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Andrew Pendleton
Humanitarian
Rockville,VA
Work Preference
Summary
Bringing over three decades of expertise in humanitarian emergency management and security coordination. Proven track record in leading high-impact humanitarian operations across diverse, high-risk environments, successfully coordinating multi-sector teams and inter-agency responses, and establishing effective security protocols in countries facing crises.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Humanitarian Adviser (remote Volunteer)
The PD Foundation
Lowell, USA
01.2026 - Current
- Guided Cambodian American NGO in response to displacement from Thai border conflict, enhancing relief planning and implementation efforts.
- Advised clients on Parkinson's disease management strategies and best practices.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to enhance patient support services.
- Developed educational materials for community outreach programs and workshops.
Humanitarian Analyst
CMCC
Gaza
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Evaluated humanitarian operations to ensure quality control and compliance with donor requirements, enhancing program integrity. Developed training manuals and operational procedures, implementing targeted food distribution strategies for vulnerable groups to optimize resource allocation. Advocated for humanitarian principles while leading process improvements in service delivery, including comprehensive training initiatives.
- Analyzed data trends to support decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with teams to improve analytical methodologies.
- Developed reports to communicate insights and recommendations.
Global Security Analyst
International Mission Board
03.2025 - 06.2025
- Monitored 45 mission countries and reported on trends and current events that affected the safety and security of over 3,500 global employees on mission worldwide.
- Monitored security systems and protocols for compliance and effectiveness.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in operations.
- Developed security policies to protect sensitive information and resources.
Director of Global Safety and Security
International Foundation of Electoral Systems
07.2024 - 02.2025
- Coordinated a transition from current corporate style security programming to an In-House Safety and Security Model. Give practical guidance on establishing the framework for a comprehensive and systematic approach. Review Duty of Care and principled approaches to security management with 40 Country Offices around the globe. Engineered job descriptions, defined information flow, and established incident and crisis management protocols to enhance operational effectiveness. Led transitions in organizational structure, capacity building, and policy creation to strengthen safety and security measures. 24/7 global coverage and incident management.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance electoral processes and governance worldwide.
- Collaborated with international partners to promote democratic practices and citizen engagement.
- Designed training programs for election officials to improve operational efficiency.
Global Safety and Security Director
American Friends Service Committee
02.2023 - 06.2024
- Established international security and crisis control capacity and structure for INGO, enhancing organizational readiness. Developed Safety and Security Guidelines, a concise 159-page manual; implemented security guidelines by creating a regional network of security focal persons in the US and international program countries. Undertook regular visits to the four global regions to undertake assessments and training. Chaired a monthly security meeting for the organization.
- Developed security policies to enhance organizational safety standards.
- Led crisis management drills to prepare staff for emergency situations.
- Coordinated training programs for security personnel and volunteers.
Head of Sub-office/Senior Durable Solutions Adviser
UN International Office for Migration (IOM)
Amhara, Northern Ethiopia
05.2021 - 08.2022
- Head of Regional Sub-Office/Team leader for the Northern Ethiopian Durable Solutions initiative and Security Focal Person. First international staff to represent the region stationed in Bahir Dah. Scaled up preparedness and response activities, grant management, and emergency evaluation and response to enhance regional support. Developed UN-led framework and coordination structure for IDP return and facilitated transition from relief to development. Represented UN IOM in regional meetings and coordinated security efforts as UN Area Security Coordinator.
- Advised on migration policies and practices for international cooperation.
- Coordinated training programs for staff and stakeholders in migration management.
- Developed strategic frameworks to enhance operational efficiency in migration processes.
Medical Team Leader
Project Hope
Chicago, USA
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Led a COVID-19 intervention initiative focused on Long Term Care Facilities (LTFC). Managed a team of infection control nurse specialists to educate LTFC staff on infection prevention control (IPC) measures.
- Led multidisciplinary teams to coordinate healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance clinical skills and patient care.
- Managed logistics of medical supplies and equipment for various health initiatives.
Head of Office/Area Security Coordinator
UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)
Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Coordinated UN/NGO humanitarian operational preparedness and response in Northwest Cameroon. UN OCHA Head of Office for northwest Cameroon and UN Area Security Coordinator for the Northwest Regions. Established the Cluster System with lead UN agencies and served as the Cluster Coordinator. Chaired UN/INGO humanitarian forums for emergency response and multi-sectoral programs, enhancing collaborative efforts among agencies. Acted as the Chief Liaison Officer for the Government and non-state armed groups. Acted as the lead access coordination for Northwestern Cameroon humanitarian community, streamlining efforts to reach vulnerable populations. The Northwestern territory represents a widespread crisis and coordinating humanitarian relief, access, and outreach is a formidable challenge. We were able to open access from one Sub-Region to all seven sub-divisions during my tenure to reach the needy and displaced.
- Coordinated security operations for humanitarian missions in diverse environments.
- Developed and implemented safety protocols for staff and assets in crisis areas.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential threats to personnel and property.
Global Safety and Security Director
Americares International
Stamford, USA
03.2019 - 07.2019
- Established first international security control structure, capacity, and policy for INGO. Drafted a comprehensive Safety-Security Guideline and implemented those guidelines in 12 program countries in Africa, Central America, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Managed crisis response strategies to ensure safety during events and activities.
- Oversaw training programs for staff on emergency preparedness and security protocols.
- Developed security policies aligned with mission-driven values of the organization.
Senior Disaster Operations Adviser-Temporary Assignment
USAID - Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)
Washington DC, USA
08.2018 - 03.2019
- Managed USAID/OFDA disaster response programs and portfolios during surges for the East African Region.
- Collaborated with teams to assess disaster response needs and priorities.
- Developed strategic plans for effective humanitarian assistance delivery.
- Coordinated with government agencies to ensure compliance and alignment on projects.
Emergency Response Coordinator
World Concern International
Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
10.2017 - 08.2018
- Overall, Team Leader, Security Coordinator, and financial authority for World Concern and MEDAIR/INGO operations in Cox's Bazaar Bangladesh. Established an office, hired staff, designed programs, sought funding, and developed humanitarian programming for the refugee relief crisis. Led project managers in implementing projects through grant management, regular meetings, coaching, and a strong reporting structure, enhancing overall project execution. Initiated new and unique refugee programs and was awarded over one million USD to initiate a psychosocial initiative for refugee adolescents. Liaised with UN and funding agencies to position World Concern actively within child protection sub-cluster, strengthening organizational collaboration. Appointed Security focal point for the INGO community in Cox's Bazaar.
- Coordinated emergency response plans for crisis situations in diverse communities.
- Developed training materials for staff on disaster preparedness and response protocols.
- Facilitated communication between local authorities and community members during emergencies.
Humanitarian Adviser
The PD Foundation
Lowell, USA
01.2016 - 09.2017
- Established Cambodian American NGO, created by-laws, and led efforts to secure legal status as an international USA-based non-profit.
- Keynote speaker in 17 fundraisers generating cost coverage for operations.
- Lead a multi-disciplinary team to NW Cambodia, late 2016-mid-2017; conducted a Needs Assessment of improvised communities. Drafted proposals.
- Drafted and presented proposals for appropriate self-sustainable assistance and established a partnership agreement with a local NGO. We also examined patterns of secondary migration, human trafficking, human rights abuses and GBV. We presented our findings in late 2016 and in May 2017 and completed a professionally bound booklet with a business plan and complete assessment - - titled: 'Flood, Displacement, Drought, Despair, and Resiliency'.
- Drafted and presented proposals for appropriate self-sustainable assistance and established a partnership agreement with a local NGO. We also examined patterns of secondary migration, human trafficking, human rights abuses and GBV. We presented our findings in late 2016 and in May 2017 and completed a professionally bound booklet with a business plan and complete assessment - - titled: 'Flood, Displacement, Drought, Despair, and Resiliency'.
- Funded three local NGO projects for self-sustainability targeting vulnerable female-headed households to mitigate and recover from annual flooding and drought.
UN OCHA Regional Business Continuity and Security Coordinator
United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)
Bangkok, Thailand
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Developed and implemented first Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Security Coordination System in UN OCHA Regional Office, enhancing regional preparedness. Advised 17 UN OCHA Country Offices in Asia-Pacific on completion of country-specific BCP/Security Guidelines, improving localized response strategies. Received recognition from UN Division of Safety and Security for BCP/Security Manual as best practices in UN system, validated during extensive testing in Bangkok Street riots of 2013-14.
- Coordinated security operations for humanitarian missions in high-risk environments.
- Managed access control procedures at UN OCHA facilities and events.
- Developed and implemented security training programs for staff and volunteers.
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Deployed by UN OCHA's Emergency Response Surge (ERS) to establish OCHA presence for initial response coordination and to establish the cluster system.
- Coordinated humanitarian response efforts across multiple regions and sectors.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders and field teams for effective operations.
- Managed logistics and resource allocation for emergency relief initiatives.
Regional Disaster and Recovery Advisor
UN OCHA
Bangkok, Thailand
01.2011 - 01.2013
- I advised UN Country Resident Coordinators, UN/INGO inter-agency forums and clusters, and Government offices for disaster management on disaster preparedness and response. Managed Cambodia, China, Myanmar, India, Mongolia, and Bhutan. Ongoing deployment regionally throughout as part of the regional DMT to address both complex and manmade disasters.
- I advised UN Country Resident Coordinators, UN/INGO inter-agency forums and clusters, and Government offices for disaster management on disaster preparedness and response. Responsible for Cambodia, China, Myanmar, India, Mongolia, and Bhutan. Ongoing deployment regionally throughout as part of the regional DMT to address both complex and manmade disasters.
- Conducted nine needs assessments and organized seven disaster management workshops with UN and NGO country offices, strengthening preparedness and response capacity of national disaster departments while fostering collaboration with UN/INGO agencies.
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
El Fasher, Sudan
01.2009 - 01.2011
- UN Area Security Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day humanitarian response and recovery operations in North Darfur State where 37 UN and NGO operate.
- Managed the Work Plan for Darfur, the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF), and the Emergency Response Fund (ERF) while coordinating activities as the Cluster Coordinator and overall Humanitarian Forum Coordinator in Darfur states.
- Conducted joint NGO/UN assessments and field trips to areas affected by internal displacement due to fighting.
- Organized and conducted ongoing joint NGO/UN assessments and field trips to areas where internal populations had displaced due to fighting. UN Chief Liaison to areas controlled by anti-government factions.
- Led humanitarian community through dangerous conditions, ensuring continued support and coordination for affected populations.
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
Sindh, Pakistan
08.2010 - 12.2010
- Deployed on ERT to Sindh Province, established UN presence, and initiated response coordination by setting up cluster system. Led as Head of Office, Area Coordinator, and UN Area Security Coordinator in the worst hit flood region of the country. Initiated collaboration with Pakistan Army in response to food riots and attacks on aid convoys, enhancing security and aid delivery.
- Coordinated logistics for humanitarian response initiatives across multiple regions.
- Managed communication between stakeholders and field teams for effective operations.
- Developed training materials for staff on emergency response protocols and procedures.
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
Juba, South Sudan
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Directed all aspects of the South Sudan humanitarian operational response and preparedness as UNOCHA Head of Country Office and overall coordinator for the UN/INGO humanitarian forums. South Sudan was, at the time, the largest humanitarian operations in the world with 143 relief/development partners. My area of responsibility was the size of France located on five international porous borders. South Sudan is a dynamic disaster-prone environment with both manmade and natural disasters.
- Managed 144 staff across 6 units, including ICT, GIS Mapping, Administration, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Compound Management, and both UN Work Plan and Common Humanitarian Fund Planning.
- Managed 144 staff members assigned to 6 different units, which included ICT, GIS Mapping Unit, Administration Unit, EP&R Team, Compound Management Team, a large Guard team, and both the UN Work Plan and Common Humanitarian Fund Planning Units.
- Established Humanitarian Coordination Forum and EP&R Task Force, significantly enhancing identification of gaps and overlaps in humanitarian service delivery.
- Evaluated agency activities and allocated funding awards through Common Humanitarian Fund, overseeing an annual $87 million mechanism for relief and recovery efforts.
- Secured funding from ECHO to station a fixed wing aircraft in Juba and reestablish UN OCHA operational capacity for rapid response and assessments.
- Recognized by senior UN, ECHO, and the ICRC delegation in South Sudan for successfully reviving humanitarian response in South Sudan. I also had distinguished professional recognition while serving as overall Emergency Response & Security Coordinator during the Abyie City displacement/crisis in May 2008 and the Malakal crisis of March 2009.
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
West Darfur, Sudan
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Conducted day-to-day humanitarian and security coordination of relief operations in often trying and difficult times. There were 27 NGO and UN agencies present.
- Managed evacuation of 60% of expatriate relief workers during 2005 fighting along 450-kilometer border with Chad, ensuring safety amid frequent clashes.
- Facilitated collaboration between humanitarian actors and African Union peacekeepers, enhancing protection for civilians and relief workers.
- Spearheaded extraordinarily successful funding appeals of the Common Humanitarian Fund.
- Served as Chief UN-Government of Sudan liaison representing the humanitarian community and improved relationships despite the challenges.
- Pioneered implementation of cluster system in humanitarian operations in 2005.
- Opened dialogue with Nomadic leadership and initiated assessments and aid to their areas formulated the Nomad Gap Group to address nomadic needs and reconciliation.
- Negotiated release of 13 relief workers held by anti-government rebels, restoring operational capacity for humanitarian efforts.
- Responded to 65 carjacking and robbery incidents that disrupted movement.
Senior Global Projects Security Manager
Armor Group International (AGNA)
Richmond, VA
08.2004 - 11.2004
- Developed security protocols for INGO agencies and designed Surveillance Detection course addressing potential terrorist threats. Conducted humanitarian security training and performed comprehensive security assessments to identify vulnerabilities. Created a manual that merged mainstream security practices with humanitarian security protocols. Completed a physical security evaluation of the Bloomberg Building in New York.
- Developed security protocols to protect personnel and assets.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Managed security teams during high-stakes operations and events.
Global Program Director for Emergency and Security
Christian Children's Fund (CCF)
Richmond, VA
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Reported directly to the CEO as the Global Manager for Emergency and Security; established a tracking system to monitor emergencies and staff movements in 31 CCF countries worldwide.
- Established INGO's first ever international emergency and security control capacity and policy. Wrote the Emergency and Security Guidelines, concise 157-page manual; implemented newly drafted disaster response and security guidelines by establishing a collaborative network of coordinators in 31 CCF program countries.
- Established INGO's first international emergency and security control capacity and policy; authored Emergency and Security Guidelines, a 157-page manual, and implemented disaster response and security guidelines through a network of coordinators across 31 CCF program countries.
- Established the first ever Emergency Response Team and led missions to northern Uganda, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Liberia. Conducted needs assessments, donor scoping, and subsequent proposal writing.
- Executed special security assignments in Ecuador, Columbia, and Guatemala.
- Instrumental in being awarded substantial funding packages from USAID, UNHCR, and UNICEF to establish a shelter and education program in NE Afghanistan as well as 3 child soldier demobilization centers in SW Liberia.
- Managed OTI-funded child soldier demobilization program in NW Sierra Leone as USAID liaison; secured UNDP funding to construct an 8-meter bridge, enhancing connectivity between Sierra Leone's Konadugu Province and Guinea.
Head of Sub-Office/UN-Area-Security-Coordinator/Protection
UN High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR)
NW Cambodia
01.1991 - 01.2001
- Head of the largest reception Centre in the UNHCR repatriation operation at Toul Makak-Battambang. Overall coordinator for resettlement and reintegration of some 230,000 returnees.
- Director of UNHCR Field Operations in northwest Cambodia including field offices in Pursat, Siem Riep, Bantheay Meanchey, and Battambang.
- Established monitoring system for protection coverage, logistics, and vulnerable ID, determining safe areas for refugee resettlement.
- Established a monitoring system, protection coverage, logistics, vulnerable ID and coverage, and determined areas of safe and secure refugee resettlement.
- Managed a substantial 69-million-dollar Quick Impact Project fund which actively sought ways to secure longer-term development assistance for returnees and landless poor.
- UNHCR Focal Person for internally displaced persons and food assistance to over 350,000 PAX.
- Finalized organizational transition of UNHCR field operations in Cambodia, ensuring continuity of support and services.
- Advocated for the acceptance and reconciliation of returnees in Cambodian society via mass media on TV and radio in Khmer language. Produced two info videos in Khmer language.
- Managed $69 million Quick Impact Project fund, focusing on securing long-term development assistance for returnees and landless poor.
Education
M.A. - International Rural Development
School for International Administration and Development
Brattleboro, VTEducation Major - Psychology Minor
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TNSkills
- Humanitarian operations
- crisis management
- security coordination
- Humanitarian coordination
- Crisis coordination
- Security management
- disaster recovery
Summary
Multi-lingual: English native, Cambodian near native fluency/literate. Fluent in Thai, remedial Arabic
Additional experience
Sr. Cambodia Operations Chief & Security Coordinator/Sr. Translator for MGM/UA Motion Picture Productions in Cambodia; Sr. Program Adviser for the World Bank Cambodia military demobilization effort; Twelve years as Head of Field Operations and Field Officer for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Cambodia; Northern Border Field Director, UN Area Security Coordinator, Senior Camp Officer, and Camp Officer for World Food Program's United Nations Border Relief Operations in Thailand; Special Assistant to the State Refugee Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Social Services; Outreach Refugee Worker Catholic Diocese Richmond Resettlement Office; Refugee Relief Worker Program manager for the International Mission Board Thailand-lived/worked in two refugee camps; Correctional Institutional Counselor for Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Facility in Powhatan, Virginia.
Timeline
Humanitarian Adviser (remote Volunteer)
The PD Foundation
01.2026 - Current
Humanitarian Analyst
CMCC
06.2025 - 10.2025
Global Security Analyst
International Mission Board
03.2025 - 06.2025
Director of Global Safety and Security
International Foundation of Electoral Systems
07.2024 - 02.2025
Global Safety and Security Director
American Friends Service Committee
02.2023 - 06.2024
Head of Sub-office/Senior Durable Solutions Adviser
UN International Office for Migration (IOM)
05.2021 - 08.2022
Medical Team Leader
Project Hope
03.2020 - 06.2020
Head of Office/Area Security Coordinator
UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)
08.2019 - 03.2020
Global Safety and Security Director
Americares International
03.2019 - 07.2019
Senior Disaster Operations Adviser-Temporary Assignment
USAID - Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)
08.2018 - 03.2019
Emergency Response Coordinator
World Concern International
10.2017 - 08.2018
Humanitarian Adviser
The PD Foundation
01.2016 - 09.2017
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
08.2014 - 12.2014
UN OCHA Regional Business Continuity and Security Coordinator
United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)
01.2013 - 01.2016
Regional Disaster and Recovery Advisor
UN OCHA
01.2011 - 01.2013
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
08.2010 - 12.2010
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
01.2009 - 01.2011
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
01.2008 - 01.2009
Senior Global Projects Security Manager
Armor Group International (AGNA)
08.2004 - 11.2004
Head of Office/Area Coordinator
UN OCHA
01.2004 - 01.2007
Global Program Director for Emergency and Security
Christian Children's Fund (CCF)
01.2001 - 01.2004
Head of Sub-Office/UN-Area-Security-Coordinator/Protection
UN High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR)
01.1991 - 01.2001
M.A. - International Rural Development
School for International Administration and Development
Education Major - Psychology Minor
East Tennessee State University