Basile Pissalidis
Alexandria,USA
Summary
Global Security Expert with extensive international experience. Recognized leader in the international security community and awarded “2015 Most Influential Persons in Security” by Security Magazine Strategic thinker able to formulate abstract concepts while working on tactical assignments Exceptional analytical skills and ability to derive meaning from disparate data points. Polished communication skills and experience working with senior Int., federal, local, US & UN officials. Lived and/or worked in 30+ countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, DRC and Bosnia Fluent in French, Persian and Greek Seasoned Senior Security Manager with proven experience in developing and implementing security protocols, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Display strong leadership skills with an aptitude for managing teams to enhance operational efficiency. Notable success in mitigating potential security risks and fostering a safe and secure environment across all business operations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Security Manger
Freedom House
Washington, DC
11.2020 - Current
- Established and institutionalized a Security Risk Management System (SRMS) by identifying security strategy, policies, systems, and protocols
Senior Conflict Advisor (Consultant)
Search for Common Ground
Washington, DC
12.2019 - Current
- Supported the Vice President of Strategy in developing institution’s regional strategies, multi-country 'Conflict Geographies', and associated interventions
Director of Security
Chemonics
Kinshasa, DRC
12.2018 - 10.2019
- Managed security for over 300 staff during politically volatile period
- Established an information network, analyzed political developments, and provided counsel to Senior Staff
- Successfully forecasted significant developments and established security protocols to mitigate risk
Director of Security
InterAction
Washington, DC
06.2011 - 09.2017
- Led teams of security professionals and focal points across 20 NGOs to collaboratively define the NGO community’s security needs, identify opportunities and barriers and develop initiatives to address them
- Based on these products I helped NGOs draft security policies and procedures and worked with them to develop their security risk management systems
Senior Security Advisor
American Red Cross (ARC) International Services Unit
Washington, DC
06.2006 - 06.2011
- Established ARC’s security risk management system and managed its implementation across 30-35 country offices
- For deeper analysis and to ensure implementation of security protocols, I traveled to 30+ ARC country offices to assess social, political and economic conditions, identify threats and gauge likelihood of their occurrence and drafted analytical reports for country directors and senior executives in Washington
Intelligence Officer
Strategic Security Solutions International
Kabul, Afghanistan
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Established the company’s information and analysis systems and develop a large network of information collection nodes
- As the sole Intelligence Officer for the company, I collected information, analyzed it and drafted reports according to clients and company’s needs
Security Analyst
International Rescue Committee
Kabul, Afghanistan
03.2004 - 12.2004
- Led regional offices covering Kabul, Hera, and Mazar-i-Sharif, managed a team of national staff as we collected security related information, analyzed, contextualized is, and advised NGOs accordingly
Security Analyst
Catholic Relief Services
Kabul, Afghanistan
03.2003 - 03.2004
- Developed and managed the country program’s SRMS in Afghanistan
- Collected security related information, analyzed it, and drafted protocols, procedures and updated key actor maps
Senior Program Manager
InterAction
Washington, DC
12.2001 - 03.2003
- I harnessed the collective power of 160 member NGOs to speak and act on issues of common concern by managing and helping to develop overall humanitarian strategy and policies
Head of Mission
Pharmacists Without Borders (PSF)
Chișinău, Moldova
08.2000 - 11.2000
- Headed PSF Mission in Moldova for an interim restructuring period
- In coordination with the staff redrafted the country office’s strategic priorities, focused its programs, and reorganized its operations
Regional Head of Office
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina
04.1998 - 11.1999
- Established and headed the UNIDO offices in Eastern Republika Srpska and eventually the region
- Managing at team of 20+ business development experts, we secured loans for 30 business each year
Field Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Bihac, Bosnia & Herzegovina
12.1997 - 04.1998
- Managed UNHCR’s Program Unit and shelter, infrastructure, water, sanitation and preventive health projects
International Supervisor, Logistician
Organization for Security and Coordination in Europe (OSCE)
Zagreb, Croatia
04.1997 - 09.1997
Analyst
UNICEF
New York, NY
09.1995 - 07.1996
- Recruited by the UNICEF Security Coordinator while in graduate school, became his political analyst
Education
MA - International Relations, International Security
University of Denver
Denver, USA01.1996
BA - Economics, Philosophy
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, USA01.1991
Skills
- Formulate security strategy
- Draft security policies
- Implement security protocols
- Conduct risk assessments
- Identify threats
- Assess likelihood
- Assess impact
- Identify vulnerabilities
- Investigate incidents
- Record incidents
- Provide security training
- Analyze political developments
- Analyze economic developments
- Analyze security incidents
- Monitor security projects
- Communicate developments
- Manage teams
- Mentor staff
- Coordinate project deliverables
- Monitor resources
- Manage finances
- Manage timelines
- Ensure compliance
Timeline
Senior Security Manger
Freedom House
11.2020 - Current
Senior Conflict Advisor (Consultant)
Search for Common Ground
12.2019 - Current
Director of Security
Chemonics
12.2018 - 10.2019
Director of Security
InterAction
06.2011 - 09.2017
Senior Security Advisor
American Red Cross (ARC) International Services Unit
06.2006 - 06.2011
Intelligence Officer
Strategic Security Solutions International
01.2005 - 12.2005
Security Analyst
International Rescue Committee
03.2004 - 12.2004
Security Analyst
Catholic Relief Services
03.2003 - 03.2004
Senior Program Manager
InterAction
12.2001 - 03.2003
Head of Mission
Pharmacists Without Borders (PSF)
08.2000 - 11.2000
Regional Head of Office
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
04.1998 - 11.1999
Field Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
12.1997 - 04.1998
International Supervisor, Logistician
Organization for Security and Coordination in Europe (OSCE)
04.1997 - 09.1997
Analyst
UNICEF
09.1995 - 07.1996
MA - International Relations, International Security
University of Denver
BA - Economics, Philosophy
Rutgers University
Similar Profiles
Ratsuda PoolsukRatsuda Poolsuk
Senior Finance and Grants Administrator at Freedom HouseSenior Finance and Grants Administrator at Freedom House
Blake BoleyBlake Boley
Case Manager at Freedom HouseCase Manager at Freedom House
Haley AndrewsHaley Andrews
BOOKKEEPER at FREEDOM HOUSEBOOKKEEPER at FREEDOM HOUSE