Deadline for ApplicationsAugust 25, 2025
Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Family TypeNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-09-01
Standard Job Description
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 UNHCRยฟs 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.
Desired Candidate Profile Nature of the Position:
The incumbent of this position reports to the Head of Field Office based in Gedaref, under the technical supervision of the Field Security Officer in Kassala. Gedaref hosts a large number of Ethiopian refugees residing in four refugee camps, as well as a significant number of internally displaced persons who have relocated to the state from conflict-affected areas. Gedaref remained under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces during the current crisis, which has allowed continued population movements into the state. The influx of IDPs has placed additional strain on already limited public services and resources, creating operational and security complexities.
Gedaref is part of the Southeast SRM area. UNHCR maintains one main office and one guesthouse in Gedaref town, as well as guesthouses in Tunaydbah, Doka, Babikri, and Um Gargour, and an office in Um Rakuba camp. The Field Security Associate is responsible for maintaining daily contact with UNHCR staff and security guards across all these locations, supervising and monitoring guard performance, and ensuring effective implementation of security protocols. The incumbent also supports mission planning and security arrangements for UNHCR operations across Gedaref, including regular visits to border areas and remote field locations.
Given the operational environment, the position requires excellent knowledge of Gedarefโs geography, political dynamics, and community structures. Strong relationships with local authorities and security actors โ including the Sudanese Armed Forces, Sudanese Police Force, Military Intelligence, General Intelligence Service, Commission of Refugees (COR), and the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) โ are essential for facilitating UNHCRโs work and ensuring staff safety. Experience working in Gedaref is mandatory, and established community networks are critical for emergency response, particularly in remote areas with limited access during the rainy season.
Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of Tigrinya and Amharic is considered an asset, given the significant Ethiopian refugee population in the state.
Desired Candidate Profile:
The incumbent should have extensive experience in security management, humanitarian operations, or related fields, with a proven track record of operating in complex and high-risk environments, preferably within the UN System. The incumbent should possess strong operational and coordination skills, a solid understanding of UNHCRโs security risk management framework, and the ability to support humanitarian operations in line with organizational policies and procedures.
S/he will be expected to have demonstrated leadership in managing security functions, supervising personnel, and fostering a collaborative work environment. The incumbent should possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including Government officials, security actors, humanitarian partners, and local communities. Strong communication skills, including written and verbal proficiency in English and Arabic, are essential. The ability to guide and provide technical support to UNHCR staff in all aspects of security planning, preparedness, and response is required.
The incumbent should demonstrate the proven ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, and develop practical, context-specific security solutions. S/he should be capable of representing UNHCR effectively at the field level, advocating for safe humanitarian access, and ensuring the safety and security of staff, premises, and operations.
Required Assets:
โข Excellent relationships with armed actors and government bodies in Gedaref.
โข Previous work experience in Gedaref State.
โข Knowledge of GPS tools for field navigation and mapping.
โข Proficiency in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
โข Knowledge in the use of VHF/HF radios and satellite phone equipment.
โข Knowledge of first aid delivery and basic emergency medical response.
โข Knowledge of Tigrinya or Amharic languages. (Not mandatory but a plus).
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Field Security Operations, FS-Security Analysis, IT-Computer Literacy
Education
CertificationsSafety and Security - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, 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
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional InformationN/A
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance