Head Security & ICT

Free Press Unlimited, based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, strongly believes that all people are entitled to have access to unbiased, reliable and timely information. This enables them to assess their own living conditions, influence these and make better decisions. Press freedom and freedom of information are vital for gathering and spreading reliable, unbiased information. Media play a crucial role in providing people free and unrestricted access to information.

By supporting media professionals and journalists, we want to make and keep objective news and information available to everyone, especially to people in countries without or with limited (press) freedom.

We are currently looking for a Head Security & ICT who will be responsible for the digital and physical security of the organisation and staff of Free Press Unlimited. In this role you will also advise on the use of existing, and purchase of new technical solutions, and act as a focal point for ICT and (new) media. As a Head Security & ICT you will use your experience and technical acumen to supervise the IT officer.

Starting date: preferably October 2024.

This role is based in our Amsterdam office in the Netherlands. You will report to the Director of Operations.

What you will do

• Advise staff on implementations and development of general (digital) security, security policy and specific country related security plans;

• Perform quality and consistency check for travels of staff members before approval by the Team Leader;

• Collect and analyse information on security incidents in relation to Free Press Unlimited's scope of work and formulate recommendations for improvement of security practice and procedures;

• Define the need for training throughout the organisation and organise according to findings;

• Represent Free Press Unlimited in relevant security networks;

• Follow new developments in the field, update the organisation on opportunities and potential risks, and advise management on policy and strategy in the field;

• Manage budget on ICT solutions;

• Participate in the design of project proposals to ensure a systematic and effective deployment of new media techniques when needed under guidelines set by partners and funders;

• Provide (digital) security support throughout the projects and/or partners we work with on request.

Who you are

• College degree / BA in a relevant academic field or equivalent work experience;

• A minimum of 5 years experience as a security advisor, preferably in the field;

• A minimum of 5 years experience in the field of ICT projects; demonstrable experience of the deployment of ICT solutions in projects;

• Demonstrable training in advanced security preferred;

• Experience with projects in journalism, media and sustainable development;

• Experience working in an international environment, preferably in a development context;

• Good communication skills in presentation and writing;

• CISSP, CISM and or CISO certification is a plus;
• Demonstrable experience with Linux operating systems and Atlassian software;

Demonstrable experience with security concepts and mitigation technologies.

In addition the following requirements apply

• Ability to take initiatives and take responsibility of allocated tasks while being a team player;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Good command of English. An additional language in the operational areas is a plus;

• High level of empathy, integrity and accountability;
• Eligibility to work in the EU.

What we offer

We offer you the opportunity to contribute to a special mission. You will work in an exciting and challenging international working environment of 80 colleagues who work both from home and in a nice office in the heart of Amsterdam. We are curious about your talents and your social drive to work with us on our mission.

In addition we offer:

• An employment contract for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding.
• Depending on your expertise and experience, the salary is a minimum of EUR 5.200 and a maximum of EUR 6.800 gross per month based on a full-time employment.
• 8% holiday allowance.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• 25 days of leave per year.
• Vitality allowance.
• A good work-life balance; e.g. exchange national holidays for your own important ones.
• Laptop and phone.
• Compensation for travel and work from home costs.

Interested?

Then we would love to hear from you!  Please apply by sending your English CV and short cover letter (both in PDF format) no later than September 23 to Tamara Lunacek (HR Officer) via vacancies[at]@freepressunlimited.org.

For questions about the position you can contact Ruth de Vries, Director of Operations at devries[at]freepressunlimited.org.

We reserve the right to contact selected applicants before the deadline date. If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date.

An assessment and (social media) screening will be part of the selection process.

Free Press Unlimited is an organisation that upholds the importance of diversity, and where everyone feels welcome and appreciated. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better organisation - one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better results. That is why we encourage everyone to apply.

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