JOB DESCRIPTION

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-08-14

July 28, 2025

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.

The Field Security Associate (FSA) will be based in Hargeisa and provide security coverage for UNHCR operations throughout Somaliland. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office and the technical guidance of the Field Security Officer (FSO), the FSA will be responsible for coordinating and delivering security management support across all operational areas in Somaliland. The incumbent is expected to travel frequently to field locations to support UNHCR activities by providing technical security advice, guidance, and actionable recommendations to safeguard personnel, partners, and assets.
The FSA is an active member of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) and represents UNHCR at the Area Security Cell and as an observer in the Hargeisa Area Security Management Team (ASMT) meetings.

The ideal candidate should be a dedicated team leader, flexible, and proactive in responding to emergency security situations and evolving challenges. A strong understanding of United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and procedures is essential. Previous experience with UNHCR is highly desirable.
The candidate should demonstrate proven competencies in security analysis, delivering presentations, and conducting security training. Experience in humanitarian response settings, as well as the ability to build and maintain effective networks with host government law enforcement authorities and other security actors in Somaliland, is highly desirable.
Experience in implementing gender-inclusive Security Risk Management (SRM) processes and handling gender-based security incidents effectively is also desirable.
The incumbent is expected to possess strong technical skills in the use of communication equipment, security information systems, and relevant computer software. Proficiency in local language(s) and a deep understanding of the political, cultural, religious, and ethnic dynamics of Somaliland are essential. The role requires sound judgment, strong situational awareness, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure while maintaining close coordination with the Field Security Officer and UNDSS.

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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

The position is only open for Somali nationals and proof of nationality will be required for the selection processes. A written test may be undertaken for the shortlisted candidates.

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance