Request for Proposals - Internal Security and Risk Management Services

Request for Proposal for Internal Security and Risk Management Services for Amnesty International USA

Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) is seeking a forward-thinking, innovative, and experienced senior security consultant to support its work over 12 months in advancing human rights in the United States and globally by:

1. formulating and implementing a security and risk-management protocol, and
2. developing templates and conducting training on security and risk management for AIUSA staff and members.

The consultant will work to enable AIUSA staff and members to conduct their human rights activism while being mindful of evolving risks in the US. The protocol, templates, and training should consider the threats and vulnerabilities to the safety of AIUSA’s staff and members and to the smooth conduct of operations during emergencies.

Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), AIUSA invites prospective candidates to submit proposals for this assignment along with their desired professional fee.

The consultant will assist the organization in creating optimal and inclusive physical and digital security and risk management practices for the complex environments in which it operates. The consultant will have experience in crisis management, operational security, and training. They will be expected to provide support across a wide range of areas, including crisis and incident response, office security and asset protection, travel safety, and security plans for events, missions, stunts, and protests.

The ideal candidate will understand the threat landscape facing human rights organizations and their networks and have a proven track record of enabling work in challenging operational contexts. They will help embed and promote a proactive security culture in the organization.

The consultant should be eligible to work in and be based in the United States and will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) or their designee. The consultant will be required to travel to AIUSA sites during key events and moments in the year.

Who We Are

Amnesty International is the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Founded in 1961, we are a growing global movement protecting human rights for all people. Amnesty is 10 million members and supporters strong, affiliated with 70national sections in all regions of the world. In addition, the movement is guided by the International Secretariat (IS) and its Board of Directors.

AIUSA is the global organization’s presence in the United States (U.S.). We engage people in the U.S. to fight injustice all around the world, while we also work to protect people’s human rights here in the U.S. AIUSA has more than a million members and activists in all 50 states, who are part of the larger global movement. We are a democratically governed, grassroots membership organization, which means that our members vote on key policy issues and elect our Board of Directors. Some of our members are experts on specific human rights issues, parts of the world, or advocacy areas, and they serve as volunteer leaders. Others help lead local groups in towns, universities, states, or regions. AIUSA’s elected board members, staff, and members all work together to lead the organization.

Scope of Work

The consultant will engage in the following activities and provide the following support to AIUSA during the 12-month term of the contract:

1. Work closely with the COO or their designee to provide cohesive internal security and risk management across AIUSA and present plans and reports on security matters to senior leadership as required. Collaborate with teams across AIUSA to develop and implement security protocols and practices, including incorporating staff and member feedback and review in any risk management frameworks and security plans.
2. In line with Amnesty International’s global security standards, support and enable staff and members to engage in human rights related events, travel, activism in a way that effectively manages risks. This will involve the development of templates and associated plans, and providing safety training and advice that cover and consider a variety of factors such as immigration status, gender, race, executive orders issued by the US, involvement of police, threats of violence, etc. for staff and members who are participating in AIUSA-related activities, including but not limited to, stunts and protests and/or going on higher-risk travel missions in the United States or globally.
3. In line with Amnesty International’s global security standards, develop the physical security standards and associated plans across all AIUSA offices and train AIUSA’s office services team on implementing these standards.
4. In line with Amnesty International’s global security standards, develop physical security standards and associated plans to support AIUSA’s flagship events and train AIUSA’s events team on implementing these standards.
5. Identify cost-effective vendors to enable procurement and provision of relevant and appropriate first aid equipment, and hostile environment and physical security related safety gear and technology.
6. Be available to act as AIUSA’s point person for the development and implementation of security plans and rapid responses, including possibly digital security needs.
7. Be available to travel to AIUSA's physical offices, selected events and venues as needed.
8. Based in the Washington D.C. area preferred.

Qualifications

Education

A level of education that when combined with professional experience will demonstrate the capability to provide physical security at AIUSA. Candidates who have relevant academic degrees or security certifications are encouraged to apply, but this is not a requirement.

Experience and skills

1. Demonstrated experience and extensive knowledge of developing and implementing physical security and risk management, ideally in the context of an international organization or a membership organization with practical experience in high risk and complex operating environments.
2. General understanding of and familiarity with the landscape of human rights, activism, mobilizing, and campaigning as it is evolving in the United States and globally.
3. Cultural competency in working with diverse stakeholders to create processes that prioritize AIUSA's IDEA and anti-racism values and strategies.
4. Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; effective at building trust and confidence. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks are required.
5. Experienced in developing and implementing global security policies across a matrixed organization.

Prospective candidates are asked to submit a proposal that includes:

• Background information on your experience in security planning and facilitating training on security for organizations, particularly membership-based nonprofits.
• Examples of work with other clients regarding security planning and training staff on security.
• Desired professional fee for 12 months

Submission Deadlines

Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, by 5:00pm ET. Select candidates invited to interview virtually in April. Proposals must be submitted to Vivek Ramkumar at VRamkumar@aiusa.org.

Preferred format: MS Word document or PDF, no more than 3-5 pages typed, addressing requirements, with additional appendices and supplemental information allowed.