Job Opening: Security Advisor (Geneva-based)
Position Type: Part-time 40% FTE
Location: Geneva, no travel required
Starting Date: May 19, 2025
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
Reports to: Programme Manager – Syria Project
Programme Manager – Iraq Project
About the Role
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is an ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948. It brings together 352 member churches from all over the world, including Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran and Reformed denominations, to promote Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world.
The WCC is seeking a qualified and discreet Security Advisor to provide strategic support to its Syria and Iraq programmes, with a focus on managing sensitive engagement with local authorities, General Security actors, and armed groups, and ensuring the safety of staff and partners working in complex and rapidly evolving contexts.
The ideal candidate will combine a deep understanding of the Syrian and Iraqi security landscape with experience in faith-based or civil society work, excellent judgment, and the ability to navigate politically sensitive environments.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide ongoing strategic advice to the programme managers on security-related developments in Syria and Iraq that affect project implementation, particularly in coordination with field teams and religious/civil society networks.
• Support discreet and well-informed engagement with General Security actors and allied armed groups, ensuring communication is aligned with the project’s values and operational principles.
• Advise on risk mitigation strategies, access planning, and protocols related to incident prevention and response.
• Ensure that WCC’s security policies and ethical standards are applied appropriately to the context and help shape context-sensitive guidelines.
• Participate in coordination meetings with Geneva-based staff and provide regular security briefings to the programme team.
Qualifications and Experience
• Strong contextual understanding of Syria and Iraq, including the structures and dynamics of armed actors, civil-military relations, and state-affiliated entities such as General Security.
• Demonstrated ability to work sensitively in inter-religious and politically complex environments.
• Deep awareness of religious dynamics and actors in Syria and Iraq, including the ability to navigate diverse traditions, sensitivities, and theological worldviews that shape social and political engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal, coordination, and communication skills; discretion and cultural sensitivity are essential.
• Fluency in Arabic (spoken and written) is required.
• Experience with faith-based organizations, interfaith dialogue, or religiously grounded peacebuilding approaches is a strong asset.
To Apply
Please send your CV, a short cover letter, and the names of two references
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