Security Specialist - South Asia

About the role

The Security Specialist, Assistance is an integral member of the regional Security Assistance team. Under the direction and guidance of the Security Director, Assistance, and the Security Managers, Assistance, the Security Specialist, Assistance will be tasked with the delivery of high-quality security risk assessments, advice and the coordination of security assistance on a profile and itinerary-specific basis to travellers, international assignees, domestic nationals, and client risk managers. The Security Specialist, Assistance will contribute to operational readiness by carrying out tasking to maintain and develop the security provider network and internal Concepts of Operations.
The Security Specialist, Assistance is responsible for providing the delivery of professional and effective security assistance services for clients of International SOS to the highest standards of excellence.
The Security Specialist, Assistance will also be tasked with intelligence collection, processing, and analysis to provide timely security assessments and advice to International SOS’ clients and internal stakeholders, through primarily, but not exclusively, written reports, as required due to roster and surge requirements.
The Security Specialist, Assistance will also support on an ad hoc basis with the delivery of security assistance consulting deliverables, client engagements and contribute to projects relating to functional enhancements.
On a rostered basis, the Security Specialist, Assistance will provide support to other regions in the identification of, and alerting client and internal stakeholders to, relevant high-impact, time-sensitive security events in those regions.

Key responsibilities

Core Client Support:
•Deliver high-quality, bespoke, verbal and written security risk assessments tailored to an organisation or individual’s s profile and itinerary, escalating to senior management as required.
•Under the guidance of Security Assistance management, coordinate and oversee responses to security requests for assistance, including the production of Plans of Action (POA) for specific Requests for Information (RFAs) as required.
•Set up, coordinate and monitor tracking tasks using GPS and communication with clients travelling complex working environments.
•Contribute to operational planning and readiness as required by supporting in the maintenance and development of the security provider network and assisting in the building of Concepts of Operations.
•Contribute to ensuring International SOS has a best-in-class assistance operation by participating in projects relating to functional enhancements.
•Ensure client awareness of the current security environment in countries in the region(s).On occasion and as required travel to countries of responsibility to assess the current security situation, local provider capabilities and expand the existing network of security contacts to further support clients and aid operational planning.

Security Assistance Case Management:
•Receive and assess all security related calls and ascertain the assistance requirements of Intl.SOS clients.Collect logistical, security and other pertinent information to the medical event/incident.
•Give security advice to callers, employers, employees and organise and supervise appropriate security assistance accordingly.
•Be responsible for security case direction and ongoing security related tasks with respect to security assistance cases, ensuring that there is an appropriate security handover of cases at the beginning/ end of each shift.
•Professionally communicate verbally and/or in writing to relevant parties/clients at various international locations the progress of security assistance cases.
•Provide clear case direction at the transmission handover process in the assistance centre each day
•Professionally communicate verbally and/or in writing to the relevant parties/clients of the progress of the subscriber security assistance status and appropriate recommendations.
•Escalate as per protocol to the duty Security Director and Corporate Assistance Department (CAD).
•Maintain high standards of detailed and accurate documentation including the consistent updating of case files.
Consulting Delivery & Sales, Marketing Support
•As required, deliver safety and security trainings and workshops as well as engage in client specific security assistance consultancy tasks as required.
•Support the Sales and Marketing teams in the articulation of International SOS’ services and in providing functional expertise in client facing forums such as webinars.
Personal Development:
•Attend a structured induction programme focusing on developing security risk assessment, as well as wider training courses relating to the work of security risk mitigation as agreed with line management.

About you

Required Skills and Knowledge (Brief description of technical knowledge or skills needed to perform the job)
•Strong knowledge of the political and security landscape within the region.
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to explain complex situations to non- expert audiences in English.
•Ability to critically analyse multiple streams of information under time pressure.
•Demonstrated experience in the application of risk assessments.
•Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite and other applications.

Required Competencies (Critical behaviours necessary to successfully perform the job)
•Working with People. Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others; Adapts to the team and builds team spirit; Recognizes the contribution of others; Listens, consults others and communicates proactively; Supports and cares for others; Develops and openly communicates.
•Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations. Focuses on customer needs and satisfaction; Sets high standards for quality and quantity; Monitors and maintains quality and productivity; Works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; Consistently achieves project goals.
•Following Instructions & Procedures. Can work in line with clear guidance and procedures without
need for direct supervision; escalates appropriately for direction; Demonstrates commitment to the organisation; Complies with legal obligations and safety requirements of the role.

Coping with Pressure & Setbacks. Works productively in a pressurised environment; Keeps emotions under control during difficult situations; Balances the demands of a work life and a personal life; Maintains a positive outlook at work; Handles criticism well and learns from it.
•Analysing. Analyses numerical data, verbal data and all other sources of information; Breaks information into component parts, patterns and relationships; Probes for further information or greater understanding of a problem; Makes rational judgements from the available information and analysis; Produces workable solutions to a range of problems.

Required Work Experience (Brief description of the job-related experience needed to perform the job)
•Proven experience in security intelligence or related field: military, government, NGO, journalism; relevant academic studies.
•Independent travel experience to multiple countries including more challenging risk environments.
Preferred experience:
•Risk and Crisis management.
•Experience in writing to senior management and decision makers.
•International work experience, including in more challenging risk environments.
•Experience of working in a customer/client focused role.

Required Qualifications (Brief description of the educational background needed to perform the job)
•Educated to a degree level (or relevant professional training) in a field related to security, risk management, international politics or international relations.
•Master’s degree in similar fields an advantage.