Assistant Field Security Officer (N) – UN jobs

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2024-08-01

August 17, 2024

Assistant Field Security Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Assistant Field Security Officer supports and undertakes activities pertaining to workforce security and security for persons of concern. The incumbent supports and provides guidance in all security-related aspects of the operation.

The incumbent is supervised by a senior officer who defines the work objectives and provides general guidance. The incumbent may provide input to the supervision of general service staff in the office.

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

• Support the Representative or the Head of Office in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, partners, operations, and premises.
• Support in the development of security risk management processes in close cooperation with UNHCR managers, UNDSS and the security cell, identifying the appropriate security risk management measures and monitoring compliance of same.
• Assist in the development of security plans for evacuation/relocation, medical evacuation, and other security contingencies.
• In cooperation with UNHCR senior personnel, assist in ensuring that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
• Respond to personnel queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance or security-related advice as required.
• As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of forcibly displaced and stateless people.
• Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities, the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and partner agencies.
• Support UNHCR management as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT) or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), and Area Security Coordinators (ASC).
• Provide country-relevant security advice and training to UNHCR personnel and, where appropriate, to personnel of NGOs and operational partners.
• Conduct rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that personnel are familiar with security contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency, including for Wardens.
• Prepare periodic reports and incident reports on security in accordance with UNSMS and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and, as appropriate, regional security coordinators and the Field Security Service.
• Maintain linkages with the Psychosocial Wellbeing Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
• Contribute to a person-centered approach to all aspects of UNHCR security risk management, ensuring inclusion of the diverse personal profiles of personnel and the development of appropriate support and measures.
• Undertake other security-related duties as determined by the supervisor.
• Understand all required security learning and training and ensure that changes in security policies and processes are effectively communicated to personnel.
• 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

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

Security Management Risk Management; Political Science;

International Relations; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Security Management Learning Program; First Aid Training;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Not specified.

Desirable

Experience in having established working networks with law enforcement and other security actors.

Functional Skills

FS-Security Planning

FS-Security Analysis

CO-Drafting and Documentation

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.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Judgement and Decision Making

Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies

Planning and Organizing

Political Awareness

Stakeholder Management

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.

Operational Context:

Sudan is currently experiencing a complex, fluid, and volatile security environment characterized by ongoing armed conflict, and catastrophic humanitarian situation. The humanitarian operational context is shaped by various factors, including armed conflict, severe economic challenges, and humanitarian crises. Areas and regions affected by armed conflict experience high levels of crime, in different manifestation, posing significant risks to humanitarian operations.

Humanitarian access is often restricted due to insecurity, bureaucratic obstacles, and logistical challenges. The precarious security situation necessitates constant vigilance and robust security measures to ensure the safety of personnel, operation, assets, persons we serve. Negotiating access with various actors, including government authorities, other groups, and local communities, is essential to deliver assistance effectively. Gaining access require a nuanced understanding of the local dynamics and the ability to engage diplomatically with diverse stakeholders.

Sudan hosts a significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers and refugees. Ensuring their protection and access to humanitarian assistance is a core mandate of UNHCR. The needs of these vulnerable populations are vast and multifaceted, encompassing shelter, food, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation.

Effective coordination with various stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities and other actors, is necessary to gain access and attend to multifaceted needs of the affected populations.

Desired Candidate Profile:

This position is pivotal, especially given the volatile and unpredictable security context of the region. The Assistant Field Security Officer, based in Port Sudan, will operate from within the Representation Office and report to the Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO).

The Assistant Field Security Officer must possess exceptional skills in building and maintaining contacts across the political and other actors’ divide, ensuring seamless communication and cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.

This Assistant Field Security Officer position is integral to the success of UNHCR’s mission in Sudan. The role demands a dynamic and proactive individual capable of navigating the complexities of a challenging operational landscape.

The successful candidate should be able to conduct real-time security risk assessments, considering the fluid and dynamic conflict situations. They are expected to be adept at synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable recommendations, allowing UNHCR to navigate the intricate security landscape effectively, ensuring the safety of staff and the continuity of operations.

1. Demonstrated experience in Security Analysis:
• Conduct comprehensive security threat analysis and real-time security assessments considering the fluid and dynamic conflict situations.
• Monitor and evaluate security incidents and trends affecting UNHCR and partner operations.
• Identify emerging threats and provide actionable recommendations to enhance staff safety, security and program continuity.

2. Demonstrated experience in Political Analysis:
• Analyze political developments and their implications on UNHCR’s operations.
• Provide timely reports on political dynamics and impact UNHCR operation posture and footprint.

3. Demonstrated experience in Actor Mapping:
• Develop and maintain detailed maps and databases of key actors, including their affiliations, areas of control, and influence.
• Facilitate engagement strategies with political entities, other actors, and other stakeholders.

4. Additional skills:
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex political and security environments.
• Proficiency in GIS and other mapping tools.
• Excellent report writing skills in English.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage databases and perform data analysis.

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 Sudan ensuring the safety and security of personnel operation, assets and population. 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.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, FS-Security Analysis, FS-Security Planning, IT-Computer Literacy

Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Risk Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Security Management

Certifications

First Aid Training – Other, Security Management Learning Program – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

*Important note:

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• A written test (eliminatory or complementary) and oral interviews may be administered for shortlisted candidates.

This position requires Functional Clearance