Operational Security & Advocacy Specialist V

Job Details: Job Location: Washington Headquarters - Washington, DC, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $62.50 - $62.50Hourly, Operational Security & Advocacy Specialist V

JOB OVERVIEW

The Operational Security & Advocacy Specialist is responsible for advising and assisting Voice of America with the design and execution operational safety protocols, threat-mitigation strategies, and high-level crisis response for journalists, freelancers, stringers, and field personnel worldwide. This role will assist the Agency with risk assessment, hostile-environment operations and communications, emergency exfiltration, inter-agency escalation, and high-stakes diplomatic and congressional advocacy for journalists facing detention or hostility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operational Safety & Risk Assessment Protocol and Support

Assist the Agency with the establishment and enforcement of uniform minimum safety, security, and equipment standards for all staff, freelancers, and stringers operating in elevated-risk or hostile environments.

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments, daily field briefs, post-operational debriefs, and go/no-go evaluations prior to hazardous deployments. Such assessments will be presented to agency management to inform final decision making and will be based on accurate and up-to-date information drawn from public sources, media industry contacts, civil-society organizations and foreign and U.S. government sources.

Provide operational support for deployments: secure required credentials, press permits, visa documentation, and environmental safety gear (e.g., ballistic protection, trauma kits, satellite communications). Ensure that international transport of protective equipment is compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

Implement strategic branding and press identification protocols based on location-specific safety risks.

1. Hostile-Environment Communications & 24/7 Monitoring

Oversee the 24/7 Security Focal Point (SFP) desk and around-the-clock duty rosters for high-risk operations.

Maintain redundant, multi-channel communications architecture (eg., cellular, satellite, radio) and personnel-tracking systems (e.g., Life 365).

Manage strict check-in protocols, missed check-in escalation timelines, and emergency call-out trees.

Develop and maintain multi-tiered exfiltration, emergency evacuation, and escape options with predefined evacuation red lines.

1. Crisis Escalation, Detention Management & Inter-Agency Coordination

Lead crisis-management operations in cases of missing personnel, unlawful arrest, physical violence, hostage situations, or arbitrary detention.

Participate in VOA meetings with congressional offices, human rights organizations, legal counsel, and specialized external rescue operators to build sustained pressure for detained journalists.

Develop high-level background information, data, and materials suitable for the agency’s distribution to diplomatic officials, multilateral organization (eg, United Nations) and advocacy organizations to support Agency engagements on safety and security crises.

1. Contractor & Stringer Vetting & Support

Document and maintain records on stringers and freelancers, including location, credentials, risk factors, and security contacts.

Ensure appropriate hostile-environment, medical, and extraction insurance coverage is active for all non-staff contributors entering hazardous areas.

Provide ongoing coaching and training on editorial safety standards, digital security, source protection, and de-escalation tactics.
Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Experience: Extensive leadership experience in high-risk operational security, journalist safety, geopolitical threat analysis, or diplomatic crisis management.

Crisis Management: Proven ability to manage real-time emergency exfiltration, incident response teams, and complex arrest/detention cases in authoritarian or conflict zones.

Diplomatic & Government Acumen: Skilled in coordinating multi-agency advocacy efforts across the Department of State, Congress, international NGOs, and specialized extraction operators.

Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in international journalism, hostile-environment medical protocols, digital security/data protection, secure satellite communications, and personnel tracking systems.