Employment Opportunities in Global Security
Employment Opportunities in Global Security
Employment Opportunities in Global Security
The world is constantly at risk from transnational threats such as terrorism and crime, pandemic diseases, natural and human-made disasters, cyber insecurity, climate change, and more. The demand for workers in the field of global security is higher than ever before, and numerous organizations and agencies are offering positions in all parts of the globe for those who want to make the world a safer and more secure place. This page contains a list of employment opportunities for undergraduate/graduate students, faculty and staff, or anyone looking for a future career in global security. Here, applicants can find various job opportunity listings, ranging anywhere from jobs within the U.S. federal government, abroad in international organizations, or in nongovernmental organizations.
U.S. Federal Government
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has one goal: to protect the nation from any possible threats. In order to effectively do so, DHS requires the dedication of more than 240,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. Working for DHS can offer valuable job experience, training opportunities, excellent benefits, opportunity for advancement, and much more.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities that is staffed by a cadre of more than 35,000 agents, analysts, and other professionals. Working among the FBI means working among the best, so they seek those who will contribute to the operations of a global organization that aligns people, policies, processes, and systems to ensure the highest quality investigations. The FBI has various career paths in operations and intelligence or within their specialized career paths.
The Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a U.S. government agency that provides objective intelligence on foreign countries and global issues to the president, the National Security Council, and other policymakers to help them make national security decisions. The CIA team is a diverse group that serves at the forefront of an ever-changing global landscape with the common goal to keep the country safe. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens are also eligible), at least 18 years of age, willing to move to Washington D.C., and able to complete security and medical evaluations.
The U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. The State Department seeks to employ adventurous, adaptable, well-rounded strategic problem-solvers, from diverse educational, geographic and cultural backgrounds and perspectives, who want to make a contribution to the global society. Jobs are available for either foreign or civil service.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employs more than 20,000 people nationwide in order to ensure that America is equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters. The FEMA team is composed of federal leaders who support people and communities by providing experience, perspective, and resources in emergency management. FEMA offers numerous benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, retirement, 10 paid holidays per year, vacation time, along with training/career development opportunities and flexible work schedules.
The U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ensures the security and prosperity of the United States of America by addressing energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through scientific and technological solutions. Those who work for DOE are engaged in a wide range of work such as participating in international initiatives, like the Global Nuclear Partnership, solar power demonstration projects, projects that can convert carbon dioxide emissions to fuels, and much more. DOE also supports large-scale operations throughout the nation, and many find the work lifestyle to be significant work-life advantages.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the United States’ risk advisor. CISA works and collaborates with numerous partners to defend against threats and to create a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. To help make the nation’s critical infrastructure more resilient to cyber and security threats, CISA has partnered with many businesses, communities, and governments. With more than 50 career fields available, CISA offers multiple opportunities for employment to those who are highly talented, dedicated, and diverse.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) mission is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services. HHS employs more than 80,000 federal employees across the United States and around the world to work in either their central headquarters in Washington D.C. or in their supporting agencies. HHS offers excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional growth, stability, and lateral movement across agencies.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The main goal of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect the nation’s human health and environment. In order to accomplish this goal, EPA develops and enforces regulations, provides grants, studies environmental issues, sponsors partnerships, teaches people about the environment, and publishes educational information. The employment opportunities at EPA can allow workers to make a difference in their environmental community, work with top people in their field, receive outstanding benefits, and work with a diverse group of people that is committed to reducing its “environmental footprint.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees that provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and other related issues. USDA seeks to attract, motivate, develop, retain, and reward the best and brightest people by providing a great benefits and services program which includes health benefits, career enhancement, and educational opportunities. USDA also offers various travel benefits and services.
USAJOBS
As part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. Over 900 jobs are posted every day, about 17,000 jobs are open per day, and USAJOBS has over 6 million active profiles. Although many of the federal agencies and organizations listed above already use USAJOBS for their job openings, many more job positions can be found through this link.
International Organizations
The United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization, made up of 193 Member States, that is committed to maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations; promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. The UN searches for applicants who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, diversity, creativity and those who are proactive, flexible, and responsive. Job networks are offered in management and administration, political, peace, humanitarian, internal security and safety, science, and much more.
The European Personnel Selection Office
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is an interinstitutional office responsible for selecting staff to work for all institutions and agencies of the European Union including the European Parliament, the Council, the European Commission, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, the European External Action Service, the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, the European Data Protection Supervisor and the European Ombudsman. EPSO seeks applicants who want to work in an international working environment, working on interesting and challenging work such as numerous global security issues. New employees usually start their career in either Brussels or Luxembourg alongside diverse and talented colleagues, and most EU posts require applicants to be able to speak at least two EU languages; language courses are offered if needed.
The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR)
The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) is a regional integration process, initially established by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, that seeks to promote a common space which generates business and investment opportunities through the competitive integration of national economies into the international market. MERCOSUR offers jobs in their headquarters bodies which include the Common Market Council (CMC), the Common Market Group (CMG), and the MERCOSUR Trade Commission (CCM). In order to join any of the headquarters bodies, competitions are held based on opposition tests, titles and merits, vacancy availability, and balance of nationalities of the States Parties.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established by the founding countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand in order to promote regional peace and stability, collaboration, economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region. ASEAN seeks to create a regional network of people and infrastructure to improve the way they work, live, and travel by focusing on five key areas: Sustainable Infrastructure, Digital Innovation, Seamless Logistics, Regulatory Excellence, and People Mobility. Employment opportunities, vacancies, project consulting, auctions, and scholarships are all offered in the “Opportunities” tab.
The Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe
The Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism, and economic and environmental activities. OSCE’s work covers many spheres, from political and military, economic and environmental to human rights; offering both work for specialists and the important tasks of administrative, finance, human resources, and information technology. Some examples of their fields of expertise include administration and support, economic and environmental affairs, human rights, political affairs, and much more.
The World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) works with 194 Member States, across six regions, and from more than 150 offices in order to achieve better health for everyone. WHO seeks talented professionals looking to contribute to their mission as members of the international workforce, and they offer a dynamic work environment, opportunities for professional development, and a competitive pay and benefits package. Applicants can apply to all areas of the Organization, from senior leaders and administration staff, to health specialists and data managers.
The International Organization of Migration
The International Organization of Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization of migration that creates solutions to migration problems, promotes international cooperation regarding migration issues, and provides humanitarian assistance to all migrants. To become a member of IOM, one must demonstrate that they have high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and value diversity and cultural sensitivity. IOM seeks committed professionals with a wide variety of skills in the field of migration, and they are also an equal opportunity employer.
The World Bank Group
The World Bank Group is a global organization that has established goals to end extreme poverty within the next generation, to push countries to create better living standards for all citizens, and to promote a global “shared prosperity.” The World Bank staff work with governments, civil society groups, the private sector, and others in developing countries around the world, assisting people in all areas of development, from policy and strategic advice to the identification, preparation, appraisal and supervision of development projects. Additionally, workers can have a real impact on poverty reduction, have a global career with global reach, work in a diverse group, and much more.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, (UNHCR), is the UN refugee agency that works to provide better futures for refugees, internationally displaced communities, and stateless people. The UNHRC has provided numerous emergency assistance in the past such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, shelters, transport, etc. to help displaced migrants return home, integrate, or resettle. Thus, the UNHCR seeks applicants who thrive in a diverse and multicultural work environment and are keen to bring new innovative ideas, skills, and solutions to help build a better future for people forced to flee.
The International Renewable Energy Agency
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in transitioning towards sustainable energy, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a center of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA encourages governments to adopt policies for renewable energy investments, provides tools and policy advice for renewable energy deployment, and facilitates knowledge sharing and technology transfer to provide global, sustainable energy. For employment opportunities, IRENA welcomes applicants from nationals of all countries and strongly encourages women to apply.
The International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent and neutral organization that operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. The Committee thrives on the rich diversity of its staff and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment for all employees. The ICRC offers job opportunities to work in the field or at their headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, working either in communication, data management, finance, human resources, languages, logistics, and more.
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization that prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross has more than 19,000 paid employees and 300,000 volunteers, comprised of a diverse network of men and women committed to changing the world, one community at a time. There are numerous lines of service such as biomedical, disaster services, training services, services to the armed forces, international services, business services and administration, career services for veterans, and university programs.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network that aims to reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience, and foster a culture of peace around the world. The IFRC carries out relief operations to assist people affected by disasters and crises, and they primarily work on four core areas: promoting humanitarian values, disaster response, disaster preparedness, and health and community care. The Federation aims to attract a qualified and diverse workforce and to achieve a performance-driven work culture through a remuneration and benefits package that is merit-based and non-discriminatory.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges. Headquartered in Washington D.C., employees will be working with a diverse set of experts that focus on both research analysis that makes an impact on public policy creation and change. CSIS offers a competitive selection of benefits for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance and AD&D coverage, short and long term disability, flexible spending account, tuition assistance, retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and access to an employee assistance program.
The Council on Foreign Relations
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource in order to help people better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. CFR offers exceptional opportunities for individuals at all levels in their careers, from recent graduates interested in our openings for research associates and program assistants to pursue a career in international relations, to skilled professionals in a service area such as development or information services. Open positions are available in either New York or Washington D.C.
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a non-governmental organization that investigates and reports various cases of human rights violations in order to create policy changes within governments and governmental organizations. The HRW team seeks candidates who are passionate about human rights, who are determined to make an impact on peoples’ lives around the world, and who are dedicated to the protection and preservation of international human rights. HRW has offices in major cities around the globe including, but not limited to, New York, Chicago, Geneva, London, Los Angeles, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo, Toronto, Washington D.C., and more.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a democratic worldwide movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights to be respected and protected by everyone. Amnesty International seeks those who are talented, passionate about human rights, and want to use their skills and experience to change the world. International Secretariat Offices are based in Europe and Central Asia, Asia and Pacific, Africa, Americas (New York and Washington), and the Middle East and North Africa.
The Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues, as well as the U.S. role in global health policy. Through its expert staff and programs, and through partnerships with outside organizations, KFF is a source of free research, facts, analysis and information on national health policy issues that are widely used by policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. Current job openings are available in San Francisco, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.
UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents and to protect the rights of children, everywhere. Their workforce is made up of diverse types of employees ranging from international professionals, to national officers, general service staff and consultants. UNICEF ensures that their employees receive the care and resources they need by equipping them with effective contracts, benefits, and wellbeing policies and initiatives.
BRAC
BRAC is a leading international nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and social injustice. BRAC has nearly 100,000 staff across four continents who are driven to achieve a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their own potential. BRAC offers a comprehensive employee benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401K and employer match; generous days of paid time off including vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays; an annual professional development budget, and more.
Doctors Without Borders (Médecins sans frontières - MSF)
Doctors without Borders (MSF) is an independent global movement, providing medical aid wherever it’s needed most. Although the organization started in Paris, France, MSF has expanded globally and now offers career opportunities to work in their New York office or in the field. The NY office offers job listings and internship opportunities, while employment opportunities in the field offer more long-term careers in humanitarian aid.
The International NGO Safety and Security Association
The International NGO Safety and Security Association (INSSA) is a non-profit global membership association of individuals committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of safety and security for humanitarian relief and development assistance workers operating in complex and dangerous environments. INSSA's members include security professionals, security focal points, risk managers and those who work in the field that link to safety and security risk management. INSSA offers their employees individual member benefits, education and professional development, resource sharing, and much more.
The RAND Corporation
The RAND Corporation is a non-profit research organization that aims to create solutions on various public policy issues in order to benefit the public interest. About 1,880 people from 50 countries work at RAND, representing diversity in work experience; academic training; political and ideological outlook; and race, gender, and ethnicity. RAND seeks to hire highly qualified applicants that have unique backgrounds, original views, and diversity in academic training, work experience, and ideological outlook.
The World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute develops practical solutions that improve people’s lives and protect nature. WRI partners in more than 50 countries and has offices all over the world, working to solve major challenges at the intersection of the environment and human development. In the United States, WRI works at the federal, state, local, and corporate levels to develop solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges, particularly U.S. climate and energy.
