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The INSSA Lifetime Achievement Award, created in 2026, recognizes an individual who has made an exceptional, career-long contribution to the field of security risk management within the NGO and humanitarian aid sector.

The award celebrates individuals whose work has significantly advanced the safety, professionalism, and effectiveness of security risk management in humanitarian operations, and whose contributions align with the mission, values, and objectives of INSSA.

The award will be presented once every other year, subject to the Board determining that a suitable candidate has been nominated.

The Process

Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award may be submitted by members of:

  • The INSSA Board of Directors
  • The INSSA Advisory Council

INSSA Board Directors are not eligible for the award, however Advisory Council members can be nominated.

Each nomination must include supporting background information sufficient for Board review, including:

  • A biographical summary of the nominee
  • Description of major contributions to NGO humanitarian security risk management
  • Any supporting documentation or endorsements deemed relevant

Eligibility

Nominees should demonstrate:

  • A distinguished career in NGO or humanitarian security risk management
  • Significant and sustained contributions to the advancement of security practices, standards, or leadership in the sector
  • A reputation for integrity, professionalism, and service
  • Contributions that reflect and support the mission and values of INSSA

Nominees may come from operational, leadership, policy, academic, or advisory roles within the humanitarian security community.

Review and Selection Process

  1. Nominations will be compiled and presented to the Board of Directors.
  2. The Board will review the supporting materials for each nominee.
  3. The Board will conduct a vote to select the award recipient.
  4. One recipient will be selected each year or every other year.

The Board retains the discretion to withhold the award in any year if no nominee meets the standard of distinction.

Oversight and Governance

The Executive Committee of the Board will oversee the award process to ensure:

  • Fairness and transparency
  • Alignment with the mission and values of INSSA
  • Consistency with the organization’s governance standards
  • Appropriate handling of potential conflicts of interest

The Executive Committee will also confirm that nomination materials meet the required standard before they are presented for Board consideration.

Recognition

The award recipient will be formally recognized through:

  • An official announcement by INSSA on all communication channels
  • Presentation of the award at an appropriate INSSA event if feasible
  • Inclusion in INSSA’s historical record of honorees

Amendments

This framework may be amended by the INSSA Board of Directors as needed to ensure the award continues to reflect the evolving priorities and mission of the organization.