Security Specialist, Mexico

Security Specialist, Mexico Job #: req34212 Organization: World Bank Sector: General Services Grade: GF Term Duration: 4 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Mexico City,Mexico Required Language(s): Spanish, English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/16/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

This position will work on the Mexico security program from Mexico City, Mexico.

Do you want to build a truly worthwhile career? Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their most significant development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. A unique global partnership of five institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank; the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 170 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org

The WBG is a member of the UN Security Management System and maintains close working relationships with other International Financial Institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Reporting to the Managing Director and World Bank Group Chief Administrative Officer, the Global Corporate Solutions (GCS) Department brings together the functions of Corporate Security, Corporate Real Estate, and Corporate Services, such as travel, conferences, and multimedia.

Corporate Security (GCSSC) is a division within the World Bank's Global Corporate Solutions Department. It is responsible for the strategic security program that empowers the WBG to carry out its business worldwide.
 
GCSSC staff serve at both WBG Headquarters in D.C. and Bank Group offices in more than 40 countries. The division's mission is to support global operations by employing risk mitigation strategies and promoting the principle of shared responsibility for security and safety.

General

The World Bank Group presence in Mexico City consists of two offices composed of national and non-national staff, as well as visiting mission staff, with the IBRD office located in San Jose Insurgentes, Benito Juarez, and the IFC office located in Cuauhtemoc. The position of Country Security Specialist (CSS) will be Locally Recruited Staff and time will be split equally between the IBRD and IFC Country Offices in Mexico City.
 
The incumbent CSS will report to and receive support and direction from the regional CS Manager through the HQ-based Senior Security Specialist (SSS) for LCR.  The incumbent will advise and consult with management in the WBG Office of responsibility and will discharge his/her assignment under the direct authority and guidance of the IBRD and IFC Heads of Office in Mexico City.

Roles & Responsibility:

The Country Security Specialist (CSS) is responsible for supporting the safety and security of World Bank Group (WBG) Country Office personnel, facilities, operations, and visiting missions. The CSS will serve as the security focal point for Mexico and other countries in the assigned portfolio and will ensure the implementation of WBG corporate security policies and procedures. The CSS reports to the assigned Senior Security Specialist and provides direct security support in the following areas:

A. Security Risk Management

1. Support Country Office Management in overseeing day-to-day office security operations and developing responses to security incidents and natural/man-made disasters.
2. Contribute to the preparation and regular updates of Security Risk Assessments (SRA) for Mexico and other countries as needed (e.g., Central America).
3. Implement and manage risk mitigation measures for country office facilities and field missions, including physical security systems such as CCTV, access control, alarms, and fire/life safety equipment.
4. Manage procurement, maintenance, and testing of major security equipment (e.g., handheld/walk-through metal detectors, communications, ECM, package screening).
5. Provide technical security advice during office selection, construction, or renovation projects, in collaboration with Corporate Real Estate and HQ security staff.
6. Monitor residential security for international staff and advise all staff on personal and residential safety.
7. Assess and advise on security at external venues such as hotels, restaurants, government offices, and event sites visited by staff.
8. Support implementation of the WBG Road Safety Policy and monitor road travel-related risks.
9. Liaise with host government law enforcement, UNDSS, diplomatic missions, and private security networks to maintain operational awareness and contacts.
10. Assist staff and missions with incident reporting and follow-up, including coordination with UNDSS, host government, and WBG security channels.
11. Ensure an effective system is in place for tracking WBG staff and missions (arrival/departure, contact details, residence info) and coordinate with UNDSS and WBG Security Operations Center (SOC).
12. Represent WBG and Global Corporate Solutions (GCS) at security coordination meetings and working groups.
13. Prepare security-related content and updates for periodic program reviews.

B. Security Awareness

1. Provide incoming staff and mission teams with advance and on-arrival security briefings, including communication protocols and field logistics.
2. Issue timely and situationally appropriate security advisories to staff based on risk assessments, major incidents, or elevated threats.
3. Conduct regular security awareness briefings, personal safety training, and preparedness activities for all staff.

C. Contingency Planning

1. Assist in developing, updating, and testing the Country Office Crisis Management Plan (CMP) annually or as directed.
2. Serve as an advisor to or member of the Country Office Crisis Management Team (CMT).
3. Maintain updated contingency planning materials, warden systems, and related reference documentation.
4. Test and update the staff telephone tree and emergency response mechanisms.
5. Conduct emergency preparedness drills (e.g., fire, earthquake, bomb threat, shelter-in-place) and deliver life safety training sessions.
6. Maintain and strengthen emergency contact and locator systems, ensuring coordination with UNDSS and the SOC.
7. Regularly assess in-country relocation and evacuation options for WBG staff and dependents.

D. Protective Operations

1. Provide security planning and coordination for high-risk movements, senior official visits, and mission travel, including advance site assessments.
2. Coordinate protective measures in response to direct or indirect threats, and proactively mitigate risks through planning and real-time action.
3. Arrange appropriate host government or private security support for missions, staff, or high-profile WBG events as needed.
4. Oversee or assist with security planning for conferences, field visits, and staff retreats.
5. Develop and disseminate security procedures and policies, including lists of restricted or high-risk areas.

E. Guard Force Contract Management

1. Support oversight and management of Country Office guard services, including procurement, contract extensions, performance reviews, and compliance checks.
2. Certify guard force invoices, track performance issues, and ensure adherence to WBG and local labor standards.
3. Conduct regular site inspections and liaise with guard force management to ensure high-quality service delivery

F. 24/7 Emergency Security Support

• Provide round-the-clock on-call security assistance to Country Office staff, visiting missions, and dependents within the assigned portfolio.

G. Other Duties as Assigned

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on evolving regional needs or organizational priorities. The incumbent may also be asked to provide support to other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, or elsewhere, at the discretion of the supervisor and manager.

Selection Criteria

• Master's degree with 5 years of relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree. A career-level diploma (at least three consecutive years of training) from a military or police institution, college, or academy, in combination with seven years of security experience, may be exceptionally substituted for a bachelor's degree. 
• Five years of progressive experience in security program management with an international or diplomatic organization preferred.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in close partnership with other security colleagues to achieve a coherent and rigorous security program.
• Knowledge and experience in security program delivery and project implementation, especially in the geographic area of responsibility.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications, namely, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Proven proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English and Spanish. 
• Willingness to travel to high-risk locations on short notice.
• Able to comfortably operate within a multicultural environment and build effective working relations with staff across the WBG.

Specialized Skills

• Knowledge of the risk environment in Mexico. 
• Demonstrated capacity to write coherent security risk management documentation and standard operating procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of the development of security policies and procedures and a general understanding of threat mitigation procedures and high-risk operations.
• Ability to develop detailed security advisories and notifications for consideration and implementation by Country Office management.
• Knowledge of the range of protective operations.
• Familiar with basic procurement procedures and project/resource management.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.