Senior Field Security Officer, P4, N’Djamena

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Field Security Officer reports to the manager, who may be, according to context, the Representative/Chief of Mission or Head of Office within a country operation; the Bureau Director in a Regional Directorate; or the Chief, Security Operations Section at Headquarters.
The incumbent acts as an adviser to the manager on field security, providing sound, well-reasoned advice followed by support in implementation of agreed measures or steps.
The incumbent supervises and or supports management in supervising security personnel at the international or national level. The incumbent will monitor, coach, guide and support security personnel.
The incumbent is expected to travel on mission, sometimes to multiple duty stations, to provide advice and support to the local manager as agreed in mission terms of reference.

All UNHCR personnel are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, personnel are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Provide practical and well-reasoned security advice, coordination and support to the designated manager(s) in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, Partners, operations, premises and refugees or other persons of concern.
– Monitor situations and events in the designated region, country or duty station, gather and analyse information with the aim of identifying emerging trends and providing early warning of any potential threats that may affect the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, premises, assets and impact programme delivery.
– Provide security analysis and reports to UNHCR managers and the Field Security Service at Headquarters (FSS) when required.
– Undertake overall contextual analysis, identify security-related priority needs, and develop an annual work plan for addressing them.
– Ensure gender considerations are included in Security Risk Management (SRM) processes including in Security Risk Assessments, security briefings, travel advisories and the Aide Memoire for Response to Gender-Based Security Incidents
– Conduct regular missions and assessments, providing gender-inclusive security advice, training and coaching, as determined by the SRM process.
– Develop operational plans for implementation of security risk management measures for areas under their responsibility, identifying resources and ensuring they are factored into budgeting planning.
– Monitor security events and intervene when and where appropriate to ensure that security-related goals are achieved.
– Advise the manager on the reconciliation of humanitarian and security objectives in the region/country/duty station of responsibility, and on integrating security measures into operational planning (including budgetary provisions) at the earliest stages of development.
– Provide regular reporting on security-related incidents and events to the manager, the Bureau and FSS at Headquarters. Provide input on security aspects of situation reports and the potential impact on the safety and security of UNHCR personnel and programme delivery.
– Maintain effective liaison and relationships with UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) to include active participation in the country or area Security Cell. Maintain active liaison with Host Government law enforcement and other actors in the region/country/duty station, to ensure effective and responsive partnership and support in support of UNHCR¿s security and other needs.
– Within their security role, proactively reinforce a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.
– Provide training and coaching to staff and, as appropriate partners, both on mission and within the duty station of assignment, aimed at developing skills to plan and conduct operations safely within the specific security environment.
– In coordination with FSS and the Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC), assist in the identification of training needs, and planning and delivery of security training organized within the region.
– Assist in maximising the capacity of national field security staff by assisting in their recruitment and selection, providing coaching, mentoring, training and other forms of advice, identifying their further training needs, and assessing their potential for undertaking greater responsibilities.
– Maintain liaison with Medical and Staff Counsellor personnel in the region/country/duty station, referring cases as required.
– Manage and support critical incidents.

– Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degreeFor P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Security; Security Management; Business Administration;
Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management, Security Risk Management, Safety certification
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 5 years of experience in security risk management.
Proven competence in security risk management security planning and critical incident management.
Demonstrated competency in security analysis.
Training/facilitation/learning development.
Experience of implementing gender sensitive and inclusive responses and approaches.
Experience in team management.
Experience working in multi-cultural environments.

Desirable
Exposure to and experience in UN or humanitarian field operations, especially in high risk duty stations, and emergencies in an international capacity in various geographical locations.
Relevant training (first aid, WSAT, SSAFE, presentation skills, training skills).
Experience of effectively handling gender-based security incidents. Experience of delivering presentations and training

Functional Skills
*FS-Field Security Operations
*FS-Security Analysis
*FS-Security Planning
*FS-UN/UNHCR Rules, Regulations and Guidelines on Security Management
*FS-Security Risk Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

Evidence of sound Security analysis,
Evidence of delivering and facilitating security training and considerations from a gender perspective,
Proven deployability with significant language and communication skills,
Significant experience with security compliance processes and
Proven ability to draft supporting security policies, guidance, SOPs
Consideration be given to candidates that have achieved highest manager ratings over the last X years
Considering the complex nature of the Chad context, experience in multi -border/regional position advantageous.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

French

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Chad is situated at the confluence of simultaneous and overlapping conflicts in the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, Western Darfur, and the Central African Republic. This regional instability and insecurity directly affect Chad’s operational environment and was exacerbated in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected the most vulnerable populations including refugees and IDPs. It is one of the countries most affected by the ongoing Sudan crisis, hosting more than 800,000 Sudanese refugees in the East in addition to refugees from Central African Republic in the South, Cameroonian refuges in N’Djamena and Nigerian refugees in the Lake Chad Region, totaling nearly a million (including several urban refugees) and representing a little bit over 5% of Chad’s population.

The Snr Field Security Officer reports directly to the Representative. He acts as an adviser to the manager on the field, providing sound, well-reasoned advice followed by support in implementation of agreed measures or steps. He will monitor, coach, guide and support security personnel.

The incumbent oversees an operation that currently comprises of one Branch Office (N’Djamena), and 3 Sub-Offices, (Abeche, Bagasola and Gore), as well as 9 Field Offices, and 2 Field Units.
– The Snr. Field Security Officer will provide practical and well-reasoned security advice, coordination and support to the designated manager(s) in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, Partners, operations, premises and refugees or other persons of concern.
– Monitor situations and events in the designated region, country or duty station, gather and analyse information with the aim of identifying emerging trends and providing early warning of any potential threats that may affect the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, premises, assets and impact programme delivery;
– Develop operational plans for implementation of security risk management measures for areas under their responsibility, identifying resources and ensuring they are factored into budgeting planning.
– Maintain effective liaison and relationships with UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) to include active participation in the country or area Security Cell. Maintain active liaison with Host Government law enforcement and other actors in the region/country/duty station, to ensure effective and responsive partnership and support in support of UNHCR ‘s security and other needs.

Living and Working Conditions:

N’Djamena is the capital and largest city in Chad. For a large capital city, its infrastructure remains basic, although far superior to standards in other regions. The climate is hot and semi-arid, with a rainy season from June to September. UNHCR staff are free to choose where to live, subject to residential security measures. Electricity can be unreliable and international staff are provided with generators by the Office. Water supplies work in most areas, but personal supplies of food and drinking water are required. Most essential supplies can be found in local markets, although the choice can be limited compared to other centers and prices are high as most goods are imported. Banking facilities are available through local banks such as Ecobank and BCC. Health care standards can be described as basic, with staff encouraged to subscribe to International SOS Clinic Services. Serious or complicated health conditions require evacuation to other countries and dental/other specialist care may not be available. Malaria is the most common, but not the only, infectious disease prevalent in N’Djamena and most other regions of Chad. UNHAS flights are the main means of transport to and from field sites. A limited number of companies operate international flights to N’Djamena. Telecommunications services are basic and expensive, with two mobile telephone/internet operators offering 4G services and a growing number of providers installing fiber optic connections. Access to some communication and social media applications, notably WhatsApp, is currently available but has been censored for long periods and requires the use of a VPN. The UNHCR office is covered by UNHCR’s own VSAT services.

Several UN agencies, INGOs and NGOs operate in N’Djamena and use the city as a hub. A French military base is located next to N’Djamena’s international airport.

The RR cycle in N’Djamena is 8 weeks, as in the other duty stations, except for Baga sola and Bol, where it is 6 weeks.

The overall threat security level in Chad is designated as Moderate by the UN Security Management System in most of the country, except the Lake region, where it is at substantial level, due to higher terrorist- and armed-conflict-related threats. The level of crime is assessed to be substantial both in the Lake and Eastern regions and Moderate in N’Djamena. It is exacerbated by the closed borders with neighbouring countries which impact the already challenging economic situation. Against the backdrop of a sensitive political transition and other socioeconomic factors, demonstrations, strikes, sit-ins and road blockages often for economic, political or social reasons will continue to be reported, despite their harsh repressions by government security forces.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Military, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Police Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Security, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Security Management

Certifications

Safety and Security – Other, Security Management Learning Program – Other, Security Risk Management – Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B – October 2023

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position requires Functional Clearance