Ismael Gomez is a highly experienced humanitarian security expert with nearly two decades in the Humanitarian Aid and Development sector. He has worked extensively in volatile, high-risk regions, including Central and West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, and the Great Lakes, holding operational and strategic positions. Before joining IFDC, he contributed to international NGOs, global organizations, and the United Nations, focusing on security risk management in complex environments.
In November 2021, Gomez joined IFDC as the Global Security Manager, where he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s security framework. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Ahmadu Bello University and a master’s in peace studies and conflict resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded an honorary PhD in peace and conflict resolution by the University of Porto Novo and Institute for Crisis Resolution-Peace Building and Conciliation. Beyond academia, Gomez has earned multiple professional certifications in criminal investigation, security training, intelligence analysis, forensics, occupational health and safety, and fraud detection and prevention, further reinforcing his security and risk management expertise.