ANTONIO RIBEIRO
Bentonville
Summary
Dynamic security operations leader with comprehensive expertise at Creative Associates International, focusing on risk assessment and crisis management.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director Global Security Operations
Creative Associates International
Washington D.C.
04.2017 - 05.2025
- Directing, guiding and supporting field programs and staff as it relates to safely implementing and delivering high level programming in high-risk and non-permissive work environments in often hostile countries/regions across the globe.
- Managing a team of professional regional expatriate security managers who work closely with local (host country) security professionals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Corporate team participation to develop strategy and identify potential opportunities in line with Creative's mandate.
- Business development initiatives outside security and management responsibilities exploiting existing networks and creating new networks globally that support the same or similar international development ideas and initiatives.
- Troubleshoot and proactively provide a solution orientated approach to all aspects of Creative Associates business and delivery models from HQ to our teams in the field.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Creative Associates International is an organization that implements high-level programming in high-risk and non-permissive work environments across the globe.
Senior Manager Global Security Operations
Creative Associates International
Washington D.C.
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Supports the Senior Director of Security (SDS) with day-to-day management of more than 30 field offices as it relates to security and security operations globally.
- Support the SDS with the management of the corporate Security Department in Washington D.C.
- As Director Global Security Operations, I manage security operations, assist in managing security proposal development, as well as conducting investigations and reporting of allegations about possible fraud, Waste, Abuse and Misconduct and Trafficking in Persons (TIP) as well as potential Child Abuse.
- Assist with developing strategic and business continuity plans for the Security Department in coordination with the Global Operations Director, the SDS and Security Department team.
- Provide progress reports; Identification of security needs; Assists in developing and implementing new policies and procedures across the Security Department.
- Monitor and apply Security's budget, and liaise amongst all offices at Creative to ensure maintenance of all proper communication channels and collaboration opportunities concerning all field security functions of the Security Department.
- The position also contributes to the formulation and implementation of planned strategies and initiatives to enhance security program quality and sophistication.
- High level involvement with business development and capture work, as well startup and closeout operations of field programs.
- Creative Associates International is an organization that implements high-level programming in high-risk and non-permissive work environments across the globe.
Senior Security and Operations Manager
Creative Associates International Inc.
Washington DC
04.2015 - 09.2016
- Based in Washington D.C. the position has the overall responsibility to manage and direct all our 30 plus field offices as it relates to our implementation of USAID projects, our security approach as well as our operational security during delivery in high risk and non-permissive environments to ensure the safety of our staff, offices and other assets in the field as well as the communities we work with.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Creative Associates International Inc. is an organization that implements USAID projects and manages security operations in high-risk environments.
Corporate Security Manager
Creative Associates International Inc.
Afghanistan
04.2013 - 04.2015
- Creative's Corporate Representative on the ground supporting negotiations with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) on issues regarding taxation, corporate registration, and visa/work permit issuance for 24 international staff in country, as well as related matters with the US Embassy, OAA and the Regional Legal Office (RLO).
- Manage two international risk management service providers for Creative's country programs, with a contract-ceiling portfolio of $83 million for OTI/Community Cohesion Initiative and $42 million USD, USAID/Afghan Workforce Development Program.
- Manage two local contracts, including the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) subcontracts in country with a contract-ceiling value of $2 million USD.
- Liaise with Creative HQ Security department to ensure in-country compliance on vetting and allegation verification to support overall program compliance for all Creative programming in country.
- Focal point for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in country when required.
- Advise the Chief of Party's in country and Program Directors at HQ to properly ensure the safe implementation of program.
- Focal point for the US Embassy's Partner Liaison Security Office (PLSO).
- Provide analysis to inform Executive leadership decision-making at HQ on corporate matters in response to the fluid environment to ensure safety, contract compliance and integrity, and continued programmatic implementation.
- Support programmatic operations in coordination with the Deputy Chief of Party-Operations.
- Support with program closeout through managing all asset disposition in 5 provinces and Kabul as well as office and GH closure and handover.
- Supported CCI with the Elections Observation and Audit mission in Afghanistan, by fielding 40 international observers and providing oversight and support for security, logistics and general liaison with the IEC.
- Creative Associates International Inc. is an organization that operates in Afghanistan, managing security and compliance for international staff.
APPF Liaison and Logistics Manager
Creative Associates International Inc.
Kabul
04.2012 - 12.2012
- Spearheaded negotiations between Creative Associates International and the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF), a host country security entity created after Presidential Decree 62 and its bridging strategy.
- Manage two international risk management service providers for Creative's country programs, with a contract-ceiling portfolio of $83 million USD for OTI/Community Cohesion Initiative and $42 million USAID/Afghan Workforce Development Program.
- Manage the Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) subcontracts in country totally a contract-ceiling value of $1 million USD.
- Liaise with Creative HQ corporate from Kabul, Afghanistan (Contracts and Security departments) to ensure contract compliance and seamless start-up and change over from Private Security Companies (PSCs) to Risk Management Companies (RMCs) - this included navigating obstacles in Afghanistan with the legal and tax authorities on behalf of Creative HQ.
- Creative Associates International Inc. is an organization that operates in Afghanistan, managing security and compliance for international staff.
Acting Deputy Chief of Party/Elections & Security Manager
International Foundation for Electoral Support (IFES)
Kabul
06.2011 - 03.2012
- Focal point to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on matters of electoral security and work plan implementation as a representative of IFES-STEP, a multimillion-dollar USAID funded program.
- Ensured productive communication with the client (IEC), USAID on election operations (UN).
- Lead point of contact for the IFES close out team responsible for all aspects of operational, client management and programming tasks.
- IFES Program close out - Admin, Finance, Operations, Logistics and HR.
- Including all asset disposition.
- Promote a safe work environment by establishing comprehensive safety procedures and conducting routine inspections.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication and cross-functional initiatives.
- IFES is an organization that supports electoral processes and promotes democratic governance.
Project Manager
United Nations Office for Project Support (UNOPS)
Kabul
10.2008 - 11.2010
- Successfully managed multiple activities simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and adjust.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results.
- UNOPS is an organization that provides project management and support services to various UN agencies.
Intelligence Officer
Civilian Intelligence Services of South Africa
04.1986 - 01.2001
- Close Protection Unit focused on South African Presidential and Cabinet Ministerial representatives.
- Close Protection Team Leader, managing and leading advance parties within other African republics in preparation for Presidential visits.
- Posted oversees in Geneva, Switzerland as a Close Protection Officer to the South African Ambassador to the United Nations.
- Operations department of both NIS/NIA and SASS.
- Worked extensively on operations internationally.
- Evaluated source reliability and information credibility, ensuring high-quality input for analytical processes.
- Engaged with international counterparts to share intelligence findings and coordinate joint efforts against common adversaries.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders across government agencies, promoting collaboration on intelligence matters.
- Developed high-quality intelligence products for decision-makers, contributing to informed policy decisions.
- Civilian Intelligence Services of South Africa is responsible for national intelligence and security operations.
Education
Intelligence Studies, Counter Intelligence - Counter Espionage, Field Operations
National Intelligence Academy
Pretoria, South Africa12-2001
Skills
- Analytical problem-solving
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Security protocol implementation
- Risk assessment
- Critical thinking
Certification
- Prince II - Project Management Foundation Course
- ATLAS for Project Managers
Training
- HEAT courses, As Needed
- Safe and Secure Approaches to Field Environments (S.S.A.F.E) Training - UN Compulsory
- Safety and Field Preparations Course - UN Compulsory
- Security Course in the Field - UN Compulsory
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace - UN Compulsory
- Advance Driving Course (Offensive and Defensive driving techniques)
- Certified Close Protection Instructor on High-Risk Protection for external agencies (SA Military)
- Various in-house Subject Matter Intelligence Training Modules - Civil Intelligence Services/South African Secret Service (SASS)
Languages
- Afrikaans
- French
- English
- Afrikaans
- French
Timeline
Director Global Security Operations
Creative Associates International
04.2017 - 05.2025
Senior Manager Global Security Operations
Creative Associates International
10.2016 - 03.2017
Senior Security and Operations Manager
Creative Associates International Inc.
04.2015 - 09.2016
Corporate Security Manager
Creative Associates International Inc.
04.2013 - 04.2015
APPF Liaison and Logistics Manager
Creative Associates International Inc.
04.2012 - 12.2012
Acting Deputy Chief of Party/Elections & Security Manager
International Foundation for Electoral Support (IFES)
06.2011 - 03.2012
Project Manager
United Nations Office for Project Support (UNOPS)
10.2008 - 11.2010
Intelligence Officer
Civilian Intelligence Services of South Africa
04.1986 - 01.2001
Intelligence Studies, Counter Intelligence - Counter Espionage, Field Operations
National Intelligence Academy