Security Officer

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover — providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again.

In April 2022 ZOA started in Ukraine with relief activities for IDPs in Uzhgorod and Zakarpattia region. Today our teams work in Chernihiv and, Sumy covering northern Ukraine,and in Kryvij Rih and, Mykolaiv, covering Kherson and southern Ukraine. The focus of ZOA’s programming is on the most vulnerable people in rural areas with large scale cash, shelter, WASH and livelihood programmes. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

Do you need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit our website www.zoa-international.com.

Your challenge

The Security Officer supports the Security Manager in implementing and maintaining effective security management systems to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors, assets, facilities, information, and operations. The position contributes to risk assessment, incident management, security monitoring, staff awareness, and emergency preparedness while ensuring compliance with organizational security policies and procedures.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

Security Operations and Monitoring

• Monitor the security environment and field teams' movements in areas of operation.

• Collect, analyse, and share security information.

• Support the implementation of security procedures and standards.

• Assist in maintaining situational awareness for management and staff.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Conduct security assessments of offices, guesthouses, and field sites.

• Identify threats, vulnerabilities, and operational risks.

• Recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

• Support the development and implementation of security plans.

Incident Management

• Report, record, and follow up on security incidents.

• Assist in investigations and lessons learned reviews.

• Maintain security incident databases and records.

Staff Safety and Security Awareness

• Conduct security briefings for staff, visitors, consultants, and contractors.

• Support security training and emergency drills.

• Promote security awareness and compliance with security measures.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Support emergency response planning.

• Assist during crisis situations, evacuations, and relocations.

• Ensure emergency equipment and procedures are operational and updated.

Coordination and Liaison

• Maintain constructive relationships with local authorities and security actors.

• Coordinate security matters with internal departments.

• Represent the organization in security coordination meetings when delegated by the Security Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Security Management Support

• Assist the Security Manager in implementing the country security strategy.

• Ensure compliance with security policies, SOPs, and contingency plans.

• Support regular reviews and updates of security documentation.

Information and Reporting

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly security reports.

• Track and analyse security incidents and trends.

• Provide timely security updates to the Security Manager.

Field Security Support

• Conduct travel risk assessments and movement tracking.

• Support security arrangements for field missions.

• Monitor compliance with movement procedures.

Physical Security

• Monitor office, warehouse, and accommodation security arrangements.

• Ensure access control measures are functioning effectively.

• Monitor security equipment and coordinate maintenance when required.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain security records and documentation.

• Support procurement and inventory of security-related equipment.
• Assist in preparing security budgets and forecasts when required.

Your profile

Knowledge and experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Security Management, Risk Management, International Relations, Law Enforcement, Military Science, Public Administration, or related field.

• Relevant security certifications are an advantage.

Languages

• Strong written and spoken English (B1).

• Ukrainian language proficiency required.

Technical Knowledge

• Security Risk Management (SRM).

• Incident and crisis management.

• Emergency preparedness and response.

• Security information and reporting systems.

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible experiencein security management, NGO security, law enforcement, military, police, or related fields.

• Experience conducting security assessments and risk analysis.

• Experience preparing security reports and incident documentation.

• Experience supporting emergency response and crisis management activities.

Desirable

• Experience working with an international NGO or humanitarian organization.

• Experience in conflict-affected or high-risk environments.

• Completion of recognized security training courses.

• Experience managing access control, guard forces, or security contractors.

Competencies and Skills

• Risk assessment and security planning
• Incident management and emergency response
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear communication and reporting
• Ability to work under pressure
• Teamwork and stakeholder coordination
• Adaptability and resilience

Special requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field locations and project implementation.
• The duty station for this position is Mykolaiv, with regular travel within the assigned area of implementation and other locations as required.

Please note that, given the current circumstances, the organisation is unable to offer exemptions from mobilisation.

We value diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities and welcome applications from all qualified candidates who share our commitment to ZOA’s mission and values ((see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity) .

Candidates are expected to familiarise themselves with ZOA’s policies and procedures before the interview. These can be found on our website: Codes and policies | ZOA

CV’s of no more than 3 pages in length are appreciated. Candidates will be selected on a rolling basis.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. An assessment may be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. Internal candidates will have priority, in case of similar results.

Please note that ZOA is subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including reference checks carries out background (including COTER: check your name on counter-terrorism lists) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process.

By submitting an application, you confirm your consent to the collection and processing of your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.