The Position:
The Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) at UNFPA Headquarters in New York coordinates and leads the organizationโs global response to safety and security management, enabling the Executive Director to provide strategic direction regarding the safety and security of UNFPA personnel, property, and assets.ย OSC provides technical advice, guidance, and support in implementing security policies and procedures to the Executive Director, senior managers, and personnel, ensuring they fulfill their security-related accountabilities.ย OSC also leads the organization's Business Continuity Management (BCM) preparation, validation, and testing of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).ย
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organizationโs response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.ย
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
The key functions of the Office of the Security Coordinator are:
Enable the delivery of activities guided by the 1994 Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) targets and objectives, the UNFPA Strategic Plan, in compliance with United Nations and UNFPA safety and security policies and procedures;ย Coordinate strategic corporate safety and security management policies and procedures internally within the organization and with external partners.ย Mainstream safety and security in organizational programmes and activities; Lead crisis management, preparedness, and business continuity management for UNFPA offices globally in support of managers in their respective geographic areas of responsibility. Lead the corporate Business Continuity Management (BCM), oversee the preparation, validation, and testing of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).ย Represent UNFPA at the UN Security Management Policy Forums to ensure the organization's specific interests and needs are incorporated in security policies and procedures.ยIn addition to OSC staff at Headquarters, the Regional Security Advisers (RSAs), located at each Regional Office, are members of the team and undertake the aforementioned activities in their respective areas of responsibility.
The Security Specialist reports to the Regional Security Adviser (RSA) on security policy, technical, and administrative matters, assisting the RSA in providing safety and security advice to offices in the region.ย The security specialistย serves as a member of the regional management team, together with the RSA, and assists Regional Director(s), country office Representatives, and programme managers with the aim of enhancing their ability to make informed risk decisions, manage security risks in accordance with the UN Framework of Accountability and UNFPA Security Accountability Policy.ย
Key End-Results:
Effectiveย implementation of Security Risk Management (SRM), Business Continuity Management in UNFPA activities and operations conducted in compliance with applicable policies and procedures; Strengthened levels of crisis/emergency management for all ย Kenya-based units; Continued and enhanced programme efficiency and delivery through situational analysis, updated contingency response plans, and security risk management compliance levels for all Kenya-based units; Safety and security considerations, including cost implications for implementing safety and security management measures, are integrated into programmatic activities. Safety and security considerations, including a thorough analysis of associated cost implications for implementing necessary safety and security measures, are systematically mainstreamed and integrated into all stages of programmatic activities, from initial design and planning through execution, monitoring, and evaluation.ย Effective and efficient gender/person-centered approach mainstreaming in safety, security, and crisis/emergency management; Enhanced collaboration with internal and external partners in support of common goals and objectives;ยYou would be responsible for:
Within delegated authority and theย Kenyan operational set-up, the incumbent is accountable for all or assigned parts of the following typical duties to provide a coordinated and cohesive approach to the development and/or improvement of processes related to Security Risk Management and Business Continuity Management throughout the designated area of responsibility:
Security Coordination, Enabling delivery of UNFPA mandate:ย
Under the supervision of theย ESARO Regional Security Advisor, plan, develop, and coordinate procedures and modalities relevant to the collection, collation, and analysis of security information in support of the UNFPAย Kenya-based unitโs operations. Monitor security situations and events in the assigned area of responsibility, gathering and analyzing information to identify emerging trends and provide early warnings of any potential situations that may affect the security of UNFPA Kenya-based units' personnel, premises, assets, and impact program delivery. Advise the Regional Security Advisor on the steps required regarding a multi-country or regional geo-security environment and key political dynamics that have the potential to impact programme delivery. Assist the RSA and coordinate the preparation, validation, and implementation of business continuity management (BCM) plans for the Kenya-based units, providing guidance and support during periodic reviews, tests, training, and the implementation of business continuity management activities.ยSecurity Risk Management and Planning:
Advise the Regional Security Adviser in the execution of his/her duties with regard to the security of UNFPAย Kenya-based unitโs personnel and eligible family members, premises, and in accordance with UNSMS and UNFPA Security Management Systems.ย Attend all SMT meetings as an observer, assist the UN Department of Security (UNDSS) as appropriate, and participate as a member of theย Kenya security cell established by UNDSS. Provide guidance, advice, and support to the Kenya CO Representative in his/her capacity as UNFPA SMT member on technical security requirements contained in the UNย country Security Plan, Security Risk Management (SRM), Residential Security Measures (RSM),ย Locally Cost-shared Security Budget (LCSSB), and other relevant policies, guidelines, and assessments, and monitor their implementation.ย Provide technical oversight for contracted security providers. Assist the RSA in consolidating security reporting from Kenya and provide an analysis in the regional context, highlighting the potential impact this may have on programme delivery and particularly, in humanitarian scale-up emergencies as needed; Prepare, maintain, and update the security documentation for UNFPA Kenya-based units, including security contingency plans, and provide the Regional Security Adviser and the Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) with mandatory reports in accordance with UNFPA's security reporting guidelines. This includes monitoring/reporting on security compliance, as well as submitting all Security and Safety Incident Recording System (SSIRs).Security Networking and Partnership Building:
In coordination with the Regional Security Advisor, establish contact and maintain networks with all UNSMS/I/NGOs' security advisors, research organizations (think tanks), humanitarian, development, and security research institutions, as well as relevant local authorities, as appropriate. In coordination with the Regional Security Advisor and the relevant Country Representative, provide advice and support to I/NGOs, Consultants, or Organizations working as UNFPA implementing partners, in coordination with UNDSS, and using the SLT policies as a framework.Implementation, compliance, and monitoring of UNSMS/UNFPA policies/procedures:
Monitor that all Kenya-based units comply with and periodically test security procedures/protocols and guidelines, including: Security Risk Management Measures (SRM-M) and UNFPAโs Global Security Compliance platform. Review proposals for Kenya Security Risk Management measures (SRM-M), Residential Security Measures (RSMs), Local Cost-Shared Security Budget (LCCSB), and other relevant security documents, and provide advice when warranted.Training, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building:
Business Continuity & Organizational Resilienceย
Provide guidance, advice, and support to the UNFPA Kenya-based units for the preparation and implementation of their Business Continuity Plans and ensure alignment with global UNFPA BCM frameworks. Support all UNFPA Kenya-based units regarding business continuity requirements applicable to their Nairobi location and operations. Assist in periodic training, testing, drills, and updates of business continuity arrangements. Assist Regional Security Advisers in ensuring that business continuity measures complement SRM processes and are integrated into crisis/emergency preparedness and response, thereby strengthening UNFPAโs ability to recover and sustain essential functions during disruptions.ยQualifications and Experience:ย
Education:ย ย
Advanced university degree in Social or Political Science,ย law, or public administration,ย or a discipline related to Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, or equivalent formal training in security and risk management, such as military and/or police senior command staff college.ย UNSMS Security Certification Programme (SCP) (certified by UNDSS or any other UNSMS organization).Knowledge and Experience:ย
A minimum of 5ย years of relevant professional work experience, with at least 3 yearsโ field experience in a position within the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS), Non-Governmental Organizations or the Private Sector, with proven crisis management, andย Experience in working in crisis /humanitarian response locations, enabling programme delivery, is an asset. Analysis /information capabilities from police/military or humanitarian contexts would be considered an important asset. Knowledge of the UN Security Management System, including its policies, practices, and procedures, is required.ย ย A strong background in political and security analysis, ideally in a regional context, is preferred.Languages:ย
Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable; Working knowledge of other official UN languages is an asset.
Values:
Exemplifying integrity,ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย Embracing changeCore Competencies:ย
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impactFunctional Competencies:
Organizational leadership and directionย Ensuring operational effectiveness and accountability for results, Delivering results-based programmes, Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness, Generating, managing, and promoting the use of knowledge and information, Providing a technical support system,ย Strengthening the programming capacity of Country Offices,ย Facilitating quality programmatic results, Managing data, Managing documents, correspondence, and reports, Managing information and workflow, Planning, organizing, and multitasking, Ensuring the Safety and security of UNFPA personnel and operations, Safety and Security;ย Coping with Pressure and Setbacks;ย Analytical Thinking; Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise; Relating and Networking; Deciding and Initiating Action, Formulating Strategies and Concepts; Impact and Influence; Innovation and Marketing New Approaches; Organizational Awareness; Client Orientation.Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.