Godwin Ndifon Ndifon
Preston,United Kingdom
Summary
Seasoned security professional with a strong background in security management, training, and emergency response. Proven ability to execute effective security strategies and conduct comprehensive risk assessments. Committed to fostering safe environments and enhancing operational efficiency within security operations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Security officer
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Kabul, Kabul
2024.02 - Current
- Managed team of 90 security personnel, ensuring strict compliance with access controls and conducting visitor checks to enhance security.
- Upheld strict access controls ensuring thorough checks, secure entry and exit of staff, visitors and vehicles into United Nations Compound.
- Performed regular patrols, risk assessments, and emergency drills to maintain safe environment.
- Developed and documented incident reports to improve security protocols.
- Conducted thorough visitor identification checks, to prevent 90% unauthorised entry.
- Executed regular patrols to deter vandalism and ensure safe environment.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies for enhancing site security measures.
- Conducted 10 emergency response drills and performed 8 first responder roles in mass casualty exercises.
- Provided 13 Tetra UHF radios and 10 Motorola DP 360 VHF for guards.
- Documented incidents and breaches with detailed reports to facilitate protocol improvements.
- Monitored CCTV feeds, identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour promptly.
- Developed and delivered 7 training programmes for new members of security team, to improve operational efficiency and raising overall team performance.
- Coordinated with other officers on shift changes smoothly and effectively.
- Conducted 5 preliminary investigations and prepared reports cases of security breaches, theft and misconducts.
- Conducted routine inspections of fire extinguishers, maintaining readiness for emergencies.
- Checked ID cards and documented details in security log.
- Ensured visitor sign-in process meticulously; supervised accurate documentation and record keeping.
Security Training Officer, UNDSS
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
Baghdad, Iraq
2016.07 - 2024.01
- Managed Security Training Unit enhancing operational efficiency.
- Led team of facilitators to train 865 UN personnel on safety and security awareness courses and Emergency Trauma Bag/Individual First Aid Kit training. Ensuring alignment with United Nations Security Management policies.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to collate inputs for training need assessment, developed tools to collect, collate, analyse, and prepare relevant reports.
- Designed and developed engaging course materials, updating training content for compliance with current security standards.
- Managed, planned, convened, and provided security and safety courses, and security management programmes using blended online, and face-to-face learning methodologies.
- Maintained lesson plans, training records, feedback, reports, managed certification and participants data base for all learning programmes.
- Conducted client, performance and training gap analysis, competency-based evaluations and provide information to be included in security training reports.
- Coordinated logistical support for training programs and maintained up-to-date training records, ensuring effective program delivery and maintain global training standards.
- Coordinated role players and emergency response team during drills and exercises.
- In light of COVID-19 pandemic, redesigned/adopted online Safe and Secure Awareness in Field Environments, wardens and induction training. This enabled United Nations personnel to adapt to new ways of working.
Security Officer
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
Port Au Prince, Haiti
2015.10 - 2016.05
- Conducted security risk assessments, physical security surveys of facilities to address vulnerabilities in implementation of security arrangements and proposed mitigation measures.
- Coordinated 15 fire and emergency evacuation drills.
- Trained 85 guards on use of VHF and HF radio communication.
- Participated in planning and coordination of protective security services and support for staff, Senior UN officials visiting missions and facilities.
- Drafted and reviewed security contingency plans and Standing Order Procedures for security unit.
- Prepared Statements of Requirements and provided technical specifications for procurement of Unit security training equipment.
- Led design and coordinated 10-day training program for MINUSTAH Guard Force Unit that incorporated observation skills, hostile surveillance recognition and detection, communication, stress, and incident scene management.
- Established standards for conducting intensive foot, vehicle patrols, and regular guards’ inspection. This improved service delivery, led to arrest of criminals, saved cost, and reduced reported cases of theft.
- Checked identification of visitors thoroughly to prevent unauthorised entries onto premises.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies for enhancing site security measures.
- Coordinated with other officers on shift changes smoothly and effectively.
- Responded to alarms with swiftness, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Carried out health and safety risk assessments accurately for reducing potential hazards.
- Ensured smooth traffic flow in designated car parks by directing vehicles efficiently.
- Ensured entrances were kept secure with consistent visitor, personnel and package screening.
- Eliminated unauthorised access through effective employee and visitor screening mechanisms.
- Worked in security control room to continuously monitor CCTV feeds.
- Employed covert surveillance to monitor individuals and gather evidence of violations.
- Screened passengers and belongings to clear for boarding.
- Secured cash and valuables against on-property loss or interference during transport.
- Facilitated emergency first responder training to enhance knowledge and skills of United Nations personnel in United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Security Training Section.
Security Associate (Operations)
United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
Abuja, Nigeria
2014.04 - 2015.10
- Delivered weekly security induction briefings and organised training for new personnel and dependents.
- Provided weekly security briefs with contextual analysis of security environment.
- Facilitated 15 First Responder interventions during fire safety, emergency evacuation, and Mass Casualty drills.
- Prepared drafts of contingency plans and Standing Orders Procedures.
- Established and maintained information network with UN Agency Security Focal Points and NGOs.
- Conducted security risk assessments of UN facilities, residential areas, and hotels.
- Coordinated security for 7 visiting teams from UN Headquarters, earning commendations for safety management.
- Developed trend analysis of Boko Haram attacks for security briefings and country risk assessments.
Commander/Team Leader
Defence Headquarters Quick Response Force
Abuja, Nigeria
2012.03 - 2014.03
- Trained, developed, and managed Quick Response Force for rapid deployment and protection of Defence Headquarters assets.
- Led joint training activities with security components including civil police and State Security Services within Abuja.
- Successfully deterred 2 person borne IED attacks on Army Headquarters Garrison premises.
- Coordinated training sessions on weapons training, tactics, and map reading to ensure troops fitness, combat readiness and keep abreast with current tactics and techniques.
- Coordinated troops’ administration and resourced all training events conducted within 30-man unit.
- Planned and conducted risk assessment of building/events in areas of operation to identify and mitigate potential risks that could occur.
- Managed implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for Quick Response force, ammunition replenishment and management.
- Led team of 3 officers that reviewed Combat Life Savers training curriculum for teams involved in counter terrorist operations.
- Conducted first aid/Combat Life Savers training for 120 Quick Response Force personnel in collaboration with Defence Headquarters Medical Centre.
- Coordinated 15+ composite training programs, including preparatory promotion exams classes for young officers of unit and high-quality combat leadership training for more than 150 young officers and soldiers in Garrison.
- Outcome was increase from marginal to exceptional rating of Army Headquarters Garrison by Directorate of Training, Nigerian Army Headquarters.
- Additionally, training enhanced professional skills of personnel leading to winning of 8 individual and team gold medals in 2013 Nigerian Army Annual Combat Sports competition.
- Oversaw maintenance of equipment, guaranteeing readiness for deployment at short notice.
- Led team training exercises and regular emergency response drills to enhance unit readiness, fortified preparedness levels against potential threats.
- Maintained strict adherence to rules and regulations, ensured orderly conduct amongst troops.
Officer Commanding Bravo Company, NIBATT 25
United Nations Mission in Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia
2010.08 - 2012.03
- Directed aid and patrolling missions for impactful peace-keeping.
- Provided oversight for implementation of training programmes by coordinating weekly training.
- Collected and compiled real-time GPS coordinates and Geo-location information, and verification of designated polling units in Montserado County, which were eventually used to identify voting/pooling stations in 2011 Liberia Referendum and Presidential elections.
- Facilitated training on crisis and emergency procedures; provided reinforcements, emergency support and relief services to troops, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) personnel and locals at duty locations.
- Prepared training maps and sketches.
- Prepared and provided periodic security briefs and training to UNMIL, INGOs, security components, Joint Government, Humanitarian Teams. and Liberia security elements.
- Conducted risk assessment, security surveys and recommended measures for improving lapses in protected areas.
- Coordinated security arrangements for delivery of humanitarian supplies.
- Served as focal point in UNMIL Security Cell.
- Coordinated relations with UN Police, Formed Police Units, Military Observers, NGOs, Liberian National Police, and other security agencies in relation with current operations within company locality.
- Served as fulcrum of operational activities and monitored developments to plans and produce Operational Orders, Fragment Orders, and instructions for Battalion.
- Reviewed Battalion Standing Orders Procedures, operations, and concept plans to include development of scenarios based on security situation and expected projections.
- Achieved through coordination with operation officers, military observers, and staff officers for their inputs. This made plans easy to understand and simple to implement by junior commanders.
- Led Joint Training, and Operations Teams where patrols and escorts into high-risk areas were well planned and coordinated.
- These include successful logistic escorts/patrols and efficiently liaison with INGOs, NGOs, UN humanitarian agencies and Liberian authorities.
- Led strategic planning sessions for improved tactical operations.
- Devised comprehensive training exercises to enhance troop readiness.
- Increased team morale by implementing reward and recognition programmes.
- Conducted regular briefings, ensured clear communication across ranks.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety regulations during training and combat operations.
- Collaborated effectively with adjacent units for coordinated defence strategies.
- Fostered respectful culture within unit, reduced instances of misconduct.
- Orchestrated successful joint operations with allied forces, fostering international cooperation.
- Ensured physical fitness amongst personnel by enforcing regular exercise routines.
- Facilitated smooth communications between companies for better coordination.
- Improved team efficiency with regular training sessions.
Company Second in Command/Deputy Team Leader
Defence Company, Army Headquarters Garrison
Abuja, Nigeria
2010.04 - 2010.07
- Effectively managed Army Headquarters Garrison Defence Company in absence of Officer Commanding.
- Supervised conduct of unit weekly physical training program to develop personnel's physical fitness and mental skills.
- Participated in recruitment and selection process of civilian candidates for basic military training.
- Implemented new procedures to maintain high safety standards.
- Developed comprehensive training sessions for enhanced team skills.
- Encouraged continuous professional development, leading to improved team capabilities and skill sets.
- Improved employee engagement level by 80% by creating opportunities for colleagues to engage in problem-solving, professional development and strategic decision-making.
- Increased employee engagement in combat efficiency and weapons training by 80% by generating skills-based development opportunities to target areas of improvement within special forces unit.
- Led team of 150 officers and soldiers to achieve Army Headquarters Standards and Evaluation Key Performance Indicators targets and successfully complete assigned projects.
- Collated, analysed, reported information leading to adoption of appropriate security controls.
Company Second in Command/Deputy Team Leader
Defence Company, 82 Division Garrison
Enugu, Nigeria
2007.12 - 2010.03
- Managed Defence Company in absence of Officer Commanding.
- Coordinated training activities for senior and junior non-commissioned officers, with responsibility for facilitating training on security management, communication, minor tactics, weapon handling, anti-ambush drills, mounting and dismounting drills during lull periods.
- Coordinated joint training activities and provided effective liaison with police, paramilitary, and other civil agencies.
- Conducted training for Quick Response Force on Emergency Response and fire safety awareness.
- Coordinated with medical unit and conducted 5 days first aid and Combat Life Savers training for 150 soldiers of Quick Response Force.
- Maintained Operations Room. Made sketches, maintained, and updated operational maps, prepared presentations, briefing notes and reports.
- Directed day and night patrols, close protection escorts and special operations.
- Supervised deployment of troops within sectors to deter menace of armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal activities.
- Networked with other security agencies for information gathering and led joint patrol teams to conduct raids, cordon, and search operations to achieve safe Area of Responsibility.
- Prepared Standing Operation Orders for guards and Patrol teams and ensured troops adherence to safety standards and rules of engagement.
- Sent situation reports and briefed appropriate superior authority on current security situation.
- Designed and implemented strategies to cater for welfare and administrative needs of troops, ensured maintenance of discipline and awarded punishments where necessary.
- Conducted risk assessment, security surveys and advised Appropriate Superior Authority on lapses and ways to improve security and safety standards.
- Served as Member of Unit Board of Inquiry, to conduct preliminary investigations and produced reports to facilitate proper prosecution of offenders by appropriate law enforcement agencies.
- Provided effective training and leadership for Joint Patrol Teams. Increased visibility resulted in successful raids and cordon/search and rescue operations and deterred activities of criminal gangs.
- It also resulted in release of 22 hostages, arrest and prosecution of 5 members of notorious kidnap robbery gang.
- Participated as Secretary to Unit Board of Inquiries, established to by General Officer Commanding Division to investigate minor offences among troops and made recommendations leading to appropriate punitive measures meted to offenders.
- Participate as Secretary of Unit Promotion Board. Ensured transparency and outcomes were commended by Garrison Commander.
Company Second in Command/Deputy Team Leader
African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan
Labado, Sudan
2007.04 - 2007.11
- Conducted security risk assessments and advised on security measures for residents of Military Observer team site.
- Implemented training programmes and coordinate training activities related to security awareness, emergency preparedness, field craft, Rules of Engagement, first aid and basic field hygiene, skill at arms and physical training.
- Conducted weekly field craft drills, training, and physical fitness activities to ensure troops combat readiness.
- Developed comprehensive map reading and first aid training sessions for enhanced team skills.
- Implemented constant sentry checks procedures to maintain high safety and security standards.
- Promoted positive work environment through morale-boosting initiatives.
- Led teams to achieve at least weekly 5 patrols targets.
- Oversaw troops rotation schedule, ensuring optimal coverage during sentry peak hours (stand-to and stand-down).
- Applied innovative ideas to enhance operational efficiency.
Adjutant and Intelligence Officer
81 Battalion Nigerian Army
Ibadan, Nigeria
2005.01 - 2007.03
- Followed Battalion Commander orders to direct operations and activities in Battalion.
- Took charge of Battalion administrative and logistics management, ensuring timely delivery of supplies and ration to troops on duty.
- Drafted routine correspondence to facilitate effective communication within unit.
- Acted as liaison officer to foster inter-departmental cooperation.
- Supervised, coached, and coordinated all induction sessions and training on Regimentation for personnel.
- Developed and maintained training programme.
- Provided group instruction and training to soldiers on specialized equipment and associated programs.
- Ensured accurate battalion record keeping with meticulous attention to detail.
- Utilized resources to effectively train 20 soldiers on Regimental Intelligence and documents security skills.
- Acted as liaison officer to foster inter-departmental cooperation.
- Facilitated communication between departments, improving overall coordination.
- Managed daily schedules for senior officers to ensure smooth operations.
- Assumed responsibility for inventory control, preventing loss or misplacement of items.
- Assisted in planning military exercises, bolstering preparedness levels.
- Maintained proper documentation, facilitating easy access and retrieval of information.
- Created rosters for duty personnel to ensure smooth functioning at all times.
- Adhered strictly to military protocols and regulations at all times.
- Assisted staff with maintaining manual and computerised records.
- Inspected staff uniforms and equipment and initiated disciplinary action for breaches or non-compliance.
- Safely and securely handled intelligence to minimise unnecessary disclosure.
- Adhered to military code of conduct, keeping up-to-date with latest developments in processes and technology.
- Managed unit training to hone skills for specific roles and general combat readiness.
- Directed troops to carry out military operations.
- Optimised deployment of troops based on needs of strategic operations.
Platoon Commander/Team Leader, Bravo Company
United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone
Hastings Airfield, Sierra Leone
2004.02 - 2004.11
- Managed platoon of 30 soldiers.
- Prepared, planned, executed, and assessed training in accordance with Training Guidelines.
- Trained troops on map reading, skill at arms, drills, field craft, field hygiene and unarmed combat skills.
- Prepared and delivered training presentations and reports.
- Made sketches, maintained, and updated operational maps using cartographic and information systems.
- Received combat orders, produced platoon operational orders and briefing notes, planned, synchronised deployment and management of platoon assets.
- Conducted risk assessment of vulnerable and key points.
- Provided Executive/VIP protection and escorted election materials to communities in hinterland of Sierra Leone.
- Supervised security checks and controls to prevent unauthorized access into UN Logistics base and United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone Transit Camp.
- Provided effective leadership and training of team of 30 soldiers for protection of assets in UN logistics and Hasting Airfield, which accounted for about 85% loss and theft prevention of mission logistics assets.
- Provided security protection and escorts for UN election monitoring officials that led to successful conduct of 2014 in Sierra Leone presidential and provincial election.
- Led teams to deliver election materials to under adverse weather conditions and protected UN election officials under hostile conditions in remote hinterland communities such as Kambia and Sanda Magbolonto.
- Upheld highest standards of conduct, contributing to positive reputation of unit.
- Oversaw maintenance of equipment, guaranteeing readiness for deployment at short notice.
Platoon Commander/Team Leader
81 Battalion, Nigerian Army
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
2002.12 - 2004.01
- Developed operational orders and briefs guiding platoon activities.
- Supervised effective use of 7 combat support weapons within platoon.
- Executed and evaluated training 15 programmes following Battalion Training Guidelines.
- Coordinated quarterly training on map reading, field craft, and unarmed combat skills for troops.
- Conducted supply route risk assessments and formulated strategic route plans.
- Ensured accountability for platoon equipment, arms, and ammunition.
- Organised weekly activities to boost troop morale and welfare.
- Engaged in monthly Community Peace Committee meetings addressing violent incidents.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria 1998.09 - 2000.09
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria 1993.09 - 1998.02
Officer Cadet Course - Military Tactics and Administration
Nigerian Defence Academy
Kaduna, Nigeria 2002.07 - 2002.12
Passed Junior Course AFCSC - Military Tactics and Administration
Armed Forces Command and Staff College
Jaji, Kaduna State, Nigeria 2013.01 - 2013.06
Trainers Development Certification - Safe and Secure Awareness in Field Environments Course
United Nations System Staff College
Turin, Italy 2017.11 - 2017.11
Emergency Trauma Bag (Training of Trainers Course) - Emergency First Responder
United Nations System Staff College
Turin, Italy 2022.11 - 2022.11
EMT - Emergency Medical Technician Basic Programme
National EMS Institute
Carver, Massachusetts, United States of America 2023.09 - 2023.10
Skills
- Emergency Response
- Safety training
- Security protocols
- Radio communication skills
- Risk assessment expertise
- Teamwork
- Crisis Management
- Problem-solving skills
Certification
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Individual First Aid Kit (ToT) Course
- Emergency Trauma Bag/Individual First Aid Kit First Responder Course
- Emergency Trauma Bag Training of Trainers (ToT) Course
- Training Development and Certification (TDC) Course
- Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE)
- Training of Trainers (ToT) Course
Accomplishments
- Redesigned/adopted the online Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments courses, wardens and induction training during COVID-19, pioneered the delivery of virtual learning/training programs.
- Trained 2,665 United Nations personnel on Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments courses.
- Trained 460 United Nations personnel on Emergency Trauma Bag and Individual First Aid Kit First Responder Courses.
- Established standards for conducting intensive foot, vehicle patrols, facilitated the establishment of humanitarian cells in Northeastern States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
- Developed trend analysis of significant Boko Haram terrorist attacks.
- Led a team of 3 officers that reviewed the Combat Life Savers training curriculum.
- Facilitated the training of 20 Battalion Auxiliary Intelligence Operators and Clerks on document security.
- Coordinated 15+ composite training programs.
Custom Section
Security Training Officer
Personal Information
Title: Security Training Officer
References
- Emmanuel Monjimbo, Principal Security Adviser, United Nations Department of Safety and Security, South Sudan, +17048080257, monjimbo@un.org
- Robert Marinovic, Principal Security Adviser, United Nations Department of Safety and Security, Kabul, Afghanistan, +9647809191437, robert.marinovic@un.org
Affiliations
- Soccer, swimming and dancing
Languages
English
Fluent
Timeline
Security officer
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
2024.02 - Current
EMT - Emergency Medical Technician Basic Programme
National EMS Institute
2023.09 - 2023.10
Emergency Trauma Bag (Training of Trainers Course) - Emergency First Responder
United Nations System Staff College
2022.11 - 2022.11
Trainers Development Certification - Safe and Secure Awareness in Field Environments Course
United Nations System Staff College
2017.11 - 2017.11
Security Training Officer, UNDSS
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
2016.07 - 2024.01
Security Officer
United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
2015.10 - 2016.05
Security Associate (Operations)
United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
2014.04 - 2015.10
Passed Junior Course AFCSC - Military Tactics and Administration
Armed Forces Command and Staff College
2013.01 - 2013.06
Commander/Team Leader
Defence Headquarters Quick Response Force
2012.03 - 2014.03
Officer Commanding Bravo Company, NIBATT 25
United Nations Mission in Liberia
2010.08 - 2012.03
Company Second in Command/Deputy Team Leader
Defence Company, Army Headquarters Garrison
2010.04 - 2010.07
Company Second in Command/Deputy Team Leader
Defence Company, 82 Division Garrison
2007.12 - 2010.03
Company Second in Command/Deputy Team Leader
African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan
2007.04 - 2007.11
Adjutant and Intelligence Officer
81 Battalion Nigerian Army
2005.01 - 2007.03
Platoon Commander/Team Leader, Bravo Company
United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone
2004.02 - 2004.11
Platoon Commander/Team Leader
81 Battalion, Nigerian Army
2002.12 - 2004.01
Officer Cadet Course - Military Tactics and Administration
Nigerian Defence Academy
2002.07 - 2002.12
Master of Science - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
University of Ibadan
1998.09 - 2000.09
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Ibadan
1993.09 - 1998.02