CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.
For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Senior Security Manager - Mexico.
The Senior Security Manager \u2013 Mexico provides strategic and operational leadership to safeguard CIMMYT\u2019s personnel, assets, information, and mission across Mexico. The postholder builds a robust security management framework, enables safe program delivery, and fosters a strong organizational culture of security.
This is a senior role requiring proven, hands\u2011on experience in Mexico. The incumbent must demonstrate deep knowledge of Mexico\u2019s security landscape, regional threat variations, and the institutional ecosystem (authorities, emergency services, private security, diplomatic and international networks in country). The role demands direct experience managing the full threat spectrum, including crime trends, organized crime dynamics, abduction risks, extortion, and critical incident response, with strong duty\u2011of\u2011care standards.
The location of this position will be CIMMYT\u2019s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.
Responsibilities:
Physical Security Management
Lead all physical security operations at HQ, Experimental Stations, farms, and other CIMMYT sites: Access control and visitor managementCCTV/monitoring systems and alarmsEvent security and crowd managementGuard force / security agents\u2019 oversight: duties, scheduling, SLAs, and performanceSupervise All Security staff in Mexico, ensuring professional standards, training, and accountability.Conduct regular site security surveys and risk assessments; implement infrastructure and procedural improvements.Develop, implement, and maintain: Site\u2011specific security plans and SOPsEvacuation and relocation plansDisaster preparedness and business continuity measuresThird\u2011party/vendor risk assessmentsMaintain the HQ security inventory (systems, equipment, controls) and ensure lifecycle management.Collaborate with Global Security and Travel Security to harmonize standards, tools, and escalation procedures.
Country Travel Security
Conduct travel security risk assessments for all Mexican regions relevant to operations.Manage end\u2011to\u2011end travel security processes: traveler briefings, itinerary logging, tracking/monitoring, check\u2011ins, and rapid assistance.Monitor road, urban, and regional threat environments; coordinate with CIMMYT Global Travel Security on aviation risks and advisories.Assess CIMMYT\u2011contracted hotels and recommend compliant options aligned with duty\u2011of\u2011care.Contribute to travel\u2011related insurance protocols and incident support.
Security Policies, Procedures, and Governance
Own and periodically update CIMMYT Mexico\u2019s security policies, procedures, SOPs, and security plans, ensuring alignment with global frameworks and Mexican law.Implement a consistent security risk management process (identify, assess, mitigate, monitor, learn) across all units.Plan and deliver refresher training for Security personnel; coordinate capability building for non\u2011security staff.Maintain all security documentation (protocols, forms, tools, plans, call trees, incident logs) and version control.Draft and disseminate internal security communications and guidance; contribute Mexico inputs to the weekly Critical Security Review.Ensure compliance with duty\u2011of\u2011care obligations, privacy and data protection requirements, and ethical standards in all security operations.ย
ย Crisis Management, Incident Response, and Emergency Preparedness
ย Security Awareness and Training
Design and deliver tailored security training (personal security, travel safety, journey management, incident reporting, first response) suited to Mexico\u2019s evolving risk context.Promote a culture of security through regular briefings, campaigns, and leadership engagement.Deliver security briefings and refreshers to staff, consultants, interns, and visitors.Provide specialized briefings for high\u2011exposure roles, frequent travelers, and field teams.ย
Stakeholder Engagement and Liaison
Maintain professional relationships and operational familiarity with key Mexican stakeholders: Law enforcement and emergency servicesMunicipal, State and Federal authorities as requiredPrivate security providers and protective servicesDiplomatic missions, UN agencies, INGOs/NGOs, and security networksRepresent CIMMYT in relevant security forums; ensure timely information\u2011sharing and coordinated responses.ย
Management, Budgeting, and Procurement
Lead the Security team: workforce planning, objectives, coaching, performance management, and professional development.Manage the security budget; forecast needs; ensure cost\u2011effective procurement of security services and technologies.Set measurable KPIs (e.g., incident reporting timeliness, training coverage, audit close\u2011outs, SLA adherence) and report to leadership. Perform other security duties as assigned by the supervisor.Requirements
Education Bachelor\u2019s or Master\u2019s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Criminology, International Relations, Public Safety, or a related field.Professional Experience (Mandatory & Senior) Minimum 10 years of progressive, senior\u2011level experience in security management, with at least 5 years of direct leadership experience in Mexico.Demonstrated, hands\u2011on experience operating in Mexico\u2019s security environment, including regions with elevated crime/organized\u2011crime influence. Full understanding of Local Mexican context and security situations.ย Proven ability to manage the full threat spectrum, including crime affecting personnel and assets, organized crime dynamics, abduction risks, extortion, and critical incident coordination with authorities.Experience in Counter terrorism, hostage negotiations.Established relationships and practical liaison experience with Mexican stakeholders (law enforcement, emergency services, municipal/state authorities, security firms, and international/diplomatic security networks).Experience supporting international organizations (INGO/NGO/IPO/multilateral) and applying rigorous duty\u2011of\u2011care standards.Experience designing security strategies, implementing operational controls, leading crisis/incident management, and delivering staff training programs.Experience living or working abroad in challenging environments is an asset.Skills and Competencies Expert knowledge of Mexico\u2019s security landscape, risk drivers, and regional variations.Strong judgment under pressure; ability to provide timely, actionable advice to leadership.Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills; influential communicator at senior levels.Leadership of dispersed teams; proven people management and coaching capability.High ethical standards, confidentiality, and discretion.Strong analytical, reporting, and data\u2011driven decision\u2011support skills.Languages: Fluency in Spanish; strong professional proficiency in English.Advanced level of English (written and conversational). English will be tested, and candidate should score a minimum of C1 on CEFR.Competencies: Critical Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Communication, Client Orientation, Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.Benefits
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit), 15 public holidays. recreative areas (GYM and swimmingpool). At the staff cost: cafeteria, comedor and laundry services.
Candidates must apply online for M26133_Senior Security Manager - Mexico.
Applications must include a CV in English.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Internal applications could be considered in line with internal eligibility guidance, please contact HR for more information.
This position will remain open until filled.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.