Local Security Assistant

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) provides leadership, operational support, and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System. UNDSS in Somalia supports all UN Agencies in Somalia through security advice and guidance to enable the UN Agencies to conduct their operations in the safest possible manner

The Local Security Assistant will provide UNDSS operational security coordination by contributing to security information collection, analysis, liaison, and reporting functions, while also supporting coordination with private security providers and relevant host-government security counterparts to ensure compliance with UN security requirements and facilitate operational security arrangements across the Area of Responsibility.

The Local Security Assistant is expected to contribute to this effort by supporting security information management, incident tracking, liaison with host-government security institutions, and coordination on checkpoint and convoy arrangements, thereby strengthening situational awareness and supporting the effective implementation of security risk management measures for UN personnel, assets, and operations. Under the technical guidance and supervision of the Principal Security Adviser (PSA) and Deputy Principal Security Adviser (DPSA), the Local Security Assistant will support the execution of UNDSS security responsibilities and daily operational coordination within the assigned Area of Responsibility.

The incumbent will demonstrate a client-oriented approach to security management, sound analytical awareness, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex and high-risk security environment, particularly in coordinating with NISA, Police, government authorities, and private security actors on checkpoint access, convoy movements, and related operational security arrangements, while interacting with personnel from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

• High School graduate or Equivalent with 6 Years’ experience or bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ experience in Criminal Justice, Military Studies, Security Management, International Relations, Security Studies, Peace Governance and Development or a relevant field is highly desirable.

• Secondary Education with 6 years or University Degree with 3 years experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work. 
• Somali National
• Valid National Passport maintained at all times is required. 

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is essential.

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.