African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) is a leading African Reinsurance Company, with its Headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Africa Re has six Regional Offices which includes; Casablanca (Morocco), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), Cairo (Egypt) and Ebene (Mauritius). The Corporation additionally, has one (1) Local Office in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), two Underwriting Representative Offices in Kampala (Uganda) and Kinshasa (DRC) as well as three (3) Subsidiaries (Africa Re South Africa Limited in Johannesburg (South Africa), Africa Retakaful in Cairo (Egypt) and Africa Re Underwriting Agency Limited in Dubai (The United Arab Emirates).
Africa Re has a broad-based shareholding comprising 42 African member states, the African Development Bank (AFDB), 112 African insurance and reinsurance companies and three (3) non-regional shareholders including leading global Insurers and Reinsurers.
Job Summary
- The African Reinsurance Corporation maintains offices and possesses residential and commercial real estate properties situated in Lagos and Abuja as part of its investment portfolios or corporate assets.
- The Corporation has enlisted the services of third-party private security companies (contract guards) to manage tactical, day-to-day physical security responsibilities: safeguarding business assets, personnel, access control, patrolling, monitoring premises, responding to urgent incidents, and providing visible deterrence.
- Although the tactical guarding operations are completely outsourced third-party security services providers, the in-house Senior Security Officer's role serves as essential for strategic oversight and risk management, ensuring that security aligns with the overall business objectives.
- The Senior Security Officer is responsible for overseeing the Corporation's overall physical security program.
- The successful candidate will act as the Corporate Security Adviser on all matters related to physical security, reporting both functionally and administratively to the Director of General Services or his representative.
- Additionally, will be accountable for carrying out any tasks that may be assigned to him/her at any time.
Responsibilties
Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Engineering and General Services, along with the leadership of the Director of General Services, the in-house Senior Security Officer will perform the following core functions:
Strategic Oversight & Security Governance:
- Develop and implement security policies, protocols, and procedures.
- Plan and coordinate security operations for Executive Management concerning specific events and Protocol activities.
- Advise Leadership on security matters and participate in policy discussions.
- Supervise security service providers and set standards for service delivery.
- Supervise all security equipment including but not limited to video surveillance, fire control/extinguisher, etc.
Access Control & Operational Administration:
- Supervise the critical functions that make up a comprehensive physical security and access control program designed to manage the flow of individuals within the Corporation's facilities, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to sensitive or restricted areas.
- Oversee budgets for security operations and manage expenses (invoices/bills from service providers).
- Evaluate data/information from security reports and/or security tools such as CCTV to formulate proposals for improvements.
- Ensure adherence to safety rules and regulations and carry out regular patrols to evaluate the security of the building, personnel, and equipment.
- Conduct routine fire and safety inspections within the Corporation’s facilities, documenting all deficiencies and recommending measures to comply with international security, fire, and safety standards.
- Collaborate as necessary with designated host government security, safety, and emergency officials, and share security-related information with all relevant agencies.
- Oversee all aspects of the administration and operations concerning security personnel, encompassing duty rosters, leave schedules, uniforms, and equipment.
Patrolling and Surveillance:
- Perform routine foot or vehicle patrols of buildings, perimeters, parking areas, and facilities; actively monitor CCTV systems and alarm panels in real time; identify suspicious behavior, unauthorized activity, or safety hazards.
Deterrence and Prevention:
- Manage third-party security operatives in order to establish a strong security presence to uphold company security policies and procedures, effectively preventing theft, vandalism, trespassing, workplace violence, and other criminal activities.
Emergency Response & Incident Management:
- Provide strategic oversight, on-the-ground command during crises, and post-event improvement following emergencies events and security incidents.
- This function entails both proactive preparation and reactive management across physical security threats, safety emergencies, and any hybrid incidents.
- Development and ownership of emergency and incident response plans
- Post-incident activities – conduct root-cause analysis and prepare detailed incident reports for senior executives, legal, insurance, and regulators.
Threats Assessment & Risk Management:
- Conduct periodical risk assessment to identify potential security weaknesses in facilities, procedures, or processes; report findings to support improvements in physical or procedural security.
- Conduct threat assessments and site surveys; prepare and deliver security briefings, along with written security advice and recommendations to the Corporation.
Asset & Property Protection:
- Enforcing Policies and Procedures – uphold company security rules, safety regulations, and protocols, address policy violations.
- Safeguard company property, equipment, vehicles, sensitive documents, prototypes, trade secrets, and other valuable assets from theft, damage or sabotage.
Reporting & Documentation:
- Write clear incident reports, daily activity logs, and shift handover notes; maintain accurate records of security events, violations, or observations.
- Investigate and resolve incidents/security issues involving Corporation/ Tenant’s personnel, installations and equipment, and prepare a comprehensive report.
Compliance and Cooperation:
- Ensure adherence to relevant laws, local regulations, and industry standards; cooperate with law enforcement or internal investigations when needed.
Security Awareness and Training Program:
- Incidents response team readiness and training – ensure security personnel, floor wardens, first-aiders, and relevant employees are trained and drilled regularly (tabletop exercises, full-scale drills).
- Issue security advisory when required and maintain an active security education and awareness for staff members.
- Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Engineering and General Services, along with the leadership of the Director of General Services, the in-house Senior Security Officer will perform the following core functions:
Strategic Oversight & Security Governance:
- Develop and implement security policies, protocols, and procedures.
- Plan and coordinate security operations for Executive Management concerning specific events and Protocol activities.
- Advise Leadership on security matters and participate in policy discussions.
- Supervise security service providers and set standards for service delivery.
- Supervise all security equipment including but not limited to video surveillance, fire control/extinguisher, etc.
Access Control & Operational Administration:
- Supervise the critical functions that make up a comprehensive physical security and access control program designed to manage the flow of individuals within the Corporation's facilities, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to sensitive or restricted areas.
- Oversee budgets for security operations and manage expenses (invoices/bills from service providers).
- Evaluate data/information from security reports and/or security tools such as CCTV to formulate proposals for improvements.
- Ensure adherence to safety rules and regulations and carry out regular patrols to evaluate the security of the building, personnel, and equipment.
- Conduct routine fire and safety inspections within the Corporation’s facilities, documenting all deficiencies and recommending measures to comply with international security, fire, and safety standards.
- Collaborate as necessary with designated host government security, safety, and emergency officials, and share security-related information with all relevant agencies.
- Oversee all aspects of the administration and operations concerning security personnel, encompassing duty rosters, leave schedules, uniforms, and equipment.
Patrolling and Surveillance:
- Perform routine foot or vehicle patrols of buildings, perimeters, parking areas, and facilities; actively monitor CCTV systems and alarm panels in real time; identify suspicious behavior, unauthorized activity, or safety hazards.
Deterrence and Prevention:
- Manage third-party security operatives in order to establish a strong security presence to uphold company security policies and procedures, effectively preventing theft, vandalism, trespassing, workplace violence, and other criminal activities.
Emergency Response & Incident Management:
- Provide strategic oversight, on-the-ground command during crises, and post-event improvement following emergencies events and security incidents. This function entails both proactive preparation and reactive management across physical security threats, safety emergencies, and any hybrid incidents.
- Development and ownership of emergency and incident response plans
- Post-incident activities – conduct root-cause analysis and prepare detailed incident reports for senior executives, legal, insurance, and regulators.
Threats Assessment & Risk Management:
- Conduct periodical risk assessment to identify potential security weaknesses in facilities, procedures, or processes; report findings to support improvements in physical or procedural security.
- Conduct threat assessments and site surveys; prepare and deliver security briefings, along with written security advice and recommendations to the Corporation.
Asset & Property Protection:
- Enforcing Policies and Procedures – uphold company security rules, safety regulations, and protocols, address policy violations.
- Safeguard company property, equipment, vehicles, sensitive documents, prototypes, trade secrets, and other valuable assets from theft, damage or sabotage.
Reporting & Documentation:
- Write clear incident reports, daily activity logs, and shift handover notes; maintain accurate records of security events, violations, or observations.
- Investigate and resolve incidents/security issues involving Corporation/ Tenant’s personnel, installations and equipment, and prepare a comprehensive report.
Compliance and Cooperation:
- Ensure adherence to relevant laws, local regulations, and industry standards; cooperate with law enforcement or internal investigations when needed.
Security Awareness and Training Program:
- Incidents response team readiness and training – ensure security personnel, floor wardens, first-aiders, and relevant employees are trained and drilled regularly (tabletop exercises, full-scale drills).
- Issue security advisory when required and maintain an active security education and awareness for staff members.
Minimum Qualifications and Professional Experience
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree (B.Sc./B.A.) in a relevant field, such as: Security Management / Criminology, Law Enforcement / Police Science
- Key Professional Certifications: Certified Protection Professional (widely recognized by multinational companies in Nigeria), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI), Physical Security Professional (PSP), Certified Security Specialist (CSS), Certified Security Operations and Safety Management Professional (CSOSMP) or similar local/international certifications.
- Professional Experience: 5 to 8+ years in security-related roles, with at least 4 years in corporate security, security operations, or supervisory positions.
- Background in law enforcement, military, intelligence, private security, or risk management is highly valued (ex-police/military personnel).
- Multi-site or national-level experience is common for senior positions.
- Proven leadership experience (supervising teams, managing budgets, handling crises).
Competencies and Additional Requirements:
- Leadership and supervision - Ability to lead, mentor, and supervise security teams or shifts; coordinate operations, provide direction, and manage performance.
- Strategic risk assessment and management - Conducting vulnerability evaluations, identifying threats (physical, personnel, informational), performing risk analyses, and developing mitigation strategies aligned with corporate goals.
- Communication and interpersonal skills - Excellent verbal and written communication; interacting professionally with executives, employees, stakeholders, law enforcement, and the public; de-escalating conflicts and delivering clear reports/presentations.
- Knowledge of security principles, systems, and technology - Deep understanding of physical security, surveillance (CCTV, access control, alarms), emergency response protocols, and emerging technologies; proficiency in applying relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Emergency and crisis management - Planning for and responding to incidents, emergencies, or crises; quick decision-making under pressure and coordinating responses.
- Business acumen and strategic alignment - Understanding corporate operations, budgeting, resource management, and how security supports business objectives; often includes awareness of cybersecurity integration in modern roles.
- Self-management and professionalism - High integrity, self-awareness, reliability, attention to detail, observation skills, and ability to maintain composure in high-stress situations.
- Problem-solving and decision-making - Analytical thinking to handle incidents, evaluate situations, and implement effective solutions quickly.
- Key MS Office Competencies – Require a high-level working knowledge of MS Office to manage, analyze, and report on safety data. Key requirements include proficiency in Word for reporting, Excel for tracking and analysis, PowerPoint for briefings, and Outlook for communication.
- Nationals of Members State of Africa Re
- Discretion, integrity, and crisis composure
- Knowledge of Nigerian laws (e.g., Private Guard Companies Act, NSCDC Act)
- Age limit: 45 years.
- Able to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English Language.
- Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
Communication and Teamwork:
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, particularly in report writing and proposals
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audience.
- Proficiency in software/tools (e.g., Microsoft Office suite, Yardi, or property management platforms for tracking vendors/work orders).
- Ability to work independently, handle stress, and adapt in dynamic corporate environments.
- Works collaboratively with Colleagues to achieve Organizational goals
- Establishes and maintains effective work relationships in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment
- Fluency in one or the two official languages of the Corporation (French or English) is an added advantage.