Hiring organization: UNHCR
Job locations: Kandahar, Afghanistan
Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Job Posting End DateNovember 28, 2023
Standard Job Description
Field Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Security Officer reports to the manager, who may be, according to context, the Representative/Chief of Mission or Head of Office within a country operation, the Senior Field Security Officer; the Bureau Director in a Regional Directorate; the Chief, Security Operations Section at Headquarters, or the regional Senior Security Coordinator.
The incumbent acts as an adviser to the manager on field security, providing sound, well- reasoned advice followed by support in implementation of agreed measures or steps.
The incumbent may directly supervise security personnel at the international or national level. The incumbent may, depending on the context, be expected to monitor, coach, guide and support security personnel.
The Field Security Officer may, depending on the context, be expected to travel on mission to multiple duty stations to provide advice and support to the local manager as agreed in mission terms of reference.
All UNHCR personnel 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, personnel 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
- Advise and support the manager on all aspects of security risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness with regard to maintaining the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, operations, and facilities.
- Undertake security risk assessments/ ad hoc Security Risk Managements (SRM) analysing security factors and levels of risk related to UNHCR activities and programmes.
- Participate in the development or update of the SRM process for designated areas.
- Evaluate existing Security Risk Management Measures (SRMMs) to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement. Follow up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements.
- Monitor compliance with standards established through the Security Risk Management process.
- Ensure gender considerations are included in the SRM processes and that SRMMs are appropriate. At a minimum these must include security briefings, travel advisories and the development and update of the Aide Memoire for Response to Gender-Based Security Incidents
- Develop specific UNHCR plans as well as contributing to the UNSMS plans and planning for relocation/evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies test plans in exercises or drills. to ensure that personnel are familiar with contingency plans and can implement them effectively in an emergency.
- Ensure that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
- Coordinate and assist in management of critical incidents and post-incident processes reporting to manager, regional security coordinator and FSS.
- Participate in and support activities to advise on Programme Criticality assessment process.
- As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern by providing security assessments, analysis and advice in developing and implementing effective strategies which underpin the responsibilities of the host state.
- Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including Host Government law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective information sharing.
- Maintain and enhance lines of communication with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and other UNSMS Security personnel ensuring UNHCR mandate and program activities are understood. Actively contribute to the Security cell and support the UNSMS.
- Support UNHCR personnel serving as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT), or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Wardens.
- Provide country-relevant, security advice and training which is gender inclusive to UNHCR personnel, and where feasible to staff of NGOs and Partners in areas In line with UNSMS and UNHCR standards. Coordinate training with security management training unit of the global learning development centre.
- Prepare periodic analytical reports on security issues in accordance with UN and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and as relevant the regional Senior Security Coordinator and FSS.
- Maintain linkages with the Psychosocial Well Being Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
- Undertake other security-related functions or responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.
- Assist in building the capacity of national field security personnel by providing mentoring, on the coaching and other forms of guidance.
- 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 P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Security; Security Management; Business Administration;
Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management,
Security Risk Management,
Security and Safety certification,
WSAT ToT
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Security risk management experience in an international capacity.
Desirable
Proven competences in security analysis. Experience in high-risk/hardship environments. Experience working within or with humanitarian NGOs. Experience in implementing gender-inclusive Security Risk Management processes.
Relevant training (first aid, WSAT, SSAFE, presentation skills, training skills). Examples of having established networks with Host Government or other security actors from previous employment. Experience of effectively handling gender-based security incidents.
Experience of delivering presentations and training.
Functional Skills
*FS-Security Risk Management
*FS-Field Security Operations
*FS-Security Planning
*FS-UN/UNHCR Rules, Regulations and Guidelines on Security Management
FS-Security Analysis
(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.
Desired languages:
Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Job Posting End DateNovember 28, 2023
Standard Job Description
Field Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Security Officer reports to the manager, who may be, according to context, the Representative/Chief of Mission or Head of Office within a country operation, the Senior Field Security Officer; the Bureau Director in a Regional Directorate; the Chief, Security Operations Section at Headquarters, or the regional Senior Security Coordinator.
The incumbent acts as an adviser to the manager on field security, providing sound, well- reasoned advice followed by support in implementation of agreed measures or steps.
The incumbent may directly supervise security personnel at the international or national level. The incumbent may, depending on the context, be expected to monitor, coach, guide and support security personnel.
The Field Security Officer may, depending on the context, be expected to travel on mission to multiple duty stations to provide advice and support to the local manager as agreed in mission terms of reference.
All UNHCR personnel 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, personnel 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
- Advise and support the manager on all aspects of security risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness with regard to maintaining the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, operations, and facilities.
- Undertake security risk assessments/ ad hoc Security Risk Managements (SRM) analysing security factors and levels of risk related to UNHCR activities and programmes.
- Participate in the development or update of the SRM process for designated areas.
- Evaluate existing Security Risk Management Measures (SRMMs) to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement. Follow up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements.
- Monitor compliance with standards established through the Security Risk Management process.
- Ensure gender considerations are included in the SRM processes and that SRMMs are appropriate. At a minimum these must include security briefings, travel advisories and the development and update of the Aide Memoire for Response to Gender-Based Security Incidents
- Develop specific UNHCR plans as well as contributing to the UNSMS plans and planning for relocation/evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies test plans in exercises or drills. to ensure that personnel are familiar with contingency plans and can implement them effectively in an emergency.
- Ensure that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
- Coordinate and assist in management of critical incidents and post-incident processes reporting to manager, regional security coordinator and FSS.
- Participate in and support activities to advise on Programme Criticality assessment process.
- As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern by providing security assessments, analysis and advice in developing and implementing effective strategies which underpin the responsibilities of the host state.
- Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including Host Government law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective information sharing.
- Maintain and enhance lines of communication with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and other UNSMS Security personnel ensuring UNHCR mandate and program activities are understood. Actively contribute to the Security cell and support the UNSMS.
- Support UNHCR personnel serving as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT), or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Wardens.
- Provide country-relevant, security advice and training which is gender inclusive to UNHCR personnel, and where feasible to staff of NGOs and Partners in areas In line with UNSMS and UNHCR standards. Coordinate training with security management training unit of the global learning development centre.
- Prepare periodic analytical reports on security issues in accordance with UN and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and as relevant the regional Senior Security Coordinator and FSS.
- Maintain linkages with the Psychosocial Well Being Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
- Undertake other security-related functions or responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.
- Assist in building the capacity of national field security personnel by providing mentoring, on the coaching and other forms of guidance.
- 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 P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Security; Security Management; Business Administration;
Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management,
Security Risk Management,
Security and Safety certification,
WSAT ToT
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Security risk management experience in an international capacity.
Desirable
Proven competences in security analysis. Experience in high-risk/hardship environments. Experience working within or with humanitarian NGOs. Experience in implementing gender-inclusive Security Risk Management processes.
Relevant training (first aid, WSAT, SSAFE, presentation skills, training skills). Examples of having established networks with Host Government or other security actors from previous employment. Experience of effectively handling gender-based security incidents.
Experience of delivering presentations and training.
Functional Skills
*FS-Security Risk Management
*FS-Field Security Operations
*FS-Security Planning
*FS-UN/UNHCR Rules, Regulations and Guidelines on Security Management
FS-Security Analysis
(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.
Desired languages:
Dari
Pashto
Nature of Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub Office and overall guidance from the Senior FS Officer in CO Kabul, the incumbent of the position takes on the leading role of coordinating and supervising all activities related to security issues within the Sub Office. In cooperation with UNDSS and other UN humanitarian agencies, the incumbent is expected to participate in Area SRM reviews in view of identifying security gaps with recommendations to the HoSO. S/he identify other risks such as gender-based or ethnicity-based risks affecting staff members to ensure these considerations are included in SRM processes, including security risk assessments, security briefings, and travel advisories. S/he undertakes periodic security assessments in close cooperation with UNHCR senior staff members and interagency partners, analyzing security factors and levels of risk related to UNHCR activities and programmes. S/he evaluates existing security measures to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement and follows up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements. The position is expected to maintain updated plans for evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies. It also assists in identifying training needs, planning, and delivering security training in coordination with CO Kabul FSU and UNDSS in the Southern Region. As required, the positions also leads and coordinates rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that staff are familiar with contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency.
Living and Working Conditions:
Afghanistan is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. The Sub Office is supervised by the Head of Sub Office, P4. At SO Jalalabad, international staff are accommodated in a SRMM compliant shared accommodation within the office compound where each staff has an independent self-contained room with shared basic facilities. Very basic infrastructure as well as leisure and recreational amenities consisting of satellite television and a well-equipped gymnasium are available.
UNHCR office is in PD3 Jalalabad city, the office operates a dedicated (UN approved) guest house with 8 big rooms which is home to a small permanent UNHCR international staff. The facility also accommodates visiting UNHCR international personnel from Kabul and other regions. The guest house is located with the UNHCR office in Jalalabad.
There are restricted movements within Afghanistan and all movements is strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air and no road. A 4-week R&R cycle, staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to face situations when required to be locked down in compound bunkers for an extended period due to security incidents.
Access to healthcare facilities is constrained by shortage of doctors, medical equipment, and poor standards of care. General lack of sufficiently trained health workers and quality medicines in both public and private medical facilities. UNHCR and UN agencies jointly run JMS Level 1 medical clinic and satellite located in ICON. S/M on special prescription should travel with sufficient quantity.
Eastern Region consists of four provinces: Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, and Nuristan. With Jalalabad City being the regional capital. Three of these provinces, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan have a long border with Pakistan. The border is defined along what is known as the Durand Line. The borderline is not agreed upon between the two countries, the reason we witnessed several clashes and standoff attacks between the forces of two countries. Security situation is unstable, volatile, and unpredictable. A daily radio check is mandatory.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Military, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Police Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
Certifications:
Pashto
Nature of Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub Office and overall guidance from the Senior FS Officer in CO Kabul, the incumbent of the position takes on the leading role of coordinating and supervising all activities related to security issues within the Sub Office. In cooperation with UNDSS and other UN humanitarian agencies, the incumbent is expected to participate in Area SRM reviews in view of identifying security gaps with recommendations to the HoSO. S/he identify other risks such as gender-based or ethnicity-based risks affecting staff members to ensure these considerations are included in SRM processes, including security risk assessments, security briefings, and travel advisories. S/he undertakes periodic security assessments in close cooperation with UNHCR senior staff members and interagency partners, analyzing security factors and levels of risk related to UNHCR activities and programmes. S/he evaluates existing security measures to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement and follows up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements. The position is expected to maintain updated plans for evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies. It also assists in identifying training needs, planning, and delivering security training in coordination with CO Kabul FSU and UNDSS in the Southern Region. As required, the positions also leads and coordinates rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that staff are familiar with contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency.
Living and Working Conditions:
Afghanistan is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. The Sub Office is supervised by the Head of Sub Office, P4. At SO Jalalabad, international staff are accommodated in a SRMM compliant shared accommodation within the office compound where each staff has an independent self-contained room with shared basic facilities. Very basic infrastructure as well as leisure and recreational amenities consisting of satellite television and a well-equipped gymnasium are available.
UNHCR office is in PD3 Jalalabad city, the office operates a dedicated (UN approved) guest house with 8 big rooms which is home to a small permanent UNHCR international staff. The facility also accommodates visiting UNHCR international personnel from Kabul and other regions. The guest house is located with the UNHCR office in Jalalabad.
There are restricted movements within Afghanistan and all movements is strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air and no road. A 4-week R&R cycle, staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to face situations when required to be locked down in compound bunkers for an extended period due to security incidents.
Access to healthcare facilities is constrained by shortage of doctors, medical equipment, and poor standards of care. General lack of sufficiently trained health workers and quality medicines in both public and private medical facilities. UNHCR and UN agencies jointly run JMS Level 1 medical clinic and satellite located in ICON. S/M on special prescription should travel with sufficient quantity.
Eastern Region consists of four provinces: Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, and Nuristan. With Jalalabad City being the regional capital. Three of these provinces, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan have a long border with Pakistan. The border is defined along what is known as the Durand Line. The borderline is not agreed upon between the two countries, the reason we witnessed several clashes and standoff attacks between the forces of two countries. Security situation is unstable, volatile, and unpredictable. A daily radio check is mandatory.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Military, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Police Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
Certifications:
Safety and Security - Other, Security Management Learning Program - Other, Security Risk Management - Other
Work Experience:
Work Experience:
Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees
Competencies:
Competencies:
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium Add. 1 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance.
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium Add. 1 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance.