Security Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Ukraine is seeking to increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises that affect agriculture, food and nutrition, focusing on four major areas: – rural economic development – transition to sustainable agriculture and food production practices – adaptation to climate change – humanitarian assistance.

FAO Ukraine is the country office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security, reducing rural poverty, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO Ukraine works in close partnership with the government, civil society organizations, private sector, and other UN agencies to address the diverse challenges and opportunities in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and environmental sectors. By providing technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity development support, FAO Ukraine plays a vital role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening the resilience of rural communities, and enhancing food security and nutrition across the country.

The role is in-office, based in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the DRO/FAO Ukraine Head of Office, the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer (Security and Safety) in Kyiv and in close coordination with the National Professional Officer (Security and Safety) in Kharkiv and the larger security team, in addition to the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and personnel across FAO Ukraine.

Technical Focus

The Security Assistant will provide the necessary assistance to enable FAO programmes and projects by contributing to the safety and security of all FAO personnel and assets in Ukraine.

Tasks and responsibilities

Specifically, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

• Monitor and assess the overall security situation in Kharkiv oblast; 
• Apply and monitor the implementation of established Organization and applicable United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and procedures on Safety and Security Management; 
• Maintain close security coordination with UNDSS in Kharkiv, security focal points of other agencies and humanitarian partners, and ensure appropriate professional liaison of security matters with local authorities responsible for security; 
• Ensure protection of  FAO personnel in Kharkiv (on a fixed or temporary basis), assets and facilities in accordance with provisions of the UN Security Management System by: strengthening the security arrangements at FAO facilities in  through appropriate security  and contingency planning and, in close cooperation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and FAO National Security Specialist, coordinating 24/7 response to all security-related incidents involving FAO in Kharkiv personnel and assets; 
• Ensure security of personnel based/deployed in Kharkiv and Kharkivska oblast, as well as visiting personnel, particularly with overnight visits and while in transit 
• Undertake missions as requested to program sites and assess prevailing local security conditions in the area of responsibility, identifying security trends and advise FAO personnel, project personnel and eligible family members on potential security issues;  
• Support, coordinate and contribute UN joint missions/convoys when necessary and pertinent to FAO; 
• Brief personnel on visiting missions to the east of Ukraine, with relevant security information, as well as support arrangements for security clearance, situation reports and other appropriate security-related information and training; 
• Coordinate warden duties for Kharkiv and conduct all country headcounts; 
• Support the implementation and FAO Kharkiv office personnel’s participation in FAO Security Notification System; 
• In coordination with supervisor, conduct mandatory safety drills and assist in providing security trainings in FAO premises at the duty station; 
• Support the deployment and utilization of operational emergency communications systems, including its installation, operation and maintenance in FAO office; 
• Manage FAO office security equipment, extended training and performance of security contractors, guards and security escorts personnel, if applicable; 
• Providing security support on missions, including some driving, when the situation requires it; 
• Assist the security team in drafting operation, security plans, PRs and other security related documentation;  
• Backstop the other security team personnel and deliverables, as needed 
• Perform other related duties as required by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma (University degree is desirable)
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related fields of work
• Working knowledge or Native (Level C) Russian
• Working knowledge or Native (Level C) Ukrainian
• Limited knowledge (Level B) English
• National of Ukraine

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• University degree is desirable
• Valid driving license of category B is desirable
• Previous experience with the UN system or relation work for a donor organization, consulting company or NGO is a strong advantage
• Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Exchange)
• Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously
• Ability to work quickly and under pressure

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION