Security Operations Support Officer

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website:  and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: Security Operations Support Officer

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed Term - NOA

UNIT/DIVISION: Security

DUTY STATION (City, Country):      Islamabad, Pakistan

DURATION: 12 months

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT:

Under the supervision of the Head of Security, the National Security Operations Support Officer will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of WFP personnel, eligible dependents, operations, premises, and assets. The incumbent will be tasked with the strategic coordination of security measures and compliance with WFP and UN security protocols.

The role will require coordination with law enforcement, government agencies, UNDSS, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the security of WFP staff and operations across Pakistan. The incumbent will also supervise staff, including Security Assistants, and contribute to ongoing security training and awareness efforts.

JOB PURPOSE:

To support the management of WFP's security day-to-day operations to facilitate the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and

facilities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Contribute to the security and safety contingency and continuity planning for the office supporting the standardization and implementation of plans and that emergency systems are regularly tested for WFP facilities in-country.

• Liaise with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and the in-country security management apparatus and attend security operations management meetings, to ensure WFP management and staff are fully briefed on security matters in RB/CO. In conjunction with WFP Field Security Division, provide operational support to the Country, Area and Field Offices for achievement of Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) and Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS) compliance.

• Responsible for all facilities access control measures and procedures to ensure safety and security of WFP staff and visitors in line with UNSMS best practices.

• Provide support to the management of security budget including procurement planning to facilitate efficient and cost effective resources management.

• Responsible for management of security equipment to ensure it is issued correctly, is in serviceable condition and is in compliance with the established security standards.

• Maintain liaison with Human Resources Unit regarding a number of security staffing matters (e.g. recruitment, contract management, capacity building), to ensure compliance with the established WFP policies and procedures.

• Collect information about local security developments, issues and potential impact upon WFP operations for supervisor's attention in order to support security and operational activities.

• Prepare accurate and timely reports to contribute to the consistency of information presented to the senior managers.

• Provide security orientation briefing to newly arrived staff to ensure staff are well-informed of local security conditions and procedures.

• Support training activities as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.

• Support the supervisor during emergencies to meet changing needs.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Security Risk Management and Planning

• Collect, analyze, and disseminate Security Threat Information (STI) relevant to WFP operations, with a focus on armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, and crime.

• Conduct security assessments to enable program delivery across the country.

• Develop, implement, and regularly update security measures and evacuation plans in line with WFP and UN security policies.

• Plan and manage emergency preparedness actions such as early warning systems, risk analysis, and contingency planning.

• Monitor and assess security measures during field missions and report on the security situation in coordination with local authorities.

2. Coordination and Liaison

• Establish effective communication and coordination with local authorities, including police, military, political, and humanitarian counterparts.

• - Act as a focal point for all security matters, liaising with the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS), other UN agencies, and NGOs.

• Coordinate security operations and assist in the planning, execution, and relocation/evacuation of WFP staff when necessary.

• Maintain working relationship with law enforcement and military bodies to facilitate safe operations and facilitate security clearances.

• Ensure that WFP communication system is fully integrated with the UN security communication system.

3. Security Operations Support

• Monitor and supervise WFP's guard force to ensure optimal security at all premises.

• Generate the weekly operational report and produce periodic trend analysis reports to inform decision making.

• Develop and implement the Security Risk Management Measures (SRMMs), Residential Security Risk Measures (RSM) and ensure compliance for all offices and international staff residences.

• Deliver regular security training as per the SRM recommendations, including emergency procedures and communication protocols, for all WFP staff.

4. Capacity Building and Training

• Train WFP staff on security awareness, emergency procedures, and the use of safety equipment, in collaboration with UNDSS.

• Conduct briefings for newly recruited staff on security protocols and ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Organize and conduct emergency drills, including fire drills and lockdown procedures, to enhance staff readiness.

5. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare, update, and maintain country-specific security plans, reports, and assessments for use by WFP management and relevant stakeholders.

• Support the development and regular review of evacuation and emergency contingency plans for WFP personnel in case of a critical security incident.

• Regularly contribute to the internal program-related discussions, SRM and focus group discussions, and generate advisories on security matters.

• Ensure timely preparation of incident reports, security assessments, and evacuation procedures.

• Ensure that the master staff list, warden system, communication equipment are kept up to date with regular rehearsals conducted.

6. Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management

• Assist the Head of security in the emergency preparedness measures, risk analysis and contingency planning.

• Provide material requirements during crisis management efforts, including evacuations and relocations in coordination with DSS and local authorities.

• Organize and execute security responses during crises, providing direct support to WFP personnel and management.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement, Peace and Conflict Studies or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional 2 years of related professional work experience. A degree obtained from Military/Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience is accepted as First University degree.

Experience:

Minimum of one (1) year of progressively responsible post-graduate professional/managerial experience in security operations, security risk management, UNSMS, military or police background. Basic first aid / paramedic training and skills are highly desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of security risk management principles, UN security protocols, and emergency response mechanisms.

• Strong understanding of security equipment, communication systems, maps, and logistics concepts.

• Proficiency in WFP's software systems (word processing, spreadsheets) and other relevant UN systems.

• Ability to manage emergency situations calmly and efficiently, making critical decisions under pressure.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with security counterparts, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.

• Strong communication, analytical, and reporting skills.

Language:

Fluency in English and Urdu is required. Knowledge of Pashto or other local languages is an advantage.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.