Mission Security Coordinator

Spektrum•Norfolk, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Headquarters Allied Command Transformation (HQ SACT), under the ACT Office of Security (AOS), plays a central role in NATO’s transformation process, ensuring the security of personnel, assets, and sensitive information. The Force Protection (FP) team is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of HQ SACT staff during external events and missions, both within NATO’s areas of responsibility and internationally. This includes both Diamond Events (high-profile engagements) and regular official travel. The Force Protection (FP) team is responsible for the safety and security of HQ SACT Staff during external events and missions. The FP Staff Officer performs the planning, coordination, and execution of all Diamond events within the Host Nation (HN) and abroad, and security coordination of all missions of SACT HQ personnel. A Mission Security Coordinator should be identified to organize and carry out the safety and security responsibilities of all travel duties of HQ SACT personnel as well as support the Section during external event. A Mission Security Coordinator is essential to the FP section for the successful monitor, consultation and debriefing of the HQ SACT personnel that is travelling for duty reasons all over the world. Coordination with external security advisory agencies to helping HQ SACT protect its assets, employees, and events outside the United States is the main duty of the Mission Security Coordinator. In addition, supporting the organization and management of Diamond events with local actors (businesses, law enforcement agencies, organizations, etc.), which supports the generation of critical threat and risk assessment is requested. This post will be instrumental and unique in providing dedicated attention to security and safety matters that may arise to those travelling personnel and attendees of events.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years' experience in security administration, risk management, criminology, public administration, or industrial security administration. Experience must include specific responsibility for planning, coordination, and execution of security operations for high-profile events, international travel, or multinational operations.
At least 3 years' experience in planning, managing, and executing security measures for major events involving VIPs, senior leadership, or large-scale international operations. This should include experience in conducting risk assessments, site security surveys, and coordination with local law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and emergency responders.
Possession of a recognized certification in Risk Management (e.g., PMP, CRMP, or equivalent) or another relevant security-related qualification.
Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret security-related data from open-source intelligence (OSINT) and other classified or unclassified sources.
Demonstrated ability to develop comprehensive security briefings, risk assessments, and incident reports for both senior leadership and operational teams.
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, internal teams, external security agencies, and local law enforcement. This includes providing briefings, coordinating security measures, and ensuring effective communication during mission execution.
Demonstrated proficiency in English as defined in STANAG 6001 (Standardized Linguistic Profile (SLP) 3333 - Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) or equivalent.
Must possess an active NATO SECRET (or higher) security clearance issued by a NATO member nation’s industrial security authority. Clearance must be maintained throughout the period of performance.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), security databases, and collaborative tools (e.g., SharePoint, Teams).
Ability to utilize online resources for open-source intelligence gathering and use various digital platforms for planning, coordination, and reporting.

Nice To Haves

Additional certifications in counterterrorism or crisis management will be considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Analyze reports from the ACT travel database (FINs) to identify high-risk destinations and critical travel locations for HQ SACT personnel.
Collect and analyze security information from multiple sources, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), classified reports, and local security advisories, to assess risks and threats in advance of travel.
Provide comprehensive security briefings to HQ SACT travelers, offering specific advice on security protocols, local risks, and mitigation strategies tailored to individual missions and events.
Develop security plans for high-risk events and missions, ensuring that all travel and event operations comply with NATO’s security policies and procedures.
Perform regular risk assessments and security audits to identify vulnerabilities at planned event sites and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.
Lead site surveys to assess potential vulnerabilities at event venues, developing actionable security reports, and risk mitigation strategies based on findings.
Examine attendee lists for non-NATO participants and evaluate counterintelligence (CI) risks, identifying individuals or groups who may pose a security threat to NATO personnel or operations.
Prepare security briefs for top leaders/management approval; format to be coordinated with FP Staff Officer and FP Assistant.
Be present at the host venues during events to assist Delegate Assistance Centres/Registration and Check in Desks, to provide security assistance and oversight.
Coordinate security efforts for Diamond Events and external missions with local authorities, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies. This includes managing security logistics, site assessments, and emergency response protocols.
Assist in the on-site security management of events by providing oversight at Delegate Assistance Centres, registration desks, and check-in points, ensuring that security protocols are followed, and that personnel are appropriately safeguarded.
Prepare after-action reports (AARs) and post-event analyses, identifying key security challenges, and documenting security protocols for future reference.
Work with the FP team to generate lessons learned products and historical security documents, ensuring that insights gained during events and missions are used to improve future planning and risk management strategies.
Ensure compliance with NATO’s documentation standards for all security-related reports and briefings, ensuring that all security incidents and lessons are formally recorded.
Provide briefings and consultations to internal NATO stakeholders at all levels, including FP officers, NATO Command leadership, and event planners, regarding security requirements, risk management, and operational priorities.
Collaborate with local agencies and international organizations to ensure security policies and procedures are harmonized with NATO’s requirements for personnel safety.