Director and Chief Security Officer

Job #: req34430 | Organization: World Bank | Sector: General Services | Grade: GI | Term Duration: 4 years 0 months | Recruitment Type: International | Location: Washington, DC, United States | Required Language(s): English | Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 10/24/2025 at 11:59pm UTC

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. With 189 member countries and about 170 offices in over 140 countries, we work 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 Managing Director and WBG Chief Administrative Officer (MDCAO) oversees the corporate units that deliver core services to the entire WBG, including coordination on strategy development and monitoring, budget planning, information and technology (IT), real estate management, corporate security, general services, health and safety, corporate procurement, and administrative risks management. The MDCAO provides leadership to the Global Business Centers in Chennai (India) and Sofia (Bulgaria) and is responsible for administrative support to the Sanctions System.

Corporate Security, within the MDCAO units, is responsible for a strategic security program that empowers the WBG to carry out its business across the world. The program accountability is derived from an Accountability Framework and a Security Governance Committee comprised of a cross section of the institution's Senior Management. Corporate Security is a 24/7 global operation that has expanded rapidly in response to evolving security environments around the world.

To support this mission, the WBG is hiring a Director and Chief Security Officer (CSO). The Director and CSO will report to the MDCAO and will be a dynamic leader combining deep technical expertise, operational experience, excellent people management skills, and the gravitas and maturity to lead by example in high-stress, high-stakes situations.

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Global Security Strategy Architect: Develop and execute a visionary global security strategy and security management system. Ensure the strategy aligns with the WBG’s mission while proactively anticipating and mitigating emerging global threats. Drive the adoption of cutting-edge security technologies, methodologies, and procedures.
• Executive Security Advisor: Act as the principal advisor to the WBG’s Executive Leadership on all security-related matters. Provide regular strategic insights and actionable recommendations to safeguard the organization’s assets, personnel, and global operations. Develop and implement mitigation strategies that enable and protect the Group’s operations worldwide.
• Lead the Corporate Security Unit: Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Corporate Security Unit. Oversee operations, resolve complex issues, and uphold the highest standards of service and quality. Guide, coach, and develop unit managers to strengthen leadership capacity. Manage a large administrative and capital budget, ensuring accountability for all WBG security-related expenditures at Headquarters and across medium, high, and very high threat countries.
• International Security Collaboration: Build and maintain strong partnerships with the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS), International Financial Institutions (IFIs), senior government security officials, and diplomatic missions. Lead joint efforts in prevention, preparedness, and response to regional and global security and safety threats. Support and strengthen the WBG Crisis Management Framework for Incident Response in close coordination with CROOR’s Business Continuity Management Program Office.

Selection Criteria

Education and Professional Experience

• • Bachelor’s degree in security management, public policy, risk management, or related field and 15+ years of global security leadership, including high-threat environments.
• • Proven experience in enterprise governance and crisis decision-making (or equivalent qualifications/experience).
• • Senior overseas security management experience strongly preferred.
• • Security management background in multilateral organizations or international corporations an asset.

Security Operations and Risk Management

• • Extensive experience leading global security operations at a global scale, including diverse and high-risk environments.
• • Recognized expertise in global risk management with the ability to balance operations, management priorities, and risk.
• • Proven crisis leadership with strong decision-making under pressure.

Strategic Leadership and Policy Expertise

• • Proven ability to analyze complex policy issues and deliver sound strategic advice.
• • Strong intellectual leadership with capacity to integrate cross-disciplinary expertise.
• • Skilled at consulting and influencing senior decision-makers beyond the security domain.

Project and Team Management

• • Proven track record leading large, complex, cross-functional projects and teams across regions and cultures.
• • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively at all levels.
• • Self-motivated and adaptable, thriving in diverse, team-based, multicultural environments.

Communication and Influence

• • Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills with senior internal and external stakeholders to advance the WBG security agenda.
• • Superior strategic communication skills, with ability to distill complex issues into clear, effective briefs.

Operational and Organizational Acumen

• • Proven expertise in budget management, procurement, contract governance, and internal controls.
• • Strong organizational and logistical skills with ability to drive follow-through on multiple initiatives.
• • Demonstrated integrity, tact, and discretion, with capacity to lead effectively under pressure.

WBG Culture Attributes

• • Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• • Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• • Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.