Field Security Manager, Latin America

World Central Kitchen (WCK) is seeking a seasoned Field Security Manager with experience assessing and managing risk in fast-moving and high-risk environments. The ideal candidate exhibits a calm and composed demeanor during crisis situations and can make sound decisions under pressure, is adept at coaching peers, and is comfortable advising senior leaders on hazards and risk mitigation strategies. This position plays a critical role in enabling rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to disaster-affected communities. The Field Security Manager is responsible for overseeing the safety and security of personnel, assets, and operations in field locations, ensuring compliance with WCK security procedures in alignment with WCK’s North Star values.

The Field Security Manager is a full-time position, offering a unique chance to lead and shape WCK's responses. This position reports directly to the Director of Operational Security.

Preferred Location(s): Central and South America. Must live within one (1) hour of an international airport.

• Guatemala City, Guatemala
• San Pedro Sula, Honduras
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Santiago, Chile
• São Paulo, Brazil

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond within four (4) hours notice to a disaster area to act as Field Security Manager, managing security operations at field sites, ensuring the safety and security of employees, contractors, and company assets.
• Conduct regular security assessments and audits of field locations, ground transportation options, hotels and lodging, and other WCK activities to identify potential vulnerabilities and mitigate risks.
• Ensure 100% accountability of all WCK team members operating in the field through implementation of Journey Management Plans (JMPs), callback rosters, and traveler tracking.
• Coordinate the response to safety and security incidents or emergencies, providing leadership and ensuring proper documentation and reporting.
• Partner with Relief Operations to ensure Safety and Security enables the WCK mission, and to address the unique needs of all stakeholders.
• Ensure that all security operations meet legal, regulatory, and company policy requirements, including compliance with international security standards.
• Provide assessments of security resource needs, and recruit, onboard, train and manage security contractors in the field as needed, including local hires.
• Complete the After-Action Report process immediately following safety and security incidents, as well as following activation wind-down.

Requirements

• Ability to spend up to 70% of the time in the field. The typical duration of an activation is four (4) weeks, though timelines could be longer. 
• Must live within one (1) hour of an international airport or be willing to relocate. 
• The successful candidate will have 3-5 years of experience with direct responsibility for the safety and security of others in challenging environments, with a preference for 5-7 years of experience operating in hostile, remote, and/or austere settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience applying security best practices in a variety of disciplines, including: risk and hazard identification, mitigation, emergency response and investigation, crowd control and facility security, wilderness first-aid, kidnapping and hostage survival, transportation security, crisis management, and intelligence collection and report writing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal infrastructure and resources.
• Willingness to work in challenging environments with austere living conditions. For example, responders may not have access to running water, communications, or electricity.
• Demonstrated negotiation and diplomacy skills in complex and potentially volatile situations.
• Be physically fit and have the stamina to work long hours doing physically demanding tasks in varying and potentially extreme climates.
• Strong mental resilience and emotional intelligence to cope with the stressors associated with working in conflict environments.
• Display cultural awareness and sensitivity, recognizing and respecting diverse backgrounds that allow us to positively work with local communities.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages relevant to common disaster or conflict zones is highly desirable (Spanish, French, Portuguese).
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must have a valid Passport.

Preferred Requirements

• Previous military, first responder, backcountry guiding, NGO security, or similar experience.
• Experience with helicopter operations and/or marine vessels.
• Possession of medical certification such as EMT, Paramedic, Wilderness First Responder, or similar.

Field Locations: Work is primarily conducted at field sites, which may include construction sites, remote locations, high-risk areas, or urban environments. The environment can vary widely, requiring adaptability to both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Hazardous Conditions: Exposure to hazardous or potentially unsafe environments may occur, including high-risk areas where security incidents or emergencies may take place.

Weather Conditions: The role may require working in extreme weather conditions, including rain, heat, cold, and other outdoor elements, depending on the location and situation.

Application & Cover Letter
This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK. 

References and Background Checks
To help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.

Equal Opportunity
WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the country in which they reside. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment at this time.

No recruiters or agencies, please.

Contract Type (If based outside United States or Spain)
We are excited to offer an opportunity for this role in partnership with Velocity Global and TCW Global. If based outside of the United States or Spain, depending on location, the successful candidate will be contracted by either VG or TCW, which will handle all HR-related processes, including payroll, benefits, and compliance, while the employee will work directly with World Central Kitchen to fulfill the job responsibilities.

As a contractor of Velocity Global or TCW Global you will receive the benefits and support of a dedicated HR team, ensuring a seamless experience while you contribute to the mission of World Central Kitchen.

Benefits

Why Join Us?

Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team that values creativity and innovation.
Global Impact: Your work will have a direct impact on building a diverse and talented global team.
Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
Dynamic Team: Work with a supportive and enthusiastic team that values collaboration and fun.

If you’re ready to bring your unique talents to a role that’s as challenging as it is rewarding, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and let’s build the future of World Central Kitchen together!

WCK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in being a part of WCK's global talent journey!

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 USD (Depends on experience)