Professional Experience
SUMMARY
Amaury Cooper a security and operations professional with over 20 years’ experience in international security, crisis, and business continuity analysis, planning, and management in the academic, private, and NGO humanitarian aid & development sectors. As a subject matter expert on NGO safety and security, Amaury is a frequent speaker at conferences and has been interviewed by CNN, WJLA, Voice of America, The Guardian, Reuters, Stars and Stripes, and other news outlets, and serves on the Boards of numerous US Government working groups and associations.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Global Communities | Silver Spring, MD
Vice President, Global Safety & Security | September 2023 - Present
This role is responsible for overall leadership of safety and security management practices at HIAS, including advising HIAS leadership on safety and security matters, strengthening a culture of safety and security risk awareness across the organization, developing and maintaining policies and procedures for safety and security management, and enabling and supporting country and regional office safety and security management practices, serving as the primary advisor on safety and security matters to HIAS leadership. This role is based in the DC area, with global responsibilities. As an organization working as a U.S. resettlement agency rooted in the Jewish tradition, this role has significant responsibilities in providing safety and security management to HIAS’ U.S. operations.
Leadership of Global Safety & Security Department: This role leads the HIAS Global Safety & Security department, including managing four HQ-based staff responsible for U.S. resettlement agency safety and security best practices, security analysis, security grants and travel management, and physical security. In addition, this role manages two regional Safety & Security Directors, one based in the Africa/Eurasia region, and one based in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Advancing Safety & Security Policy and Practice at HIAS: Global Safety & Security provides expertise in the response to security threats, safety hazards, physical health issues, humanitarian access matters and supports operational resilience HIAS-wide. In addition to HIAS Inc, this role provides support to organizations affiliated with HIAS, including U.S. resettlement partners, HIAS Europe, HIAS JCORE UK and the HIAS Foundation. This role champions the HIAS Duty of Care and emphasizes a people-centric & field-focused approach.
Engages across the organization with a culture of safety and security risk management across HIAS.
Collaborates with HIAS leaders globally to ensure safety and security considerations are incorporated into program design.
Works with organizational leadership to adopt safety and security standards for HIAS Inc. and affiliated organizations, including HIAS Europe, HIAS JCORE-UK and the HIAS Foundation, in line with best practices in humanitarian security risk management and donor requirements.
Serves on the HIAS Leadership Team and Enterprise Risk Management Committees; this role is the primary advisor to HIAS leadership on safety and security matters impacting HIAS mission, operations, assets, and staff and associated personnel.
Integrates safety and security management into HIAS project design and proposal development processes.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Technical Support to HIAS Programs: This role leads the team providing technical safety and security assistance across the organization.
Develops safety and security community of practice with country office security focal points to develop security staff engagement across HIAS.
Supports each country office to develop safety and security management processes, including crisis management, hibernation relocation evacuation plans, medical and security emergency planning processes.
Stays abreast of regulatory safety and security standards in operational locations.
Supports HIAS focus on Emergency Response programming, including developing policies and procedures designed to better address risks staff may be exposed to in emergency response settings; cultivates relationships with and provides security advice alongside HIAS partners within the U.S. Jewish community.
Conducts regular trends and situational analysis of each country HIAS operates in.
Establishes and maintains strong networks globally and in HIAS countries of operation with relevant UN agencies, Government, NGOs and security coordination bodies (INSO, GISF, InterAction).
Global Communities | Silver Spring, MD
Director, Global Security | March 2022 - September 2023
Develops an effective strategy to assess and mitigate risk, maintain continuity of operations, and safeguard the organization.
Develops, implements, and maintains security policies and processes covering physical, personnel, operational and reputation risk.
Assists country program staff in implementing with security requirements.
Establishes and operates security program quality assurance.
Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders, peer organizations and professional contacts to ensure application of security best practices and innovative solutions.
Leads emergency planning and crisis management response efforts and collaborates with business continuity operations leads.
Monitors and analyzes security situations to recommend appropriate response.
Stays connected and abreast of operations and areas of vulnerability
Supervises, trains, guides, and advises staff in safety and security protocols and procedures.
Makes recommendations concerning employment, performance, and other personnel actions for security focal points
Ensures that Standards of Conduct and other corporate and applicable policies, procedures, and schedules are adhered to.
Recommends, approves, and implements operation’s policies, procedures, and schedules within limits of authority.
Provides oversight and monitoring of security vendors and contracts against performance and cost effectiveness, in compliance with Global Communities’ principles
Prepares the operation’s budget and monitors operations throughout the year to ensure adherence to budgetary controls.
Creates metrics for continuous improvement, promoting teamwork and the best use of the centralized and decentralized security staff as well as outsourced resources.
Undertakes all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.
Deputy Director, Global Security | March 2018 - March 2022
§ Plans and evaluates physical security for international and host country staff, staff on temporary travel, the headquarters office and all field offices.
§ Ensures the development and implementation of security best practices, procedures, and activities appropriate for the operating environment.
§ Assists in developing country and/or program security infrastructure and prepares plans for an acceptable implementation strategy.
§ Assists with physical security upgrades and the development of Corrective Action Plans.
§ Conducts community liaison assessments including evaluation of host-country law enforcement and/or military capabilities.
§ Conducts briefings on all security related matters. Assists the global field staff in identifying, developing, implementing and maintaining security processes, practices and policies to limit exposure and liability in all areas of risk.
§ Serves as technical advisor and assists global field staff in the design and implementation of a workable communications plans.
§ Conducts and documents security surveys in order to determine compliance with the Program Security Requirements.
§ Provides security awareness training for both international and host country staff.
§ Ensures contracted security personnel are advised of and implement organizational security policies and procedures.
§ Conducts personal security and awareness briefings for headquarters and global staff preparing for temporary travel to field locations.
§ Responds to natural and man-made disasters that impact the organizations operations.
§ Functions as point of contact for all stand-fast, relocation, and evacuation activities.
§ Assists and advises on security policy development.
§ Advises and provides guidance to field-based security managers.
§ Supports program liaison with in-country U.S. government, United Nations, other diplomatic personnel, and NGO representatives regarding information and resource sharing activities.
Independent Consultant | Washington, DC Area | December 2017 – March 2018
Global Risk, Security, Crisis, Business Continuity, & Operations Management Consultant
§ Advise organizations in the development of security strategies to mitigate risk, safeguard personnel, physical assets, and intellectual property, as well as assure continuity of operations;
§ Identify and assess client threats and vulnerabilities to achieve safety and security objectives and ensure metrics are consistent with long-term strategic plans, as well as corporate and donor policies.
§ Assist clients develop strategies that foster and promote a culture of safety & security across all sectors, programs, and offices;
§ Create, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of client safety & security management plans, policies, protocols, and systems for international private sector and nonprofit organizations;
§ Develop client contingency, crisis, and emergency preparedness management plans and procedures;
§ Create and facilitate client organizational, program, and country specific safety and security education & training curricula utilizing scenario based exercises and multimedia platforms;
§ Conduct quality control audits and assessments of client project security infrastructure, standards and performance to ensure proper implementation and appropriate levels of effectiveness,
§ Support the integration of safety & security, crisis, and business continuity management into proposal development, program startup, and field operations;
§ Assist in the selection of and implementation of client outsourced security services and contracts;
§ Provide bespoke pre-deployment and travel security and risk mitigation training, research, and analysis.
Education Development Center, Inc | Washington, DC | January 2016 – December 2017
Director, Global Safety & Security
§ Oversaw all security and emergency preparedness activities for international projects; advising on US domestic operations under the leadership of the EDC Director of Operations
§ Advanced a vision for all EDC security and emergency preparedness activities
§ Advised division and company leadership on security risks and any recommended risk mitigation measures in collaboration with the Office of Legal Affairs.
§ Supported EDC staff both posted and traveling overseas during emerging and emergent security crisis
§ Worked collaboratively with Chiefs of Party and Project Directors to develop project-specific contingency plans in the event on an in-country emergency for continuation or adjustment of activities, staff safety and movement and protection of assets
§ Developed and implementing a proactive communications and outreach process with project Chiefs of Party and Security Focal Points to ensure security information is exchanged, support provided, and security environments monitored across multiple communications mediums, including various social media and instant messaging platforms.
§ Coordinated the selection and management of outsourced security providers for field projects
§ Provided guidance on security requirements for international and national sub-awardees
§ Provided security briefings for staff traveling internationally and monitoring the security environment until travelers have returned
§ Conducted in-country security assessments at the beginning of new projects and maintaining a system to update the assessments over the life of the projects
§ Coordinated actions to address security-related incidents in conjunction with other departments and the Crisis Response Team as necessary
§ Developed and managed EDC’s security incident databases to improve security procedures and prevent or mitigate future incidents
§ Maintained a detailed knowledge of the national and regional security and operating environments where EDC works, the changing security dynamics and trends, and how that may affect EDC project operations and implementation, including establishing and building a network of peers
§ Developed and maintaining security related templates such as residential and office assessments, incident reports and security briefings
§ Communicated to EDC’s leadership on security issues and emergency crisis as they are occurred
§ Developed annual plans and budgets for security and emergency preparedness
§ Reviewed, updated, and refined existing security policies and procedures, and developing instruments as may be necessary
§ Provided support to EDC’s domestic business continuity process under the leadership of the Director of Operations
§ Participated and contributing regularly in an organizational security group with members of HR, IT, Operations, Facilities, and others as determined by the Director of Operations
§ Provided technical and cost input for business development proposals for international projects
§ Led EDC’s International Crisis Management Team
§ Developed and maintained strong collaborative working relationships with all Chiefs of Party, Project Directors and Portfolio Leads
§ Represented EDC in a security capacity at external meetings with USG, relevant security agencies, and other NGOs
§ Provided consultation and guidance on EDC-wide domestic and international security issues to EDC’s President, Director of Operations, and other senior executives.
§ Demonstrated diplomacy and leadership to foster an atmosphere of teamwork and fairness in support of EDC’s commitment to diversity
Independent Consultant | Washington, DC Area | March 2015 – December 2015
Global Risk, Security, Crisis, Business Continuity, & Operations Management Consultant
§ Advised organizations in the development of security strategies to mitigate risk, safeguard personnel, physical assets, and intellectual property, as well as assure continuity of operations;
§ Identified and assessed client threats and vulnerabilities to achieve safety and security objectives and ensure metrics are consistent with long-term strategic plans, as well as corporate and donor policies.
§ Assisted clients develop strategies that foster and promote a culture of safety & security across all sectors, programs, and offices;
§ Created, coordinated, and implemented client safety & security management plans, policies, protocols, and systems for international private sector and nonprofit organizations;
§ Developed client contingency, crisis, and emergency preparedness management plans and procedures;
§ Created and facilitated client organizational, program, and country specific safety and security education & training curricula utilizing scenario based exercises and multimedia platforms;
§ Conducted quality control audits and assessments of client project security infrastructure, standards and performance to ensure proper implementation and appropriate levels of effectiveness,
§ Supported the integration of safety & security, crisis, and business continuity management into proposal development, program startup, and field operations;
§ Maintained relationships with external coordinating bodies (e.g. INSSA, OSAC, EISF), as well as federal, international, and host country government agencies on security related issues.
§ Managed and oversaw the implementation of outsourced security services and contracts;
§ Provide bespoke pre-deployment and travel security and risk mitigation training, research, and analysis.
Clients include: Cosantóir Group; Creative Learning; IBTCI; Ike Evans Consulting; IREX; Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
International Relief & Development (IRD) | Arlington, VA | July 2011 – March 2015
Deputy Director, Risk Management & Global Security
§ Developed and implemented IRD’s global security strategy to mitigate risk, safeguard personnel, physical assets, and intellectual property, as well as assure continuity of operations;
§ Identified and assessed current threats and vulnerabilities to ensure protection goals, objectives and metrics are consistent with corporate strategic objectives to achieve commonality and efficiency in a cost efficient manner;
§ Planned, coordinated, and implemented enterprise-wide security management activities to ensure the effective roll out and implementation of policies, protocols, and systems;
§ Developed and implement organization and project specific contingency, crisis, and emergency preparedness management plans and procedures;
§ Created and disseminated security education and training curricula and materials to organization personnel worldwide;
§ Conducted quality control audits and assessments of project infrastructure, standards and performance to ensure proper implementation and appropriate levels of effort, effectiveness, and compliance with organizational and donor mandates;
§ Supported proposal development, program startup, and field operations
§ Developed corporate and program security budgets and oversee security services vendor relationships.
§ Represented IRD in safety and security-related forums (e.g. InterAction’s Security Advisory Unit, OSAC International Development Working Group and Pan-Asian Regional Council, DC Analyst Roundtable)
Creative Associates | Washington, DC | September 2009 – June 2011
Technical Manager, Security & Field Operations
§ Managed organization-wide and project specific crisis, security and business continuity planning including: Personnel and Information Security Program; field office assessments; security policy and procedure development; guard force and transport management; security training and implementation; and outsourced security administration.
§ Ensured compliance with USG regulations including Department of Defense and National Industrial Security Program.
§ Conducted threat and physical security assessments and staff training:
o Nigeria: Northern Education Initiative (NEI), January 2010 (US$43.6m)
o Afghanistan: Ambassador’s Small Grants Program (ASGP), February 2010 (US$40m)
o Afghanistan: Building Educational Support Systems for Teachers (BESST), February 2010 (US$93.8m)
o Afghanistan: Crowded House (CH), February 2010 (US$10m)
o Afghanistan: Community Based Stabilization Grants Program (CBSGP), April 2010 (US$40m)
o Sudan/South Sudan: Health, Education and Reconciliation Program (HEAR), November 2010
o Palestinian Territories: Middle East Partnership Initiatives (MEPI); November 2010
o Palestinian Territories: Middle East Partnership Initiatives (MEPI); March 2011
o Egypt: Technology for Improved Learning Outcomes (TILO), April 2011
o Jordan: Education Reform Support Program (ERSP), April 2011
Project Startup Team Leader
§ Community Based Stabilization Grants Program (CBSGP) | Kabul, Afghanistan | March – April 2010
§ Community Youth at Risk Program | Panama City, Panama | July 2010
o Locate and secure project office/residential space;
o Develop security infrastructure;
o Identify, recruit, and hire local national staff, vendors, and service providers;
o Register and submit corporate legal documents with local/national governments,
o Establish administrative and financial systems consistent with corporate standards
Acting Deputy Chief of Party, Operations
§ Ambassadors Small Grants Program (ASGP) | Kabul, Afghanistan | May – June 2010
o Managed a staff of 60, in three (3) regional offices (Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif)
o Approved operational budget and procurement
o Enforced security protocols
Facility Security Officer (Secret Clearance)
§ Provided day-to-day administration and oversight of sensitive and classified activities.
§ Developed security plans, performs self-inspections, and maintains continuous control over all media.
§ Ensured compliance with company and government requirements.
§ Managed JPAS, Visit Requests, and personnel security inquiries and processing e-QIP documentation.
§ Provided prime/subcontractor security support and direction including the development and maintenance of DD254's, security guidance, and classified holdings
§ Conducted Administrative Inquiry investigations, takes necessary actions, and files paperwork with DSS.
§ Maintained program documentation for DSS inspections and passes security compliance audits.
§ Managed DOD Security Agreements, updates and FOCI coordination.
CHF International | Silver Spring, MD | March – September 2009
Security Program Officer
§ Responded to security incidents including evacuations, kidnappings, and illegal detention of staff operating abroad
§ Developed and enforced regional and country specific crisis management, security and evacuation plans
§ Conducted threat assessments, trend analyses, and long term strategic country reports
§ Trained international and national staff on safety and security procedures in high risk countries
§ Coordinated operations and logistics with external security organizations in post-conflict environments
§ Tracked country and regional political, social, economic, environmental and security threats in over 28 countries
§ Liaised with program partners, INGO, and private sector security personnel
§ Represented CHF International congressional hearings and other events affecting security policy development
§ Implemented international online Travel Tracker system
§ Liaised with internal CHF departments, travel agencies, and system developer to provide rapid integration into daily operations
§ Trained staff on Travel Tracker system
Control Risks | Washington, DC | September 2005 – Dec. 2008
Operations Coordinator
Managed more than US$1.5 million dollars in revenue as case manager for international crisis & security projects
Coordinated executive protection, security operations and evacuations in complex and hostile environments
Monitored international security crises, distributing up-to-date critical information to internal and external clients
Designed crisis management plans, security assessments, business continuity plans, and shelter in place plans
Developed kidnap & extortion, travel security, crisis management training programs and tabletop exercises for international organizations & multinational companies
Analyzed threats posed by international and domestic terror groups and insurgent movements for multinational organizations
Center for Nonproliferation Studies | Monterey, CA | May – September 2005
Research Analyst
Organized “Emerging Terrorist Threats” conference for the Los Alamos National Laboratories and the Department of Homeland Security
Tracked international WMD terror threats for leading academic/government database
Fielded media inquiries during 2005 London subway bombings, organizing interviews with Center experts
Control Risks | Los Angeles, CA | May 2004 - May 2005
Associate
Compiled and assessed activities of single issue terror groups for multinational corporations resulting in daily and weekly situation reports
Conducted background investigations on potential employees of multinational corporations
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & GOVERNMENT CLEARANCES
US Government Security Clearance: Secret (Inactive)
Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Dive Master
Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Rescue Diver
Certified Emergency First Responder
LANGUAGES
English: Native | French: Native | Mandarin Chinese: Proficient Spoken | Spanish: Working Knowledge
INTERNATIONAL WORK & TRAVEL
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dubai, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Great Britain, Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Laos, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Myanmar, Mexico, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Singapore, South Sudan, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, West Bank, Yemen