About us

The International Foundation for Protection Officers is committed to the support and professional development of protection officers and supervisors. Through advice, promotion of training standards, and provision of accessible training, education and certification opportunities, we seek to enhance their professional standing as well as increase and diversify the value of the vital services they provide.

Vision

Commitment to Excellence: To be the recognized center of excellence and primary provider of education and training products and services to the security industry.

Mission

The International Foundation for Protection Officers offers professional learning programs to equip security practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and advance their careers.

Objectives

To make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.

Vision

To enable the transformation of security professional development through accessible, outcome-driven learning.

Meet our team members

History of IFPO MENASA

2019

The Vision Begins

In 2019, while working in the Middle East, Nadeem Iqbal identified a major gap in professional development for entry-level security officers. The Certified Protection Officer (CPO) program offered by IFPO was highly valuable, but its availability only in English posed a barrier for many in the region. Recognizing the need for localized training, Iqbal initiated discussions with IFPO to make their programs accessible in regional languages—a bold move that was initially met with skepticism.

2020

First Breakthrough

After persistent efforts, June 2020 marked a turning point: the first CPO program was successfully delivered in Arabic. This milestone proved the feasibility of localized training and opened doors for broader adoption. The success of this initiative laid the foundation for IFPO MENASA’s expansion, transforming it from a Middle East-focused entity (IFPO ME) into a regional powerhouse serving MENASA countries.

2021

Rapid Expansion

By 2021, IFPO MENASA had gained significant traction. Over 300 individuals completed the CPO program, and more than 100 enrolled in the Security Supervision and Management Program (SSMP). The National Protection Officer (NPO) program saw explosive growth, engaging over 20,000 participants across the region. This surge in participation highlighted the demand for professional security education tailored to local needs.

2022

Multilingual Reach

In 2022, IFPO MENASA expanded its offerings to include 11 distinct programs available in English, Arabic, and French. This multilingual approach allowed the foundation to serve a diverse audience across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The organization’s commitment to accessibility and excellence positioned it as a leading provider of security education in the region.

2023

A Regional Leader

By 2023, IFPO MENASA had firmly established itself as a center of excellence for security training. With continued support from IFPO’s global leadership and a growing network of certified professionals, the foundation continues to elevate the standards of protection officers across MENASA. Its success story is a testament to the power of vision, persistence, and localized innovation.

About us

Vision

Mission

Objectives

Vision

Meet our team members

Nadeem Iqbal

John Smith

Sophia Lee

Sophia Lee

Sophia Lee

Sophia Lee

History of IFPO MENASA

The Vision Begins

First Breakthrough

Rapid Expansion

Multilingual Reach

A Regional Leader

Approved Training Partners