UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, hope

UNICEF Ukraine

How can you make a difference?

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nation.

Job organizational context: The Security Associate (SA) GJP is to be used in a Field Office (FO) and reports to the national Security Officer (SO),

Purpose for the job: The Security Associate reports to the SO (Security Officer) for supervision. The Security Associate provides technical, operational and administrative assistance to the Supervisor 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.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities: 

1. Security Planning
2. Safety and Security Services
3. Security Networking
4. Support in Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

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 and UNICEF Security Management Systems.
• Assist the supervisor by collecting and providing the basic information required for the implementation of the requirements of all UN SMS security documentation.
• 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 Incident Reports (SIRs).

2. Safety and Security Services

• 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 security activities that support UNICEF staff, premises and operations for all locations where UNICEF personnel and/or eligible family members are present, including participation in field missions.
• Provide on-going routine technical support and direction for contracted security providers.
• Under the direct guidance of the supervisor, share information with/brief 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 SFP as required.

3. Security Networking 

• With significant 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 and Capacity Building

• Coordinate, as required, with UNDSS, on behalf of the SFP, to ensure all UNICEF personnel undertake mandatory security training/briefings.
• With strong support and guidance from the supervisor, develop and conduct field level familiarization sessions for contracted security guards specifically regarding their UN/UNICEF related duties and responsibilities.
• Assist in the provision of any security related training for UNICEF personnel or eligible family members, particularly to ensure comprehension by those more comfortable in the local language.

Impact of Results

The efficient and effective support provided by the Security Associate contributes to the timely and appropriate planning and implementation of security plans and measures that directly impact on the safety and security of personnel and their eligible family members as well as organizational premises, assets and resources.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Completion of secondary education, supplemented by relevant technical/military/police courses and/or university courses in a relevant discipline.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a security related environment is required.
• For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a relevant field may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
• Knowledge of another official UN language 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

The 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

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 promoting the protection and safeguarding of all 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable women are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

This position is based in Kharkiv and the incumbent will be expected to work on-site. However, depending on the security conditions and advisory, s/he will be required to relocate within Ukraine.