E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2025-01-01

December 18, 2024

Field Security Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Security Associate provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security.
The incumbent is supervised by a Senior Officer (FSA or Head of Office) who defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR staff members, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and Host Government Security authorities (HGS) in the area to facilitate the operation.
The duty of the incumbent is to support and monitor the management of security issues.

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
– Provide assistance to the supervisor in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for the UNHCR staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern.
– Conduct regular security assessment missions to the field as required in coordination with UNDSS/other agencies; gather and analyse information about the security situation during field missions.
– Be aware of security protocols and procedures in place in accordance with the UNSMS policies, UNHCR Policies and the, Security Risk Management process for the designated area ;
– Conduct checks for compliance and advise management on any deficiencies.
– Monitor the physical security of UNHCR premises and reports on deficiencies.
– Monitor and supervise the guard force In accordance with relevant UNSMS policies and guidance.
– Assist UNHCR Protection Colleagues in efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern.
– Provide support during implementation of security-related projects.
– Assist in the monitoring, updating and reporting of security-related events.
– Assist in the processing of administrative security issues.
– Maintain relations and cooperation with UN security management system actors, local law enforcement agencies, civil authorities and other relevant agencies.
– Provide security briefings and training to UNHCR staff, and as appropriate partner staff, on relevant security risk management processes and measures for the country concerned to include security situation updates, , the warden system, communication notification and reporting procedures, travel planning procedures road air and fire safety.
– Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.
– Provide security-related advice to the manager and other staff.
– Maintain liaison and build relationships with Host Government Security Forces and security counterparts.

– 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 G6 – 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Security and Safety
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
High level of knowledge in the security field

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
FS-Field Security Operations
FS-Security Analysis
CO-Cross-cultural communication
(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.

Nature of the Position

The incumbent of this position will report to the Head of Field Office based in Girba and manage a team of security guards to ensure the safety and security of staff, premises, and operations. Additionally, the Field Security Associate will have a technical reporting line to the Field Security Officer for the Eastern Corridor, who is based in Gedaref, to ensure alignment with broader security strategies and protocols.
Girba is situated in Kassala State and is a key operational hub for UNHCR, given its role in hosting Eritrean refugees. The area is home to two major refugee camps, Girba Camp and Abuda Camp, which accommodate Eritrean refugees seeking protection and assistance. These camps serve as critical centers for delivering humanitarian aid and services. However, the ongoing Sudan security crisis has significantly affected the region, limiting access to essential supplies and services and exacerbating challenges for both refugees and host communities.
The security environment in Girba requires close monitoring, with potential tensions arising from the strain on limited resources between host communities and refugee populations. The FSA will be instrumental in ensuring the safe and effective implementation of UNHCR operations, identifying risks, and addressing security concerns as they arise.
This position requires active collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Commission for Refugees, which works closely with UNHCR on refugee-related matters, and the Humanitarian Aid Commission, which coordinates interventions for displaced persons. The FSA will also actively participate in coordination forums, such as the Protection and Refugee Working Groups, to ensure the delivery of services and advocate for the needs of affected populations.
Given the mobility of IDP and refugee populations seeking livelihoods, food, and other opportunities both within and outside the camps, the incumbent must be adept at monitoring dynamic security conditions and providing timely guidance to ensure operational continuity. The dual reporting structure, to both the Head of Field Office and the Field Security Officer in Gedaref, underscores the importance of this position in maintaining safety and security in Girba and the broader Eastern Corridor.

Desired Candidate Profile

The incumbent should have extensive experience in security management, humanitarian affairs, or related fields, with a proven track record of managing security operations in complex environments, preferably within the UN system. The candidate should possess a thorough understanding of UNHCR’s roles and responsibilities in refugee response, particularly in managing security-related challenges in camps and host community settings.

The incumbent will be expected to have demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and guiding field staff in implementing security protocols. A solid background in risk assessment, incident analysis, and crisis management is essential to ensure the safety of operations in dynamic and challenging environments.

The ideal candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, humanitarian partners, and local communities. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in English, are essential. The incumbent should be capable of providing technical security support and guidance to UNHCR staff and partners to ensure safe and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The incumbent should exhibit the ability to analyze complex and evolving security situations, identify risks, and develop innovative solutions to mitigate these challenges. He/she should have the ability to represent UNHCR effectively at the field level, advocating for the safety and security of forcibly displaced persons and ensuring adherence to international standards and best practices in humanitarian security management.

Additional Assets:
• Completion of Security Certification Program (SCP) training.
• First Aid training, with the ability to respond to emergencies effectively.
• Ability to use GIS tools for mapping and security analysis.
• Experience working in refugee, displaced, or conflict-affected contexts.

The ideal candidate will have a proactive and results-driven approach, with the ability to operate effectively under pressure while maintaining a commitment to UNHCR’s core values and principles.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Field Security Operations, FS-Security Analysis, IT-Computer Literacy

Certifications

Safety and Security – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements