Background Information - Job-specific
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peace-building, humanitarian, and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.โ-Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations Secretary-General.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations worldwide. UNOPS delivers projects on behalf of partners, ensuring quality, efficiency, and adherence to the highest standards of safety and security.
In Mozambique, UNOPS supports the Government and partners in implementing large-scale reconstruction, resilience, and humanitarian programmes in challenging operational environments. The office projects include the Northern Crisis Recovery Project (NCRP), funded by the World Bank, which aims to improve access to basic services, livelihoods, and economic opportunities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Cabo Delgado Province. The security environment in northern Mozambique, particularly Cabo Delgado, is characterised by armed conflict, insurgency activity, and fluid security dynamics. The operational environment requires proactive and context-specific security risk management measures to ensure the safety of UNOPS.
Background Information - Mozambique
As part of the IDP crisis response, the Northern Crisis Recovery Project in Mozambique is financed by the International Development Association (IDA) for the amount of US$186.5 million. The Project Development Objective is to improve access to basic services and economic opportunities for internally displaced persons and host communities in targeted areas of Northern Mozambique. The Project is implemented by the National Directorate of Monitoring and Evaluation (DNMA), through the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The Project retains and makes use of existing Financial Management (FM) capacities and project oversight systems.
The Government contracted UNOPS to provide overall technical support to Project implementation, including the preparation of Environmental and Social Safeguards instruments, based on the World Bankโs Environmental and Social Frameworks (ESF); as well as support in M&E. UNOPS is further tasked with the implementation of distinct project components.
The Project has four components:
Component1 โ Building social cohesion and resilience to conflict;
Component 2 โ Provision of livelihoods and economic opportunities for IDPs and host communities;
Component 3 โ Rehabilitation of public infrastructure and
Component 4 โ Project management and oversight.
UNOPS is looking for a Security Officer to assist with security risk management for all UNOPS Personnel in Mozambique, project workers, and beneficiaries through the implementation of a Security Management Plan that has been prepared specifically for the project.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The Security Officer serves as the primary security focal point for UNOPS Mozambique in Pemba, providing technical security risk management advice and operational support across all UNOPS Mozambique projects. While the position is funded through the World Bankโsupported NCRP, it also contributes security advisory services to other UNOPS projects in the country as required, without reallocation of project-specific resources or accountability.
The role focuses on:
Security Risk Management and Advisory
Serve as the primary security focal point for the UNOPS Mozambique office. Advise the Country Manager and Project Managers on security risks affecting UNOPS personnel, premises, and operations. Conduct and update security risk assessments for UNOPS offices, project sites, and travel routes. Adapt and maintain local security management arrangements in line with UNSMS standards and the Mozambique context, ensuring consistency with existing system-wide security frameworks. Provide security risk assessments and technical advice upon request, to inform project-related activities and operational decision-making, in accordance with UNSMS policies.
Support to Project Managers on Implementing Partner (IP) Security Aspects
Following World Bank requirements and the Security Management Plan (SMP), provide technical security advice to Project Managers on the inclusion of risk management in IP documentation and plans. This role does not entail direct oversight, operational control, or accountability for IP activities, personnel, or security arrangements. IPs remain fully responsible for their security management and duty of care under their contractual obligations. Assist Project Managers in reviewing security-related aspects of IP TORs and reports, identifying potential risks, and advising on possible mitigation measures. Responsibility for implementation, monitoring, and enforcement with IPs rests entirely with the Project Manager and the contracting authority.
Operational Security Coordination
Maintain situational awareness by liaising with UNDSS, government security actors, humanitarian agencies, and other partners. Support security coordination for UNOPS personnel movements, ensuring compliance with UNSMS procedures. Provide advice on safe access strategies to field sites in insecure areas. Training and Awareness
Deliver security briefings and inductions for newly deployed UNOPS personnel. Conduct periodic refresher sessions on personal safety, travel security, and emergency procedures. Lead the training, mentoring, and capacity development of the National Security Officer to enhance local security management capabilities.
Incident Management and Reporting
Serve as the focal point for reporting and analysing security and safety (according to UNSMS Security Policy Manual) incidents affecting UNOPS personnel or operations. Maintain accurate incident records and ensure lessons learned are integrated into security planning.
Compliance and Documentation
Maintain updated security documentation, including but not limited to contact lists, warden systems, and emergency communication procedures. Support the Country Manager in ensuring compliance with SRM requirements.
Impact of Results
The effective performance of the Security Officer will enhance the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and operations in Mozambique, enabling the uninterrupted delivery of projects in high-risk environments. The role ensures that security considerations are systematically integrated into project implementation, while respecting the distinct accountability lines between UNOPS and Implementing Partners.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
An advanced university degree in Security Management, Political or Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience:
Two (2) years of relevant professional experience in security risk management, preferably in complex or conflict-affected environments with a Masterโs degree or four (4) years experience with a bachelorโs degree is required. Experience in the Mozambique security context is desirable. Experience with UNSMS policies and procedures is desirable. Proven ability to conduct security risk assessments and develop mitigation measures is desirable.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required Portuguese is desirable. Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist - 9 (ICS 9)
Contract duration: Open ended subject to organisational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
This position is based in Pemba, Mozambique which is a non-family duty station.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.