Employer: World Food Programme
Location: Benin - Cotonou
Location: Benin - Cotonou
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses. A diploma obtained from Military/Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.
Experience: Five (5) or more years years of progressively responsible support work experience in Security Management.
Language: International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language (French)
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
With the expansion of Salafi-jihadist activity in Burkina Faso, conflict-related security threats have started spilling over to Benin. Non-state armed groups (NSAG) are expected to continue exploiting vulnerabilities in the north of the country to extend their reach and take their insurgency to coastal countries. Gaps in the regional counter-terrorist response and growing socio-economic grievances will sustain vulnerabilities that the ramped-up security apparatus are unlikely to compensate for. While militant attacks are likely to target security forces, the security context is likely to deteriorate necessitating increased focus on security risk management for the Country Office’s operations. The Country Office Benin does not have a professional security officer and the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) is not geared to provide the necessary support to meet the security risk management needs of the country office.
JOB PURPOSE
To support the management of WFP’s security operations to enable the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities. The Field Security Officer (FSO) reports directly to the Country Director .
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 1 (not all-inclusive)
- Provide technical advice, guidance, and support e.g., security assessments and plans to the Country Office Benin to strengthen the capacity within security management and crisis readiness and preparedness, contributing to the development of country strategy, policies, and planning.
- Develop systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.
- Initiate and monitor the implementation of Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM).
- Support the Country Director with day-to-day management of security risk management strategies in Benin and in provide technical advice to Country Office management.
- Keep up to date with and advise upon security developments and issues and the potential impact upon WFP operations to inform security and operational activities.
- Monitor and maintain an effective security management communications system that enables rapid and co-ordinated security activities.
- Conduct context analysis for the Country Office’s areas of operations affected by armed conflict, determining the key characteristics and locations of NSAG.
- Communicate and negotiate security guarantees or acceptance for WFP to operate in areas affected by NSAG activities.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with local partners to align activities and optimise the best protection for staff, activities, and facilities.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 2 (not all-inclusive)
- Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts to align activities with wider programmes and activities and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
- Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings e.g., Security Cell to present relevant security issues, to advocate for WFP’s positions and interests, and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.
- Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
- Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g., Weekly Field Security reports, Security Incident Reports, and Flash Reports in order to enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
- Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 3 (not all-inclusive)
- Coordinate security risk management aspects with the UNSMS in country, in particular in close cooperation with the Security Adviser UNDSS.
- Support the Security Adviser UNDSS in assessing risks and drafting Security Risk Management documents.
- Provide the WFP Country Director with all relevant and updated security-related documents.
- Coordinate security risk management aspects with the host government authorities.
- Establish and/or review existing Standing Operating Procedures and contingency plans to ensure appropriate processes are in place and in accordance with security recommendations/SRMM.
- Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor the management of risks.
- Take responsibility for considering gender in all areas of work.
- Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency food assistance needs.
- Other as required.
4Ps CORE ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITIES
Purpose
Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives: Utilizes understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives to communicate linkages to team objectives and work.
Be a force for positive change: Proactively identifies and develops new methods or improvements for self and immediate team to address work challenges within own work area.
Make the mission inspiring to our team: Identifies opportunities to further align individual contributions with WFP’s mission of making an impact on local communities.
Make our mission visible in everyday actions: Helps colleagues to see the link between their individual tasks and the contributions of their unit’s goals to the broader context of WFP’s mission.
People
Look for ways to strengthen people's skills: Is able to identify, support and encourage focused on-the-job learning opportunities to address gaps between current skillsets and needed future skillsets for WFP.
Create an inclusive culture: Recognizes the contributions of teammates, and encourages contributions from culturally different team mates to recognise the value of diversity above and beyond just including it in programming for beneficiaries.
Be a coach & provide constructive feedback: Provides and solicits ongoing constructive feedback on strengths and development opportunities to help develop individual skills, whilst also helping others identify areas for improvement.
Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit: Sets clear targets for self and others to focus team efforts in ambiguous situations (e.g., unprecedented issues and/or scenarios).
Performance
Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Thinks beyond team’s conventional approaches to formulate creative methods for delivering food aid and assistance to beneficiaries.
Focus on getting results: Maintains focus on achieving individual results in the face of obstacles such as volatile or fragile environments and/or organizational roadblocks.
Make commitments and make good on commitments: Takes personal accountability for upholding and delivering upon team’s commitments and provides assurance to stakeholders.
Be Decisive: Demonstrates ability to adjust to team’s plans and priorities to optimize outcomes in light of evolving directives, while also responding quickly in high-pressure environments, such as in emergency settings.
Partnership
Connect and share across WFP units: Demonstrates an understanding of when and how to tactfully engage other units in conversations on impact, timing, or planning.
Build strong external partnerships: Networks regularly with key external partners using formal and informal opportunities to understand each partner’s unique value proposition, and to build and strengthen relationships.
Be politically agile & adaptable: Demonstrates ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations.
Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships: Demonstrates ability to articulate to internal and external audiences the value that individual contributions and immediate teams bring to partnerships.
FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES
Capability Name Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level
Strategic approach to security risk management Supports in the development of security risk management strategy and leads in its implementation to ensure safety and security of staff.
Operational knowledge of security risk management Leverages deep understanding of security operations in order to develop multi-faceted solutions to highly complex organisational security challenges.
Security resource management Monitors trends in staffing and financial resource usage to anticipate and escalate potential issues to programme leaders.
Analysis and solution development Utilises good understanding of UN inter-governmental body partner agencies to interpret information and reports and provides tactical recommendations for the mitigation of threats and vulnerabilities to WFP’s operations
Planning compliance and emergency management Demonstrates ability to plan and prioritise staff safety and security while ensuring strict compliance with established policies and procedures. Provides suggestions into how these practices may be improved.
OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS
Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts to align activities with wider programmes and activities and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings e.g., Security Cell to present relevant security issues, to advocate for WFP’s positions and interests, and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.
Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g., Weekly Field Security reports, Security Incident Reports, and Flash Reports in order to enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
Has gained professional experience in at least one operational area in Central Sahel and/or coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea.
Has gained professional experience in at least one operational area affected by armed conflict.
Has contributed to the implementation of humanitarian projects, programmes, or activities.
Has contributed to humanitarian negotiation to gain, maintain, or improve humanitarian access.
Has provided support in the provision of technical security operations advice to strengthen security risk management, in particular the preparation of security plans.
Has provided security training to personnel and managers.
APPLY
Education: Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses. A diploma obtained from Military/Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.
Experience: Five (5) or more years years of progressively responsible support work experience in Security Management.
Language: International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language (French)
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
With the expansion of Salafi-jihadist activity in Burkina Faso, conflict-related security threats have started spilling over to Benin. Non-state armed groups (NSAG) are expected to continue exploiting vulnerabilities in the north of the country to extend their reach and take their insurgency to coastal countries. Gaps in the regional counter-terrorist response and growing socio-economic grievances will sustain vulnerabilities that the ramped-up security apparatus are unlikely to compensate for. While militant attacks are likely to target security forces, the security context is likely to deteriorate necessitating increased focus on security risk management for the Country Office’s operations. The Country Office Benin does not have a professional security officer and the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) is not geared to provide the necessary support to meet the security risk management needs of the country office.
JOB PURPOSE
To support the management of WFP’s security operations to enable the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities. The Field Security Officer (FSO) reports directly to the Country Director .
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 1 (not all-inclusive)
- Provide technical advice, guidance, and support e.g., security assessments and plans to the Country Office Benin to strengthen the capacity within security management and crisis readiness and preparedness, contributing to the development of country strategy, policies, and planning.
- Develop systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.
- Initiate and monitor the implementation of Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM).
- Support the Country Director with day-to-day management of security risk management strategies in Benin and in provide technical advice to Country Office management.
- Keep up to date with and advise upon security developments and issues and the potential impact upon WFP operations to inform security and operational activities.
- Monitor and maintain an effective security management communications system that enables rapid and co-ordinated security activities.
- Conduct context analysis for the Country Office’s areas of operations affected by armed conflict, determining the key characteristics and locations of NSAG.
- Communicate and negotiate security guarantees or acceptance for WFP to operate in areas affected by NSAG activities.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with local partners to align activities and optimise the best protection for staff, activities, and facilities.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 2 (not all-inclusive)
- Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts to align activities with wider programmes and activities and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
- Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings e.g., Security Cell to present relevant security issues, to advocate for WFP’s positions and interests, and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.
- Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
- Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g., Weekly Field Security reports, Security Incident Reports, and Flash Reports in order to enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
- Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 3 (not all-inclusive)
- Coordinate security risk management aspects with the UNSMS in country, in particular in close cooperation with the Security Adviser UNDSS.
- Support the Security Adviser UNDSS in assessing risks and drafting Security Risk Management documents.
- Provide the WFP Country Director with all relevant and updated security-related documents.
- Coordinate security risk management aspects with the host government authorities.
- Establish and/or review existing Standing Operating Procedures and contingency plans to ensure appropriate processes are in place and in accordance with security recommendations/SRMM.
- Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor the management of risks.
- Take responsibility for considering gender in all areas of work.
- Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency food assistance needs.
- Other as required.
4Ps CORE ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITIES
Purpose
Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives: Utilizes understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives to communicate linkages to team objectives and work.
Be a force for positive change: Proactively identifies and develops new methods or improvements for self and immediate team to address work challenges within own work area.
Make the mission inspiring to our team: Identifies opportunities to further align individual contributions with WFP’s mission of making an impact on local communities.
Make our mission visible in everyday actions: Helps colleagues to see the link between their individual tasks and the contributions of their unit’s goals to the broader context of WFP’s mission.
People
Look for ways to strengthen people's skills: Is able to identify, support and encourage focused on-the-job learning opportunities to address gaps between current skillsets and needed future skillsets for WFP.
Create an inclusive culture: Recognizes the contributions of teammates, and encourages contributions from culturally different team mates to recognise the value of diversity above and beyond just including it in programming for beneficiaries.
Be a coach & provide constructive feedback: Provides and solicits ongoing constructive feedback on strengths and development opportunities to help develop individual skills, whilst also helping others identify areas for improvement.
Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit: Sets clear targets for self and others to focus team efforts in ambiguous situations (e.g., unprecedented issues and/or scenarios).
Performance
Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Thinks beyond team’s conventional approaches to formulate creative methods for delivering food aid and assistance to beneficiaries.
Focus on getting results: Maintains focus on achieving individual results in the face of obstacles such as volatile or fragile environments and/or organizational roadblocks.
Make commitments and make good on commitments: Takes personal accountability for upholding and delivering upon team’s commitments and provides assurance to stakeholders.
Be Decisive: Demonstrates ability to adjust to team’s plans and priorities to optimize outcomes in light of evolving directives, while also responding quickly in high-pressure environments, such as in emergency settings.
Partnership
Connect and share across WFP units: Demonstrates an understanding of when and how to tactfully engage other units in conversations on impact, timing, or planning.
Build strong external partnerships: Networks regularly with key external partners using formal and informal opportunities to understand each partner’s unique value proposition, and to build and strengthen relationships.
Be politically agile & adaptable: Demonstrates ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations.
Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships: Demonstrates ability to articulate to internal and external audiences the value that individual contributions and immediate teams bring to partnerships.
FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES
Capability Name Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level
Strategic approach to security risk management Supports in the development of security risk management strategy and leads in its implementation to ensure safety and security of staff.
Operational knowledge of security risk management Leverages deep understanding of security operations in order to develop multi-faceted solutions to highly complex organisational security challenges.
Security resource management Monitors trends in staffing and financial resource usage to anticipate and escalate potential issues to programme leaders.
Analysis and solution development Utilises good understanding of UN inter-governmental body partner agencies to interpret information and reports and provides tactical recommendations for the mitigation of threats and vulnerabilities to WFP’s operations
Planning compliance and emergency management Demonstrates ability to plan and prioritise staff safety and security while ensuring strict compliance with established policies and procedures. Provides suggestions into how these practices may be improved.
OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS
Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts to align activities with wider programmes and activities and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings e.g., Security Cell to present relevant security issues, to advocate for WFP’s positions and interests, and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.
Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g., Weekly Field Security reports, Security Incident Reports, and Flash Reports in order to enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
Has gained professional experience in at least one operational area in Central Sahel and/or coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea.
Has gained professional experience in at least one operational area affected by armed conflict.
Has contributed to the implementation of humanitarian projects, programmes, or activities.
Has contributed to humanitarian negotiation to gain, maintain, or improve humanitarian access.
Has provided support in the provision of technical security operations advice to strengthen security risk management, in particular the preparation of security plans.
Has provided security training to personnel and managers.
APPLY