Role purpose

The primary objective of the Chief, Safety and Security is to lead and direct security operations, and implement ICC safety and security strategy, manage risks, ensure compliance, and oversee all aspects of the safety and security of ICC personnel, premises and asset in the Headquarters and Country Offices.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of Division of Management Services (D/DMS).

Work Relations

The incumbent works closely with senior officials throughout the organization, external entities including the Host Country, partner institutions, law enforcement, vendors, and service providers.

Organizational Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Division of Management Services, the principal functions of the ICC Security & Safety Section are:

• Protection off all ICC premises, property and courtroom functions through the strict control of access and egress and the maintenance of an armed uniformed protection force.

• Management and control of all electronic security and surveillance protection systems operated at the seat of the Court.

• Safe handling and custody of all accused persons whilst detained at the seat of the Court.

• Background investigative screening of staff, contractors and other support workers to ensure the reliability and integrity of personnel assigned in a security sensitive environment.

• To promote the safety and security of ICC staff and its investigative and judicial processes, including through coordination and liaison with the security agencies of the host country, member states and international organizations.

• Armed protection of designated elected officials and staff members, premises and evidence in areas of investigative operations and the provision of close protection escorts, contingency plans, staff tracking and operational liaison with host government or international security support agencies.

• Prevention of unsafe acts at work, the promotion of a safe working environment and the immediate response to fire, safety, first aid or security incidents or emergencies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

Leadership and Management:

• Serve as the leader of the Security and Safety function and set the strategic direction and ensure effective coordination and implementation of security measures across all ICC premises, property, and courtrooms.

• Develop and lead the professionalization of a robust and responsive security structure that is sustainable, cost-effective and upholds the core values of the Organization.

• Actively contribute and support the Registry's vision, mission, and objectives; ensure workplan objectives are established and oversee the development, implementation and management of a staff security training strategy to increases skills, security awareness and security knowledge of all personnel across the Organization.

• Plan the overall security budget and oversee all financial expenditure incurred by the Section, including the establishment of outsourced security support contracts, submission of requisitions and authorisation of official travel. Oversee the selection, training, and supervision of security personnel, including premises guards.

Advisory Role:

• Through D/DMS, provide authoritative advice to the Registrar, Prosecutor, Judiciary, and other senior officials [Registry1] on all matters pertaining to global safety and security-related issues of the Court, its staff, assets, interlocutors, and premises, providing strategic guidance to mitigate risks and respond to emerging threats.

• Act as the Chair of working groups to establish the strategic security objectives of the Court and to develop and maintain a court-wide strategic security plan.
• Develop and implement the internal security policies and procedures of the Court, define the protective security infrastructure, operationalize security “best practice,” implement personal security measures, personnel assurance, and insider risk management.
• Clarify, interpret and lead the implementation of existing ICC and UN security policies as applicable, ensure that systems and procedures are in place to disseminate advice on security and safety related policies and instructions in a timely manner.
• Provide senior level policy and technical safety and security advice, training and guidance to personnel in all offices and on missions.

Security Enhancement:

• Strengthen security arrangements by implementing state-of-the-art security technologies and best practices, leading security awareness programmes and training initiatives to educate staff about best practices and potential threats.
• Oversee the armed protection of designated staff members, premises and evidence in areas of investigative operations and the provision of close protection escorts, contingency plans, staff tracking and operational liaison with host government or international security support agencies.
• Coordinates and lead the implementation of safety/ security policy/procedures in accordance with ICC responsibility and accountability to UNSMS and United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), ensure compliance with international security standards and organizational policies.
• Promote the safety and security of ICC staff and its investigative and judicial processes, including through coordination and liaison with the security agencies of the host country, member states and international organizations, improve the ability for the ICC to detect and investigate counter-intelligence threats.
• Oversee the safe handling and custody of all accused persons whilst detained at the seat of the Court.
• Supervise the background investigative screening (vetting) of staff, contractors and other support workers to ensure the reliability and integrity of personnel assigned in a security sensitive environment.
• Coordinate the prevention of unsafe acts at work, the promotion of a safe working environment and the immediate response to fire, safety, first aid or security incidents or emergencies.

Risk Management:

• Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments to identify potential threats (both internal and external), and risks posed to ICC personnel, premises and activities, providing management and staff with the necessary guidance and mitigation measures.
• Provide substantive advice to managers regarding the mainstreaming of security risk management and related costs; develop and implement strategies to reduce risks to employees and organizational assets.
• Evaluate and identify security policy gaps and propose (amendment of) Administrative Issuances, ensuring compliance with relevant Registry or Section policies and procedures.
• Plans and co-ordinates those security and safety policies and procedures developed in partnership with the security agencies of the host country (police, prison and intelligence services) as well as the security agencies of other national jurisdictions and international organisations.

Liaison and Coordination:

• Establish and maintain effective liaison with host country authorities, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate security operations.

• Coordinate with various departments and agencies within the organization to ensure a unified approach to security management.

• On behalf of the ICC, formally participate in and contribute to the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) security policy decision-making bodies, and the UNSMS Security Management Team (SMT) in The Hague, Netherlands.

• Address field offices need associated it trials, programmes, operations and premises towards compliance with UNSMS and ICC security policies.

• Represent ICC at senior representational levels in interagency forums for policy and decision making in the area of security.

Crisis Management:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of emergency response and crisis management plans.

• Lead the organization’s response to security incidents, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure the organization’s adherence to local, national, and international security regulations and standards.

• Prepare and present regular reports on security status, incidents, and initiatives to senior management.

Field Support:

• Tracks developing threats and related risks, reviews the impact of security factors and risk, provide timely and accurate security advice and support to ICC offices in the field and follow up on their implementation.

• Evaluate and address field office needs associated with program, operations and premises towards compliance with UN and ICC security policy and security operating standards to ensure effective response.

• Undertakes security support missions to the field as required.

• Assists in the formulation and management of appropriate security-related requests from HQ and fields offices.

• Provides advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security and safety needs (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.).

Essential Qualifications

Education:

Advanced university degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, security management or relevant field or relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience (twelve years with a first-level university degree) including extensive experience in security regulations and procedures at management level including international experience, in managing and leading large groups of personnel engaged in a security discipline, is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of/experience with the functioning of international organizations or international criminal tribunals or transitional justice mechanisms is an asset.

• Substantial technical knowledge of physical security, intelligence management, information assurance, investigations, and personnel management practice.

• Demonstrated ability and experience in creating and developing diverse, inclusive, and high performing teams through the application of inclusive leadership principles and practice.

• Understanding of intelligence gathering and analysis processes, proven ability to develop maintain and leverage local, regional and international intelligence networks to proactively assess potential threats, risks, and vulnerabilities to the organization.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to facilitate/present persuasively to gain buy-in and effective negotiation skills to achieve desired outcomes.
• Proven ability to drive cultural change and embed a Security-aware culture within international organizations.
• Ability to multi-task, manage time and work effectively under pressure while producing high-quality products under short-notice deadlines.
• Ability to develop resourceful and effective solutions to problems (including personnel), focus on team performance goals and track metrics to measure performance improvements.
• Sound digital literacy with experience in using office automation systems and software applications.
• Experience in optimising business delivery and implementing innovative solutions to complex processes/problems.

Knowledge of Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the working languages of the Court, English or French, is required.
• Knowledge of another official language of the Court (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian) would be considered an asset.

Terms of Appointment

For initial appointments, the Court offers a two-year appointment with the possibility of extension (six month probationary period).

Role Location

The Hague, Netherlands

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 14 March 2025 (23:59 hrs, GMT +1). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by International Criminal Court (ICC) to undertake this assignment.