National Security Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation. 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The FAO in Nepal works to enhance food security and food safety, sustainable agriculture, one health and rural development through technical assistance, policy support, and project implementation. The Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2023-2027 ensures FAO’s work in Nepal is well-coordinated with government strategies, including the Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) 2015-2035 and Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Nepal, the Specialist will report to professional staff and receives guidance from AFAOR (Admin) and acts independently in routine matters. The supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.

Technical Focus

Provide needful Security Specialist support to the FAO country programme/office in Nepal to carry out tasks as envisioned in the Terms of Reference (TOR).

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Security Specialist will be responsible to carry out the following tasks:

Security Management & Coordination
•     Act as the primary point of contact for all personnel on security-related matters and manage day-to-day security issues.
•     Assist the UNSMS representative in monitoring the implementation of security policies, practices, and procedures.
•     Liaise and coordinate with host government security organizations, provincial authorities, military, police, NGOs, and non-state actors.
•     Maintain regular contact with UNDSS and participate in security coordination forums.
•     Serve as a member of the Security Cell and attend the SMT as an observer.
•     Maintain communication equipment such as SAT Phone, VHF radio.
•     Provide security advice to the Head of Agency and communicate updates to the management/admin team.

Security Information & Risk Analysis
•     Collect, update, and communicate information on the security situation.
•     Assess security conditions at duty stations, ensuring adequate verification of security information for proper analysis.
•     Conduct security evaluations and advise on measures for staff residences in line with MORSS standards.
•     Monitor compliance with MOSS requirements and support the self-assessment programme.

Security Planning & Implementation
•     Prepare, update, and review the Security Plan, including staff lists and field office requirements.
•     Support the implementation of Security Plan actions as required.
•     Establish and maintain the warden system and ensure updated information on offices and residences.

Incident Management & Reporting
•     Report and document security incidents affecting UN staff, offices, and assets.
•     Prepare and submit security reports (Incident Reports, Security Assessments, Quarterly Incident Reports).

Training & Awareness
•     Organize and conduct training courses on security awareness and preparedness.
•     Provide security orientation for new staff members and conduct regular briefings.

Administration & Support
•     Maintain confidential correspondence and files related to security management.
•     Maintain databases with emergency/security authority contacts.
•     Arrange appointments, receive visitors, handle calls, and take meeting notes related to security.
•     Administer the pass and ID system for office staff.
•     Perform other security-related tasks as assigned by the Head of Agency.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Bachelor’s degree (Management, Sociology, Arts, Security, or a related field)
•     At least three years of proven experience in security, preferably in the Military, Police, Safety & Security, Emergency Services, Operations and Emergency Communications context or related field of work.
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Nepali languages 
•     National of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Security risk assessment, monitoring & reporting
•     Compliance with UNSMS, MOSS & MORSS standards
•     Security plan development, updating & implementation
•     Incident reporting & documentation (assessments, updates)
•     Liaison with UNDSS, government & security partners
•     Security briefings, inductions & staff training
•     Warden system & emergency communication management
•     Security advice for staff residences & offices
•     Pass/ID system administration & access control
•     Strong coordination, documentation & communication skills

Selection Criteria

•     Proven experience in security risk assessment, incident reporting, and compliance monitoring within the context of Organization Policy and UNDSS
•     Strong knowledge of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), including implementation of MOSS and MORSS requirements.
•     Demonstrated ability to develop, update, and implement Security Plans, establish warden systems, and manage emergency preparedness measures.
•     Experience in liaising and coordinating with UNDSS, government security agencies, law enforcement, and non-state actors.
•     Skilled in organizing and delivering security awareness trainings, staff inductions, and emergency drills.
•     Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, databases, PowerPoint) and proven capacity in report writing and security documentation.
•     Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to provide timely security advice to senior management and staff.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION