The global humanitarian aid agency seeks a senior security professional with 10+ years of experience in complex and insecure settings. Deadline: June 1, 2026.
Date: May 19, 2026
Reading Time: 3 minutes
NAIROBI, Kenya – Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian aid agency engaged in transitional environments that have experienced natural disasters, economic collapse, or conflict, has announced a vacancy for a Deputy Director Global Security.
The position can be based in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, or Kenya , offering flexibility for qualified international candidates. According to an advertisement posted on May 19, 2026, applications must be submitted on or before Monday, June 1, 2026.
Position
Job Title: Deputy Director Global Security
Employment Type: Full Time
Possible Locations: United Kingdom, Netherlands, or Kenya
Reporting Line: The Deputy Director reports directly to the Senior Director of Global Security.
Supervisory Responsibility: The Deputy Director directly supervises four Regional Security Advisors.
Core Purpose
The overall responsibility of the Deputy Director Global Security is to reduce the risk exposure of Mercy Corps’ staff and programs. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian operations across the globe.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Program Management
The Deputy Director supports the Senior Director in developing and implementing Mercy Corps’ global security strategy and ensuring that departmental work-streams align with that strategy. They are responsible for drafting and implementing the Global Security departmental annual work plan.
In close collaboration with the Senior Director and Program Officer, the Deputy Director monitors key performance indicators for the global security department. They also ensure that the global security budget is managed in line with Mercy Corps internal requirements, including supporting the annual budget planning process and tracking budget versus actuals (BvAs).
The role involves direct support to regional program teams and leadership, as well as to Security Focal Points (SFPs). This includes involvement in contingency planning, new programming, and direct support to operations within individual countries as needed. The Deputy Director also provides direct support to Crisis Management and Critical Incident response.
Security Procedures and Operations
The Deputy Director ensures that global standards of safety and security are established, including a set of global security metrics covering security management targets in staffing, budgeting, and training.
They ensure security guidance and guidelines are consistent and aligned with Mercy Corps practices and policies, including safeguarding, community accountability reporting mechanisms (CARM), engaging with prohibited parties, anti-terrorism financing, and the integrity hotline.
The Deputy Director develops and tracks global metrics for Mercy Corps security management, coordinates a multi-directional communications flow for security information, and encourages and facilitates action reviews after major incidents.
They also support country programs in conducting security assessments and developing security strategies, field security audits, technical support, and training.
Team Management
The Deputy Director develops the capacity of the team, deepens their understanding of their roles, and assists with career development. They build team skills to address upcoming priorities while maintaining the quality of current interventions.
They promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback informally and formally through regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews. The Deputy Director creates and sustains a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
Representation and Thought Leadership
The Deputy Director strengthens Mercy Corps’ profile and representation on global security through expert interaction with internal stakeholders, partner agencies, donors, and other relevant networks and groups.
They promote intra-agency and inter-agency coordination in security, encourage Mercy Corps field-level coordination in the NGO community, seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation, and develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community including the United Nations, other NGOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and appropriate governmental offices.
Minimum Qualifications and Transferable Skills
Education
An undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree in International Relations, Politics, or a humanitarian-related field is required.
Experience
A minimum of 10 years of experience in complex and insecure settings, preferably within a conflict environment, is required. This experience should ideally span more than one country with large teams of staff.
Alternatively, extensive experience in the security or management field that reflects five or more years in team management and working at the senior leadership level is required.
Essential Experience and Skills
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Experience working or managing a program that required humanitarian access negotiations and strategizing is highly desired.
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Experience in Crisis and Critical Incident Management is needed.
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Strong understanding of International Humanitarian Law and how it impacts humanitarian and development operations in the field.
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Good understanding of counter-terrorism legislation and how it can impact operations.
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Proven written and analytical skills.
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Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation, and mentoring.
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Willingness to work and travel frequently in often difficult and insecure environments.
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Proven experience remotely managing staff in a matrix management environment.
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Competency in Internet and Microsoft Office systems including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and other database and mapping systems.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another language such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is an asset.
Additional Assets
Formal training qualifications such as HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), K&R (Kidnap and Ransom), Personal Security, or First Aid are an asset.
Accountabilities
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. The organization is committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of field projects.
How to Apply for Mercy Corps Position
Interested and qualified candidates must apply online through the Mercy Corps recruitment portal.
Application Process:
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Visit the Mercy Corps job application portal at jobs.jobvite.com
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Search for the Deputy Director Global Security position.
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Complete the online application form.
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Upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter.
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Submit your application before the deadline.
Deadline: June 1, 2026
Important Notes for Applicants
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Location Flexibility: This position can be based in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, or Kenya. Candidates should indicate their preferred location in their application.
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No Fees: Mercy Corps does not charge any application, processing, or interviewing fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Beware of fraudsters.
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Only Shortlisted Candidates Contacted: Mercy Corps will contact only shortlisted candidates.
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Travel Requirement: The role requires willingness to work and travel frequently in often difficult and insecure environments.
Why Join Mercy Corps?
Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian aid agency operating in transitional environments that have experienced natural disasters, economic collapse, or conflict. The organization is committed to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities.
Joining Mercy Corps as Deputy Director Global Security offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the safety and security of humanitarian workers worldwide. The role involves strategic leadership, crisis management, and direct support to operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
For more information and to apply, visit jobs.jobvite.com before the June 1, 2026 deadline.
