Security Advisor

The Security Advisor provides strategic leadership for the organization’s security and risk management function across Pakistan. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining a proactive security framework that ensures the safety of staff, assets, and operations in all locations.

It focuses on anticipating and assessing evolving threats, advising leadership on risk exposure, and strengthening organizational preparedness through effective SOPs, contingency planning, and regular security drills. The position also leads real-time response to security incidents and emergencies when required.

In addition, the Security Advisor serves as the primary liaison with law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and security networks to ensure safe, secure, and uninterrupted programme delivery across all operational areas.

The Security Advisor leads the organization’s overall security and risk management function across all operational locations in Pakistan. The role is responsible for designing and implementing security systems, conducting risk assessments, managing incidents, and ensuring duty of care for all staff, consultants, partners, and visitors.

The position ensures that security considerations are fully integrated into programme planning and field operations, enabling safe and uninterrupted delivery of organizational activities while maintaining compliance with internal policies and donor requirements.

Security Strategy & Risk Management
Develop and maintain the Security Management Framework. Conduct risk assessments across offices, field sites, and events. Identify threats, define risk levels, and recommend mitigation strategies. Advise senior leadership on security risks and emerging threats. Integrate security planning into all programme activities.

Security Information & Analysis
Monitor political, social, and environmental developments affecting operations. Maintain security information networks with relevant stakeholders. Produce SITREPs, alerts, advisories, and risk reports for management and field teams.

Security Policies & Compliance
Develop and update SOPs, contingency plans, and emergency procedures. Ensure compliance with MOSS standards. Conduct security audits and inspections across all operational sites. Ensure staff adherence to security protocols.

Incident & Crisis Management
Lead response to security incidents, emergencies, and crises. Manage incident reporting and investigations. Coordinate responses to emergencies, disruptions, and high-risk events. Conduct post-incident reviews and implement corrective actions.

Staff Safety & Duty of Care
Ensure duty of care systems are in place for all personnel. Conduct security briefings for travel and deployments. Develop staff safety awareness initiatives. Monitor high-risk movements and maintain emergency communication systems.

Training & Capacity Building
Design and deliver security training and awareness sessions. Conduct inductions for staff, consultants, and partners. Organize drills and simulations for emergency preparedness. Build capacity of field teams and security focal persons.

Physical Security Management
Assess and strengthen physical security across offices and field locations. Manage access control, guards, visitor systems, and surveillance. Oversee installation and maintenance of security infrastructure such as CCTV and alarms.

Travel Security Management
Review and approve field travel security arrangements. Develop movement protocols and travel safety procedures. Monitor staff movement and ensure emergency response readiness.

Stakeholder Coordination
Maintain coordination with law enforcement, district authorities, humanitarian actors, and security networks. Manage NoCs and official security clearances. Represent the organization in security coordination forums and external engagements.

Security Budgeting & Resources
Develop and manage security budgets. Oversee procurement of security equipment and systems. Ensure efficient use of security resources and support security inputs into proposals and planning.

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent
• HEAT certification
• Security/Emergency Management certifications
• First Aid and emergency response training
• Military, police, or intelligence background (advantageous)
• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, or related field

Experience

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in security or risk management
• Minimum 5 years in a senior security leadership role
• Experience in INGOs, UN agencies, or humanitarian/security organizations preferred
• Experience managing multi-location security operations in Pakistan

Skills

• Security risk assessment and analysis
• Crisis and incident management
• Report writing and security intelligence analysis
• Strong stakeholder coordination and communication
• Physical and travel security management
• Training and capacity building

Language

• English and Urdu (mandatory)
• Regional languages (Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Punjabi) an asset

KEY COMPETENCIES

Risk anticipation and strategic foresight
Calm decision-making under pressure
High integrity and confidentiality
Strong analytical and reporting ability
Leadership and stakeholder management
Operational discipline and attention to detail
Crisis response capability

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Safe and secure operations across all locations
Timely and reliable security intelligence for leadership
Full compliance with SOPs, drills, and MOSS standards
Strong external coordination with security stakeholders
Effective crisis preparedness and response systems

EEO & Non-Discrimination Statement:

Integrated into our shared values is LAS's commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of sex, age, race, colour, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristics or conduct protected by law. LAS is committed to being an inclusive organization where all people are treated fairly, recognized for their individuality, promoted based on performance and encouraged to strive to reach their full potential. We believe in understanding and respecting differences among all people. Every individual at LAS has an ongoing responsibility to respect and support a diverse environment.

Safeguarding & PSEA Commitment

Legal Aid Society (LAS) is committed to the prevention and protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). LAS explicitly prohibits its staff, associates, partners, consultants, or any other representatives associated with the delivery of its work from:

• Engaging in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse;
• Sexual activity with children (persons below the age of 18) irrespective of a mistaken belief of the age of the child which shall not amount to a defense;
• Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favors or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of assistance;
• Sexual relationships between LAS staff and beneficiaries of assistance, since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics, undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of LAS and are strongly discouraged.