Security Officer (P3) - Talent Pool

Security Officers (P3), work in WFP Country Offices, and often in remote duty stations characterized by hardship and an elevated level of security risk. Some of these positions may also be found in Global Headquarters. In GHQ they report to the Chief/more senior Security Officer, or designate; in COs they report to the Country Director, or more senior Security Officer, or designate. 
    
Security Officers at this grade level demonstrate adaptive capacities in effective security management and make significant independent contributions to the planning and development of security policies and procedures. They are expected to manage a variety of security activities and conduct analytical work of considerable complexity, often manage and complete projects or assignments of a major nature achieving effective outputs. Security Officers typically anchor a team ensuring high performance and development.

To support the management of WFP’s security operations to enable the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities.

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

• Provide technical advice, guidance and support e.g. security assessments and plans to COs to strengthen the capacity within security management and crisis readiness and preparedness, contributing to the development of country strategy, policies and planning.

• Develop systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.

• Conduct context analysis in conflict affected areas of operations, determining the key characteristics and locations of non-state armed groups (NSAG).

• Communicate and negotiate security guarantees or “acceptance” for WFP to operate in NSAG’s areas of control.

• Keep up to date with and advise upon local security developments and issues and the potential impact upon WFP operations to inform security and operational activities.

• Monitor and maintain an effective security management communications system that enables rapid and coordinated security activities.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with local partners to align activities and optimise the best protection for staff, activities and facilities.

• Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts to align activities with wider programmes and activities and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.

• Manage junior security staff, providing coaching and guidance as required to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.

• Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings e.g. Security Co-ordination Cells to present relevant security issues and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.

• Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.

• Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g. mandatory Field Security reports that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.

• Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.

• Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency food assistance needs.

• Other as required.

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: minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in security risk management, including the assessment of security risks and the design, recommendation, and/or implementation of security risk management measures.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has contributed to the development of systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.

• Has provided support in the provision of technical security operations advice to strengthen the security management function of WFP.

• Has managed small teams of national staff with related areas of expertise.

• Has developed some experience managing resources in the STLDU or Operations.

• Has gained considerable experience in at least one operational area.

Candidates must demonstrate a strong willingness to operate in high‑risk and hardship environments, with readiness for multiple field deployments. They should exhibit high levels of mental and physical resilience, adaptability, and a proactive, solutions‑oriented attitude.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).
 

This is not an application for a specific vacancy, but an opportunity to be considered for future Security Officer (P3) roles. If your profile is shortlisted for an upcoming opportunity, we will reach out to you for additional information and invite you to participate in further assessments.
We truly appreciate your commitment to WFP’s mission and look forward to the possibility of working together to achieve Zero Hunger.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Geographical Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. Selected candidates for any future Security Officer (P3) opportunity will be employed on a fixed-term International Professional position as well as a rotational contract with a probationary period of one year.
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel, visa and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. For more information, visit https://icsc.un.org/.
Selected candidates for future Regional Director opportunities will be required to relocate to the corresponding duty station to take up their assignment.