Job Description

Agency

Aga Khan Schools

Region

South Asia

The requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in security studies or security risk management.
• Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in arts and science discipline or security sector related qualification at a degree level.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of previous experience in Security/Armed or such allied forces
• Preference will be given to experience in safety and security management in the Education industry, at a similar level.
• High level of contextual understanding of the political, social, economic, and security situation in India.
• Ability to undertake regular in-country travel to operational areas (40%).
• Effective communication ability and confident personality; having trainer attributes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: outstanding in teamwork, ability to work successfully with teams across the organization.
• Shows professional maturity and sensitivity to different cultures and practices, and impeccable integrity.
• Previous risk management experience with the UN or NGOs/INGOs in India, or a strong background in education‑related security.
• Relevant security industry certifications such as CPP – PSP – APP – PMP etc.

Preferred Personal Characteristics

• Reliable, committed, culturally sensitive, team player, adaptive.
• Highly organized, proactive, and motivated.
• Strong assessment and evaluation skills and the ability to make good situational judgements.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage challenging issues under stressful conditions.
• Effective management of human, financial, and technical resources.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Able to communicate with a broad range of stakeholders with excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong IT and computer skills.
• Possesses professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity that exemplify AKES, India value.
• Fluency in Hindi/Gujarati/Telegu in addition to English.

The position

The Country Safety and Security Manager (CSSM) will drive safety, security, and risk management initiatives for Aga Khan Education Service, India (AKES, India) and the Aga Khan Academy, Hyderabad (AKAH). S/he will develop and implement risk-based strategies, policies, standards, and procedures in line with wider AKDN policy. The CSSM has a responsibility to monitor, mentor, guide, and support safety and security staff at AKAH and the schools’ security focal points in Mumbai, Gujrat and Telangana regions. The CSSM will provide leadership with security analysis by continuously monitoring the security environment and will also inform and work under the functional guidance of the Global Safety and Security Lead for Aga Khan Schools. The incumbent shall work in close collaboration with the Department of International Security (DIS) of AKDN.

Safety and Security Management and Planning:

• Develop and implement a structured safety and security management system , in line with the AKDN Security Level System (SLS), and provide directions on safety and security strategy, policy, standards and procedures.
• Develop and implement mandated (SLS) assessments, procedures, plans, and mechanisms appropriate to regional threat levels and the school’s context.
• Conduct audits of the schools and review safety and security mitigation measures/manage the remedial action plans.
• Oversee the implementation and ensure that the security systems and equipment, such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems including fire extinguishers are in working condition. Escalate to the relevant function for any resolution of issues with such system/equipments.
• Develop and maintain a strong contextual understanding of all AKES, India areas of operation.

Incident Management:

• Develop at all schools critical incident management teams and prepare the team to manage critical incidents including coordination and supporting emergency services during any critical incident.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of safety and security measures through incident reporting, data analysis, and feedback mechanisms.
• Report all safety and security incidents promptly and participate in after‑action reviews to capture lessons learned.
• Gather and analyze safety and security information relevant to education/schools in areas of operations to strengthen the AKES safety and security planning and preparedness.

Coordination and Relationships:

• Work under the functional guidance and in close coordination with the AKDN Department of International Security (DIS) along with AKS Safety & Security Lead.
• Establish relationships with the relevant law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and emergency services to ensure their support as required.
• Through the school Safety and Security focal point, establish relationships with relevant local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and emergency services to ensure their support as required.

Training and Briefings:

• Deliver or coordinate safety and security workshop/ training and drills for AKES, India personnel
• Conduct or coordinate safety and security training for security guards, housekeeping staff and drivers on a regular basis
• AKES, India Safeguarding Lead, including induction and briefing of all new employees on these.

Private Security Management:

• Advice on the selection of sub- contracted security service companies (guards/technical security/response) and managing such contracts to ensure the operational requirement stated by AKES, India and AKAH SLT is properly met.
• Manage the activities and performance of contracted private security providers in accordance with AKES, India and AKAH policies, established KPIs, and the service agreement. Support: Provide support to the AKES, India Safeguarding Lead in implementation and execution of the AKES, India Safeguarding policy
• Develop, manage, and monitor the safety and security budget
• Investigate safety and security breaches and non-compliance.