Hardship LevelC
Family TypeNon Family
Family TypeNon FamilyDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2024-06-01
Job Posting End DateApril 13, 2024
Standard Job Description
Assistant Field Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Field Security Officer manages and provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security.
The incumbent is supervised by a Senior Officer who defines specific work objectives. The incumbent is required to have basic conceptual knowledge of the profession, by being dynamic and able to take on higher responsibilities progressively. The incumbent may provide input to the supervision of general service staff in the office.
The duty of the incumbent is to support and guide in all security related aspects of the operation.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Advise and support the Representative or Head of Office in managing staff safety and security of UNHCR personnel , partners, operations, premises
- Undertake periodic security assessments in close cooperation with UNHCR senior staff members, UNDSS and interagency partners drafting the required security risk management assessment reports and using key tools for same.
- Evaluate existing security measures to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement. Follow up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements.
- Advise on and assist in ensuring compliance with standard established through the Security Risk Management process.
- Assist and develop plans for evacuation/relocation medical evacuation and other security contingencies.
- In cooperation with UNHCR senior staff members, assist in ensuring that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
- Participate in programme related discussions to advise on security risk levels in line with programme criticality.
- Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.
- As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern.
- Maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities and partner agencies.
- Maintain cooperation with staff of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).
- Cooperate in security assessments and planning and supporting interagency processes.
- Support UNHCR staff serving as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT), or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Wardens.
- Provide country-relevant security advice and training to UNHCR staff, and where appropriate, to staff of NGOs and implementing partners in areas including, inter alia, preparation for and conduct of road missions, radio telecommunications, immediate actions upon detection of explosive devices or other dangers, hostage survival and other critical incidents.
- Conduct rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that staff are familiar with security contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency.
- Prepare periodic reports on security in accordance with UN and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and, as appropriate, regional security coordinators, FSS.
- Maintain linkages with the Staff Welfare Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required in consultation with staff member's supervisor.
- Provide security-related advice, in written and oral form, to the manager and other staff.
- Advise on, and upon approval, implement, needed mitigating measures.
- Participate in criticality assessments.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Military or Police Academy or other relevant field
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management, Security Risk Management, Security and Safety certification
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Military or police experience.
Desirable
Relevant training (first aid)
Examples of having established networks with Host Government or other security actors from previous employment.
Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
MD-First Aid Training
IT-Computer Literacy
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile This position is pivotal, especially given the volatile and unpredictable security context of the region. The Assistant Field Security Officer, Port Sudan, Sudan, will operate from within the Representation Office and reports to the Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO). The successful candidate will be at the forefront of ensuring the safety and security of UNHCR staff and organizational assets, a responsibility that demands not only acute judgment and profound knowledge of the operational environment but also a strong analytical capacity. This role is crucial for identifying risks and formulating strategic recommendations to mitigate security threats effectively.
Desired Candidate Profile:
Essential Skills and Experience:
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough security analyses and provide timely, well-considered recommendations to support informed decision-making by managers.
• Proven track record of sound judgment and the capacity to make critical decisions in a high-stakes environment.
• In-depth understanding of the security dynamics and operational context in the Kordofan region, coupled with the ability to perform security assessments during field visits.
• Managerial experience, with a preference for candidates who have played a supervisory role within a security framework.
• Experience managing relationships with security service providers, including overseeing contracts and ensuring the delivery of high-quality security services across multiple sites.
• Strong team player attributes, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
Qualifications:
• A university degree in Security Management, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Professional training or certification in security management is an advantage.
Additional Requirements:
• Demonstrated experience representing an organization in coordination forums and effectively engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including local authorities, security forces, and humanitarian partners.
• Willingness and ability to undertake regular field visits to conduct security assessments and provide guidance on security measures.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
The ideal candidate will embody a blend of strategic foresight, operational expertise, and strong interpersonal skills. S/he will navigate the complexities of the security landscape in Port Sudan and the entire country, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets while fostering a culture of security awareness within the operation. This role demands a proactive, resilient individual who is committed to upholding the highest standards of security and safety protocols, contributing to the UNHCR's humanitarian mission in Sudan.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, MD-First Aid Training
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Security Management
CertificationsSafety and Security - Other, Security Management Learning Program - Other, Security Risk Management - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance