Associate Manager, Security

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalises leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 11 countries, our team of 900+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains.
  
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children.
  
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives.
  
  

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-calibre colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

Job Purpose

The Associate Manager, Security will provide strategic security leadership for Evidence Action's Nigeria operations, developing and implementing comprehensive security frameworks to ensure the safety and security of all staff, consultants, assets, and programs while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Security Strategy and Framework Development
• Develop and implement Evidence Action Nigeria's security framework, policies, and standard operating procedures, including:
• Nigeria Safety & Plan
• Nigeria Crisis Response & Contingency Plans that integrate with Global
• Crisis Response Plans
• Travel and movement procedures
• Facility security standards
• Communications security protocols
• Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments for new and existing states of operation to inform program design and operational decisions
• Establish regular review mechanisms for security practices and frameworks to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness
• Maintain Crisis Response & Contingency Plans for Nigeria operations
• Coordinate with external global security consultants for review and validation of security frameworks and critical documents

Security Information Collection and Analysis

• Collect, update, and communicate information regarding the security situation within Nigeria and specifically in respect of Evidence Action programming
• Monitor and analyse security trends across all operational areas, with particular attention to states with active programming
• Communicate security information to the Country Director and Country Leadership Team as required
• Maintain regular contact with program staff and consultants across operational states
• Ensure Evidence Action is actively connected with all relevant inter-agency and safe analysis; access coordination networks and forums, establishing Evidence Action's presence in the NGO security community
• Engage with local and regional UN & inter-agency safety personnel regarding safety access issues on country programs
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Country Director on security matters affecting program design, expansion decisions, and operational approaches

Crisis Management and Incident Response

• Serve as primary crisis management lead for security incidents in Nigeria, with clear escalation protocols to global leadership for major incidents
• Lead rapid response to security incidents affecting Evidence Action staff, consultants, offices, and assets
• Coordinate with external stakeholders during crises, including embassies, security services, local authorities, and other NGOs
• Analyse security incident trends and adjust protocols accordingly

Security Implementation and Compliance

• Oversee implementation of all security Standard Operating Procedures, including
• but not limited to:
• Access control to Evidence Action facilities
• Travel approval and notification procedures
• Communications protocols and emergency contact systems
• Champion completion of Evidence Action security training by all Nigerian staff and consultants
• Conduct security assessments of operational venues, accommodations, and travel routes across all states of operation
• Manage procurement of security-related equipment and services
• Training and Capacity Building
• Develop and deliver security awareness training tailored to Evidence Action Nigeria’s operational context and staff needs
• Prepare and deliver regular security briefings and updates to Evidence Action staff, consultants, and visitors
• Deliver specialised training, including:
• Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) for field staff and consultants
• Incident response training for Country Leadership Team
• Context-specific security briefings for technical assistance consultants operating in various states
• Build internal capacity for security awareness and incident response across the Nigeria team

Reporting and Documentation

• Report all security incidents affecting Evidence Action staff, consultants, offices, and assets
• Draft, edit, and distribute security updates to all country office staff and consultants
• Prepare regular updates (as required) on Nigeria's security situation
• Systematically document and report safety incidents, maintaining regular safety and access reports across all operational locations
• Prepare detailed security incident reports and analysis for the Country Director
• Maintain comprehensive security documentation, including:
• Contact database for national security authorities and emergency services
• Security incident logs and trend analysis
• Routine and confidential security correspondence

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain productive relationships with Nigerian security and government sectors at national, state, and local levels as needed
• Network with other NGO security focal points and participate in inter-agency security coordination mechanisms
• Serve as primary liaison with security service providers and consultants
• Coordinate with traditional leaders and community stakeholders on security matters where relevant to program operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Studies, Criminology, International Relations, or related field
• Minimum 5-7 years of security management experience in Nigeria, with demonstrated strategic-level responsibility
• Deep understanding of the Nigerian security landscape, threat environment, and regional variations across states
• Proven experience developing security frameworks, policies, and standard operating procedures for international organisations
• Experience conducting security risk assessments to inform operational and programmatic decisions
• Strong crisis management and emergency response capabilities
• Experience working with international NGOs or development organisations in complex security environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in other relevant Nigerian languages is highly desirable
• Strong networks within Nigerian security, government, and NGO sectors
• Professional security training or certifications (e.g., CPP, PSP, HEAT) strongly preferred
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and in challenging environments
• Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution skills
• Experience supporting light-touch or technical assistance programs in challenging security contexts preferred
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria up to 40% of the time

Working Conditions

• Travel 40%