Ian Spence

Experience

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  British Army

  Jan 1988 - Jan 1999

  Royal Engineers
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  KSI

  Apr 2004 - Apr 2006

  Team Leader

  Team Leader/2IC for a Protective Security DetailProvided Close Protection services to civilian contractors, in support of operational objectives Briefed PSD team and clients accordinglyLiaison with government, military, and civilian agencies to improve security measuresLocal and National Intelligence analysis and conducted risk assessment.Responsible for route planning and reconnaissanceProvided weapons and tactics training of Iraqi counterparts

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  RONCO Consulting Corporation

  Apr 2006 - Mar 2007

  Senior Security Officer

  Assisted with coordination of base defence and security of the Humanitarian Mine Action SchoolResponsible for 270 Local National Mobile and Static Guard ForceConducted Threat Assessments, Vulnerability Analysis and Daily Reporting proceduresCoordination, training, development and Management of the RONCO PSD and QRF teamsAssisted with the development and Implementation of static operational systemsLiaison with Government, Military, and Civilian agenciesDeveloped weapons, tactics & protocol training programmes for LN employees Show less

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  Sabre International Security

  Apr 2007 - Sept 2008

  Security Operations Manager

  Reporting directly to the Country Project Manager I am Responsible for 26 Expatriate Security professionals and 88 Local Nationals static guard force. I am responsible for implementing and monitoring programmes and procedures for the protection of client personnel, assets, accommodation, facilities and other interests including crisis management, emergency response and journey management including initial incident response beyond the immediate actions of the Protection Security Detail Team Leader. I am also responsible for tasking and operational management of Close Protection Teams supporting the numerous country wide reconstruction projects of the client whilst monitoring the political environment for developments that could impact the safety of employees or the protection of assets & advising the client through intelligence led reporting with daily Liaison and reporting to Government, Military and Civilian agencies, senior management. Show less

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  Special Projects & Services

  Sept 2008 - Oct 2009

  Maritime Security Consultant

  Working with commercial and private shipping operations the role embraces strategic threat and vulnerability risk assessments, reviews of crew recruiting methods, ports of call and ship operations in normal and high-risk areas conducting ship security assessments which influence ship security plans and implementation of maratime security measures.

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  Syracuse Managed Solutions Limited

  Jan 2009 - Oct 2022

  Founding Director

  SMS Training delivers Safety and Security Training and Risk Management consultancy solutions to clients across the U.K, Albania, Afghanistan and South Sudan. In South Sudan, we provide much-needed Risk and Crisis Management support and Business Resilience consultancy support to NGOs working in Humanitarian and Development contexts. In addition, we offer Skills for the Workplace (SfWP)qualifications in conjunction with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) assisting those who want to learn new workplace skills or further develop existing skills. SfWP is also part of our Armed Forces Transition support programme. Show less

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  International Relief and Development (IRD)

  Sept 2009 - Sept 2013

  Country Security & Risk Manager for IRD Programs

  Country Security & Risk Manager for IRD Programs May 2011 - August 2013IRD-AVIPA Country Security Manager April 2010 - May 2011 IRD-AVIPA Deputy Security Manager September 2009 - April 2011International Relief and Development Reporting to the IRD Global Risk Management and Security Director, the role is the senior most security position in Afghanistan directly responsible for managing in country security and risk mitigation of all IRD programs. I provided direction and guidance to IRD Finance Managers, HR Managers and Procurement Managers on security related matters. Programmatically, I advised program Chief’s of party and senior Home Office management on resolution of contract performance deficiencies maintaining close liaison with Contracting Officers and providing input to the preparation of Security related RFP, SOW and contracts. I was responsible for seeking greater efficiencies and reduced costs in the delivery of support services. I approved security financial expenditures by ensuring appropriate controls are in place. I managed security contracts for programs ranging from $64m to $630m in value. I was responsible for close liaison and coordination with ISAF, ANSF, GIRoA, UK and US Government organisations on matters pertaining to organisational Risk Management and Security ensuring effective security operations, as well as being responsible for taking the lead on future IRD security measures relating to APPF and Afghanistan transition. I was responsible for directing, recommending and implementing policy and procedure to ensure the physical protection, safety and security of IRD facilities, programs, personnel and inventory equipment against a full range of security threats, investigate allegations of corruption and fraud, monitor and evaluate compliance, have a strong understanding of the organisational operational environment, foreign affairs and challenges that impact and affect the organisational environment. Show less

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  ACTED

  Oct 2014 - May 2015

  Country Security Manager

  Reporting to ACTED Country Director, the role is the primary security focal point and senior most security position South Sudan, directly responsible for managing Country Safety and Security for ACTED. My position provides direction and guidance to Country Director and all ACTED program managers on Safety and security related matters. I am responsible for directing, recommending and implementing policy and procedure including staff training to ensure the physical protection, safety and security of ACTED facilities, programs, personnel and inventory equipment. I am required to conduct security risk assessments and analysis for the full range of security threats (physical, intellectual and informational), investigate allegations of corruption and fraud, monitor and evaluate compliance, have a strong understanding of the organisational operational environment, foreign affairs and challenges that impact and affect the organisational environment. I am responsible for close liaison and coordination with other NGO’s and other coordinating partners on matters pertaining to organisational risk management and security. I ensure reports and returns are submitted accurately in a timely fashion, conducted the preparation of support plans to meet tasks, organic growth and operations. I maintain close liaison with country administrative functions providing input to the preparation of Security related contracts seeking greater efficiencies and reduced costs in the delivery of support services. Show less

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  Save the Children International

  May 2015 - Oct 2016

  Director of Safety and Security

  Reporting to SCI Country Director, I am directly responsible for managing Country Safety and Security. As an SMT representative my position provides direction and guidance to Country Director, Program Directors, Field Managers and staff. In additional to the general security management responsibilities of daily planning, reporting and budgeting, I am responsible for advising on Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Planning. I am required to develop and implement mitigation and response measures for the country program in addition to training SCI personnel in Safety, Security and Risk Management protocols; I liaise closely with Country Director, SMT and Field Managers to coordinate the country response for crisis situations including developing the capacity of national staff and developing and implementing systems as part of the response process. As part of the SCI SMT I provide Risk Analysis input for Country Strategy measures for program purposes. I have developed strong information networks and have introduced GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis tools to assist with effective decision-making processes. Show less

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  Plan International

  Nov 2016 - Aug 2017

  Country Security Director
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  Frontier Services Group Ltd

  Dec 2017 - Jun 2018

  Country Manager
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  Mitie

  Oct 2020 - Jan 2021

  Regional Training Advisor
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  Save the Children International

  Jul 2021 - Aug 2024

  • Regional Security Director MENAEE

    Oct 2022 - Aug 2024

  • Director of Staff Safety & Access

    Jul 2021 - Oct 2022
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  LWG SRM & Training Consultancy Services

  Sept 2024 - Dec 2024

  Security and Risk Management Consultant
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  International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)

  Dec 2024 - now

  Country Director

  As Country Director at the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), I lead the overall country program strategy, represent INSO to local stakeholders, manage the local team, and ensure the delivery of safety analysis and services to NGOs operating in a high-risk environment. I oversee the provision of critical information and support safe operations in complex contexts. I act as the primary point of contact and leader for INSO operations within Ukraine while upholding INSO's principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. Key responsibilities include:• Strategic Leadership• Team Management• Stakeholder Engagement• Safety Analysis• Crisis Response• Donor Relations• Representation Show less