JOB PURPOSE

The conflict in the Tigray region, which commenced in November 2020, has been resolved. However, it has led to a rise in criminal activities, local disputes, and tensions among the neighboring areas due to territorial disagreements. As a consequence, there has been an escalation in the number of people experiencing food insecurity in both rural and urban communities within the region. This situation poses a potential safety and security risk for WFP personnel, assets, and operations.

The Field Security officer will ensure effective security management and make significant independent contributions to the planning and development of security policies and procedures. He or she is also expected to manage a variety of security activities and conduct analytical work of considerable complexity, often managing and completing projects or assignments of a major nature achieving effective outputs. The purpose of the role is 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 in the Shire Field Office.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

1.    The incumbent will support the FSO Mekelle with day-to-day management of security risk management strategies in Shire and provide direct operational support the Shire Field Office in their implementation.
2.    The incumbent will specifically monitor and maintain mechanism, or develop new mechanism, measuring compliance, operational effectiveness, and report on key security activities and evaluation/compliance metrics through.
3.    Support the development, communication and implementation of security policies to ensure uniformed and effective risk management.
4.    Support and advice the Field Office in the elaboration, reviewing or updating key UN security management documents, SOPs, contingency planning and readiness.
5.    Advise upon local security developments and issues and the potential impact upon WFP operations to inform security and operational activities.
6.    Provide technical support related to security clearances, elaboration of CONOPS, and deep field mission support, staff accounting. And coordinate with other units for access to specific areas requiring additional movement authorization.
7.    Coordinate with security forces for WFP road movements (ongoing military combat operations, Evaluate mined or roadside bomb threats, airstrikes, shelling and checkpoints).
8.    Contribute to civil-military coordination, including any relevant civilian mission staff and civil-military coordination personnel of appropriate.
9.    Conduct context analysis in conflict-affected areas of operations, determining the key characteristics and locations of both non-state armed groups (NSAG) and state actors.
10.    Establish and maintain an effective communications system that enables the rapid and coordinated passage of information.
11.    Establish maintain a reporting mechanism on general security operations including mission tracking, staff training, donor support, and assets tracking (equipment and technologies servicing), weekly FSO reporting, and SIGACT (Flash Report).
12.    Build and maintain productive relationships with local partners to align activities and optimize the best protection for staff, activities, and facilities.
13.    Work in close collaboration with NGOs, government, and diplomatic to align activities with wider security programmes and activities and with UNDSS to ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
14.    Represent at local and inter-agency meetings e.g., ASMT, Security Co-ordination Cells to present relevant security issues and contribute to technical discussions.
15.    Ensure that WFP personnel are reminded of implementation and compliance with security with UNSMS mandates and WFP security standard operating procedures in high-risk areas.
16.    Ensure all Shire-based staff have been trained in Guidelines on hostage incident management, Radio Communication (VHF, HF, and Thuraya), Convoy Security and Road Safety, Personal Security, Active Shooter Response, First Aid and Basic Life Support, SRM Online for Security Managers and Decision Makers, Gender Considerations in Security Management, and Weapons and UXO/ERW Awareness
17.    Build and maintain productive relationships with local partners to align activities and optimize the best protection for staff, activities, and facilities.
18.    Ensure all significant incidents involving WFP staff or cooperating partners are responded to and timely reported through the WFP incident management software.

19. Coach, guide and train Security Associates to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.

STANDARD MINIMUM 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.

Experience: Minimum three years of relevant postgraduate professional experience, in the field of Security Management, preferably within the context of the UN System or an International Organization.

• Experience supporting complex projects and operational activities that maintain security operations functions and feed into overall strategic aims.
• 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.
• Prior experience in an emergency response and high risk operational capacity is an asset
• Experience providing direction and instruction to more junior staff members within area of expertise.

Language: 

Fluency in both oral and written communication in English. Knowledge of the local language is added advantage.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

17 March 2024

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.