Security Operations Support Officer

JOB PURPOSE:

To support the planning and management of WFP security operations through risk analysis, operational security planning, incident and emergency management, mission support, humanitarian access, physical security and implementation of SRMMs.

Provide timely security analysis, technical advice and risk-based recommendations to support management decision-making, operational continuity and the protection of WFP personnel, premises, assets and operations in accordance with WFP and UNSMS requirements.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

1.     Monitor and analyse security developments, conflict dynamics, incidents, access constraints and emerging threats that may affect WFP personnel, beneficiaries, partners, facilities, movements and programme delivery, providing timely operational recommendations to management.

2.     Plan and coordinate security support for field missions and humanitarian operations, including route and destination assessments, movement planning, security briefings, communications, tracking arrangements and implementation of required risk mitigation measures.

3.     Conduct and support Security Risk Management (SRM) and ad-hoc security assessments for new or changing WFP activities, locations and operational areas, and monitor implementation of approved Security Risk Management Measures (SRMMs).

4.     Work closely with Programme, Logistics, Supply Chain and Field Offices to identify security and access constraints affecting food assistance, distributions, assessments, monitoring activities and other field operations, and recommend practical measures to enable safe programme delivery.

5.     Maintain operational liaison with UNDSS, UN agencies, relevant authorities, community representatives, humanitarian partners and other security stakeholders to support information sharing, humanitarian access, field movements and incident response.

6.     Coordinate security arrangements for WFP movements, including route assessments, convoy and escort requirements, movement tracking, communications and contingency arrangements, ensuring compliance with established procedures and approved SRMMs.

7.     Conduct physical security assessments of WFP offices, warehouses, guesthouses and other operational facilities, identify vulnerabilities and oversee appropriate mitigation measures, including access control, guarding, perimeter protection, CCTV, screening and emergency arrangements.

8.     Apply an integrated and layered physical security approach, including the principles of deter, detect, delay and deny, ensuring that personnel, procedures and technical security systems collectively provide appropriate protection to WFP facilities and operations.

9.     Coordinate the initial security response to incidents affecting WFP personnel or operations, ensuring timely notification, personnel accountability, information verification, operational advice and follow-up actions, and support crisis and emergency management as required.

10.  Maintain and regularly test emergency preparedness and personnel accountability arrangements, including communications, warden systems, emergency contact procedures, relocation/evacuation arrangements and other contingency measures.

11.  Prepare timely and operationally focused security reports, advisories, incident reports, assessments, SOPs and security plans, translating security information into practical recommendations for WFP management and operational units.

12.  Provide security briefings and operational advice to personnel before field missions and upon arrival in the duty station, ensuring awareness of current threats, movement restrictions, emergency procedures and required mitigation measures.

13.  Plan and conduct security training, drills and exercises for WFP personnel and security support staff, including emergency response, communications, access control and other identified operational requirements.

Desired Candidate Profile

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

Demonstrated experience in providing operational security support to humanitarian programmes, preferably in complex, high-risk or conflict-affected environments.

Experience in security risk management and operational security planning, including development or contribution to SRM and Ad-Hoc SRM assessments, identification of threats and vulnerabilities, development of mitigation measures and monitoring of SRMM implementation.

Experience in supporting humanitarian access, including assessment of security and access constraints, stakeholder liaison and development of practical measures to enable programme delivery.

Experience in planning and supporting field missions and humanitarian operations, including route and location assessments, movement planning, security briefings and contingency arrangements.

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses. A diploma obtained from Military/Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.

Experience: Total relevant 5 years of experience including 1 year of Professional experience in security operations, security risk management and operational security planning, preferably in humanitarian, UN or other complex and high-risk environments. Experience supporting field operations, humanitarian access, SRM/Ad-Hoc SRM processes, security assessments and coordination with relevant stakeholders is desirable. Managerial experience, including supervision of security personnel, task prioritization, operational coordination and provision of technical guidance to security teams, is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills:

Good knowledge of security risk management principles, UNSMS methodology and operational security planning, including SRM/Ad-Hoc SRM processes and implementation of SRMMs.

Ability to analyse security, conflict and access-related information and translate findings into practical, risk-based recommendations supporting humanitarian operations and management decision-making.

Good understanding of humanitarian operations and access, including the integration of security considerations into programme planning, field missions and operational delivery.

Knowledge of incident and emergency management, contingency planning, movement security and physical security principles.

Ability to develop clear and concise security assessments, operational plans, SOPs, advisories and analytical reports.