Global Safety & Security Advisor

Malteser International is the international humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. For over 60 years we provide relief and recovery for people during and following conflicts and disasters around the world. Christian values and humanitarian principles form the foundations of our work. In over 30 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we support people in need – regardless of their religion, origin or political convictions.

To support our global work we are looking for a Global Safety & Security Advisor based at our Headquarters in Cologne.

As a Safety & Security Advisor, you will guide and support Senior Management and country offices in effectively managing safety and security within MI’s global operations. You will lead the enhancement and implementation of MI’s risk management framework, conduct regular security assessments, and strengthen organizational capacity to foster a risk‑informed culture. In this role, you will provide expert advice during incidents and crises, deliver critical recommendations on operational practices, and represent MI within key interagency safety and security networks.

Your responsibilities:

• Advise and support the Senior Management and country offices in managing safety & security in line with MI´s safety and security framework
• Coordinate the review, improvement and implementation of MI’s safety and security risk management framework
• Conduct regular security assessments (on‑site and remote), including during emergency missions, and ensure appropriate safety standards are developed and applied, in line with MI’s risk appetite statement
• Coordinate safety and security capacity building for all MI staff and develop a risk informed culture across MI
• Advise and support the Senior Management and country offices during and after incidents and crises, including participation in Crisis or Incident Management Teams
• Provide critical recommendations to the management of all MI programs on the safety and security aspects of operational practices (humanitarian access negotiations, networking, movements, communications, physical security, cyber security)
• Monitor political, security and economic developments in MI’s operating environments and ensure timely context updates
• Maintain active engagement with safety and security counterparts in peer agencies and international bodies (e.g. UNDSS, INSO etc.) and represent MI in relevant coordination forums

Your profile:

• A minimum of 5 years of practical experience in humanitarian security management, including incident and crisis management
• Strong qualifications in security management and a relevant academic degree (e.g., humanitarian studies, security, political or social sciences)
• Proven expertise in security risk management, training delivery, and the use of security technologies and digital tools
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively across cultures
• Ability to manage stress (own and others’) and to work flexibly, pragmatically, and under multiple priorities
• Ability to apply digital tools to streamline management of security processes (policies, SOPs, etc.) and information sharing
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and substantial experience working within humanitarian organizations
• Willingness to travel to high‑risk environments; proficiency in English (French and/or Arabic is an asset) 

What we offer:

• A responsible and exciting job in a committed, international working environment
• A permanent full-time position
• Flexible working hours and the option for remote or mobile work. While the position is formally based at MI’s headquarters in Cologne, we welcome applicants based in other countries who are willing to travel to Cologne on a regular basis
• Access to coaching as well as professional and personal development opportunities, also through our Malteser Academy
• Adequate compensation according to AVR-Caritas including Christmas and holiday pay, child allowance as well as a company pension scheme and other social benefits

Working with Malteser International

Malteser is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all people, regardless of gender, confession or origin. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration given equal qualifications. As a church-based employer, we expect identification with our values as a Catholic relief organisation.

Malteser International is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. Malteser International conducts reference and background checks for all staff (including criminal records check for specific roles). Any candidate offered a job with Malteser International will be expected to sign MI’s Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

Whether you work as a specialist on overseas service or in one of our regional offices – we offer you a challenging working environment in an experienced international team. More than 1,000 national and international staff are currently deployed in various crisis and disaster areas around the world as well as in our regional offices in Cologne and New York City.