UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, that’s why UNICEF is here!

How can you make a difference?

The Local Security Assistant (LSA) reports to the Security Associate for supervision. The Security Assistant provides technical, operational, and administrative assistance to the CSM in support of their role as it relates to ensuring the safety and security of personnel and their eligible family members as well as the safeguarding of UNICEF premises, assets, and resources at the duty station. In carrying out the below duties the incumbent is expected to follow instructions precisely and in strict compliance with supervisor’s instructions and UN Security related policies, rules, and procedures. The Local Security Assistant will have a direct reporting role through the supervisor to the Country Security Manager, who in turn reports directly to the Representative and maintains a close working relationship with the Office of Regional Security Advisor (Matrix Management).

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Security Planning
2. Safety and security services
3. Security Networking
4. Support in knowledge management, capacity building and digital transformation.

1. Security Planning

• Support the supervisor administratively and logistically in their planning functions related to the safety and security of UNICEF personnel and eligible family members as well as the safeguarding of premises, assets, and resources in accordance with UN UNICEF Security Management Systems.
• Assist with supervisor by collecting and providing the basic information required for the implementation of the UN Country Security Plan, Security Risk Management (SRM) measures, Residential Security Measures (RSM), and other relevant policies, guidelines, and assessments.
• Assist the supervisor in the development of UNICEF routine security documentation, including security contingency plans such as, but not limited to, fire and evacuation plans.
• Assist the supervisor in drafting routine security reports/returns, including but not limited to Security Incidents Reports (SIRs).

2. Safety and Security

• Monitor the local security situation through local media and networks providing regular information and updates to the supervisor relative to on-going and emerging security issues in the country.
• Assist the supervisor in the security activities that support UNICEF staff, premises, and operations for all locations where UNICEF personnel and/or eligible family members are present.
• Provide on-going routine technical support and direction for contracted security providers on behalf of the CSM.
• Under the direct guidance of the supervisor, share information with UNICEF personnel and eligible family members that would affect their safety and security and information regarding the actions to take in the event of an emergency, including those identified in the UNICEF/UN Security Plans.
• Support the supervisor in the establishment of effective and functioning Communications/Warden Systems for UNICEF and the periodic testing of these systems.
• Support the supervisor in the conduct of all security related contingency exercises, particularly relating to administration, communications, and logistics.
• Conduct physical security surveys of international personnel residences in accordance with the Residential Security Measures (RSM) on behalf of the CSM as required.
• Assist the supervisor in facilitating internal controls by monitoring Personnel compliance to security measures.

3. Security Networking

• With significance guidance from the supervisor, actively maintain official liaison with host government counterparts, local authorities responsible for security, law and order and security counterparts in the UN.

4. Support in knowledge Management, Capacity Building and Digital Transformation.

• Coordinate, as required, with UNDSS, on behalf of the Country Security Manager, to ensure all UNICEF personnel undertake mandatory security trainings/briefings.
• With strong support and guidance from supervisor, develop and conduct country level familiarization sessions for contracted security guards specifically regarding their UN/UNICEF related duties and responsibilities.
• With strong support and guidance from supervisor, develop and conduct country level training sessions for drivers to familiarize them with the specific actions to take when entering a security related situation when driving.
• Assist the supervisor in the management of online platforms (SharePoint, Planner; TRIP; Vehicle tracking; AIMS…etc.) and ensure that all related UNICEF personnel information is adequately and timely captured in the applications systems.
• Assist in facilitation of security trainings and security briefings to UNICEF Personnel as required.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of Secondary education supplemented by relevant technical /military/Police Courses and/or University courses in relevant discipline.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 (five) years of relevant professional experience in a security related environment is required.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of the local operating area and context, including the main security stakeholders.

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.