strong knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and counter‑terrorism legislation.

Proven written and analytical skills.

Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including influencing, negotiation, and mentoring.

Willingness to travel frequently in difficult and insecure environments.

Experience remotely managing staff in a matrix environment.

Competency in Internet and Microsoft Office systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and database/mapping tools.

Fluency in English; knowledge of another language (French, Spanish, or Arabic) is an asset.

Formal training qualifications (HEAT, K&R, Personal Security, First Aid, etc.) are an asset.

Success Factors Exceptional leadership and strategic management, superior communication and analytical skills, proactive initiative, adaptability, and the ability to navigate diverse cultural and security contexts. Travel to field sites at least 30% of the time and readiness for deployment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding&Ethics All individuals interacting with Mercy Corps’ work are treated with dignity, and the organization is committed to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Staff must complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses on hire and annually.

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