Description

About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!

About the Role

The National Democratic Institute seeks a Temporary Security Coordinator to provide support to NDI’s long term election observation mission and the overall security and operations of its Tbilisi, Georgia office(s). The position is expected to last through November 2024, but could be requested to extend through December based on the security needs in-country. The position will based in Tbilisi, Georgia, with housing and relocation costs paid for by NDI.

Your Purpose and Impact:

• Oversee the implementation of security related recommendations as instructed by the Resident Director;

• Serve as main focal point on security issues for deployed Long Term Analysts (LTAs) for the duration of their deployment;

• Accompany LTAs on field visits both within or outside of Tbilisi, as needed;

• Serve as main security point-of-contact for NDI Georgia operations for non-election related programming;

• Support DC and Tbilisi based offices during the planning and implementation of NDI’s Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) and International Election Observation Mission (IEOM).

• This will require extensive planning to ensure effective and appropriate security measures for high level delegations for the PEAM and the IEOM. Duties will include liaising with any additional security hired for such occasions, and planning around meetings with government officials, CSOs, activists, and the organizing of multiple press conferences. Preparations will be done under the assumption these will be highly visible events with media attention.

• Conduct assessments of locations and facilities as requested by NDI Resident Director or LTA Coordinator. Facilities may include NDI offices, apartment for international staff, regular meetings areas such as hotel conference rooms, or more;

• Provide security consultations to local staff, LTA/LTA assistants, as needed;

• Maintain regular contact with NDI’s DC office, the LTA Coordinator, Resident Director, liaising on security and operational issues, as needed;

• Prepare for and support for a possible office closure/relocation, in the event that it may be required;

• Maintain constant awareness of political, socio-economic, criminal, geo-political, and environmental developments in Georgia, with the ability to draft reports, notifications, or consultations on short notice with the Resident Director, as needed; and

• Develop and maintain communications channels with relevant security counterparts at other international NGOs and partners operating in Tbilisi, including but not limited to NDI’s CEPPS partners, ICNL, USAID, relevant embassy RSOs, and more.

• Conduct pre-travel briefings for NDI and non-NDI personnel prior to international travel into Georgia, if necessary; and

• Provide tailored security reviews and trainings for NDI’s local partners as requested by the Resident Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in International Relations or related subject, or equivalent experience; graduate degree desired.

• A minimum of 3 years relevant work experience working internationally in security and operations;

• Experience in the international development or similar field;

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to work in a high stress environment;

• Exceptional skills for analyzing complex political issues and to understand a nuanced how NDI programming may affect its risk profile;

• Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications;

• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices.

• Ability to train others with minimal background knowledge of physical and cyber security protocols in an effective accessible manner;

• An ability to coordinate with hired security firms, the DC and Tbilisi offices, and liaise between them as necessary;

• Ability to establish and maintain networks of local and international contacts with security awareness to maximize information and situational awareness;

• Able to deliver written or verbal reports in a concise and quick manner, ensuring all relevant stakeholders are able to receive up to date information in a quickly developing environment; and

• Knowledge of Georgia, Georgian political developments, Georgia language are all plus but not required.

Unaccompanied – A staff member on overseas assignment may NOT be accompanied by any dependents not working for NDI.

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive benefits and allowance package based on the country of residency.

Additional Information:

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply.

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at HumanResourcesteam@ndi.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)