Deadline for Applications

August 25, 2025

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

Grade

GS6

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-08-17

Standard Job Description

Field Security Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Security Associate provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security.
The incumbent is supervised by a Senior Officer (FSA or Head of Office) who defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR staff members, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and Host Government Security authorities (HGS) in the area to facilitate the operation.
The duty of the incumbent is to support and monitor the management of security issues.

All UNHCR staff members 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, staff members 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 assistance to the supervisor in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for the UNHCR staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern.
- Conduct regular security assessment missions to the field as required in coordination with UNDSS/other agencies; gather and analyse information about the security situation during field missions.
- Be aware of security protocols and procedures in place in accordance with the UNSMS policies, UNHCR Policies and the, Security Risk Management process for the designated area ;
- Conduct checks for compliance and advise management on any deficiencies.
- Monitor the physical security of UNHCR premises and reports on deficiencies.
- Monitor and supervise the guard force In accordance with relevant UNSMS policies and guidance.
- Assist UNHCR Protection Colleagues in efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern.
- Provide support during implementation of security-related projects.
- Assist in the monitoring, updating and reporting of security-related events.
- Assist in the processing of administrative security issues.
- Maintain relations and cooperation with UN security management system actors, local law enforcement agencies, civil authorities and other relevant agencies.
- Provide security briefings and training to UNHCR staff, and as appropriate partner staff, on relevant security risk management processes and measures for the country concerned to include security situation updates, , the warden system, communication notification and reporting procedures, travel planning procedures road air and fire safety.
- Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.
- Provide security-related advice to the manager and other staff.
- Maintain liaison and build relationships with Host Government Security Forces and security counterparts.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

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

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
High level of knowledge in the security field

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
FS-Field Security Operations
FS-Security Analysis
CO-Cross-cultural communication
(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

i. Nature of Position:

Blue Nile faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with new waves of Sudanese returnees, continued arrivals of Ethiopian and South Sudan, and IDPs from within the state, mainly Bau, Tadamoon, and Wed Al Mahi localities, as well as from Sennar, Al Gezira, and Khartoum states. Vulnerability is rising across all communities, while heavy rains and flooding have damaged infrastructure and disrupted services. Hard-to-reach return areas such as Bau, Tadamoon, and Kurmuk lack adequate infrastructure and services, including civil registries, courts, police, shelter and other critical facilities, while UXO contamination and resource constraints limit access and scale-up of development response. These overlapping challenges are straining already overstretched systems and undermining sustainable returns and recovery.

UNHCR’s Field Office in Damazine, Blue Nile State located approximately 530 km from Khartoum and was reopened in response to the Ethiopia emergency, which has brought over 70,000 refugees into Sudan, including to the Damazine locality. The state currently hosts around 12,667 registered Ethiopian refugees and asylum-seekers who were displaced due to renewal of armed conflict between Gumoz Front Rebel Movement and Ethiopian government in Benishangul Gumoz Region, as well as an estimated 43,000 unregistered South Sudanese refugees resettled across seven localities of Blue Nile. In 2021 UNHCR Blue Nile established camp6 in Wad-elmahy locality to host Ethiopian refugees. This camp is a critical for delivering humanitarian assistance; however, Sudan’s broader security crisis has disrupted access to essential services and heightened humanitarian needs for both refugees and host communities. Furthermore, UNHCR and COR conduct border monitoring for cross-border movement to relocate new arrivals to camp6, where there are significant access challenges, including an insecurity situation, which jeopardizes refugee rights in getting timely international protection. This required engagement with security authority to be in the breast of current security dynamic at entry points.

Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, Blue Nile State has remained relatively stable compared to other parts of Sudan but continues to face significant operational challenges, including hosting over 400,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The security environment demands constant monitoring due to resource pressures, potential tensions between host and refugee populations, sensitive relations with authorities and partners, and a scarcity of reliable information sources.

The incumbent will report directly to the Head of Field Office in Damazine and manage a team of security guards across the office, guest house, and camp to ensure the safety and security of staff, premises, and operations. The position also carries a technical reporting line to the Field Security Officer (Southern Corridor) in Kosti to ensure alignment with UNHCR’s broader security strategies and protocols.

The Field Security Associate (FSA) will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of UNHCR operations, identifying risks, and addressing security concerns. The incumbent will coordinate closely with the Commission for Refugees, the Humanitarian Aid Commission, and participate actively in coordination forums such as the Protection and Refugee Working Groups. The role requires adaptability to monitor dynamic security conditions, provide timely guidance, and maintain operational continuity. The dual reporting structure highlights the importance of this position in safeguarding UNHCR’s activities in Blue Nile State and the broader Southern Corridor.

ii. Desired Candidate Profile:

• Strong knowledge of UNSMS security management frameworks; prior UN agency security experience (minimum 2 years) is an asset.
• Proven skills in information analysis, report writing, and contextual understanding of Blue Nile State.
• Ability to monitor security developments daily, with an understanding of local cultures and sensitivities.
• Capacity to build and maintain professional relationships with state administrative authorities.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and guiding staff in implementing security protocols.
• Solid background in risk assessment, incident analysis, and crisis management within complex humanitarian environments, preferably in the UN system.
• In-depth understanding of UNHCR’s mandate, particularly in addressing security challenges in refugee and host community settings.
• Experience coordinating humanitarian security interventions for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.
• Ability to conduct security assessment missions in coordination with UNDSS and partners, and to gather and analyze field security information.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to turn challenges into opportunities; strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of UN and UNHCR security policies, Security Risk Management processes, Code of Conduct, PSEA, and related standards.
• Excellent analytical judgment, and proven writing and reporting capabilities.

iii. Additional Assets:

• Completion of Security Certification Program (SCP) training.
• First Aid certification with proven ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
• Proficiency in GIS tools for mapping and security analysis.
• Experience in refugee, displacement, or conflict-affected contexts.
• Proactive, results-driven approach; ability to perform under pressure while upholding UNHCR’s values and principles.
• Flexibility to perform other non-related activities to support the office when needed given the fact of limited staff capacity.

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

Desired languages

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Field Security Operations, FS-Security Analysis, IT-Computer Literacy

Education

Certifications

Safety and Security - Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance