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Field Security Coordination Officer

This job posting is for the position of Field Security Coordination Officer with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ethiopia. Below is a breakdown of the key details:

General Job Information:https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

  • Job Title: Field Security Coordination Officer
  • Locations: Semera (Afar Region), Ethiopia (also mentions Gondar, Amhara Region)
  • Agency: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
  • Grade: P3 (a mid-level professional position in the UN system)
  • Vacancy Type: Temporary (364-day contract)
  • Work Schedule: Full-time
  • Deadline to Apply: February 8, 2025, 06:59 AM (UTC)

Background and Purpose:

  • The position falls under UNDSS (United Nations Department of Safety and Security), which manages the security and safety of UN personnel and operations globally.
  • The officer will be responsible for ensuring the safety of humanitarian operations in Ethiopia, specifically in the Amhara and Afar regions.
  • The job involves coordinating security plans, advising UN agencies on security matters, monitoring security policies, and responding to crises.

Main Responsibilities:

  1. Security Management Documents:
    • Prepare and update security documents for the region.
    • Develop security plans and ensure their implementation.
  2. Security Support and Advice:
    • Advise the Area Security Coordinator and UN agencies about security policies and procedures.
    • Serve as a member of the Area Security Management Team, contributing to security planning and operations.
  3. Security Operations Monitoring:
    • Ensure effective communication systems for security alerts.
    • Oversee security risk management and monitor implementation of safety measures.
  4. Collaboration with Authorities & International Partners:
    • Maintain cooperation with government security agencies and international organizations.
    • Provide security briefings, training, and guidance to UN staff and partners.
  5. Crisis Management & Emergency Response:
    • Help plan and respond to security crises and incidents.
    • Review security measures and identify best practices for risk management.
  6. Supervisory Role:
    • Supervise two Field Security Assistants.
    • Report directly to the Chief Security Adviser.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

  • Master’s Degree + 5 years of experience OR Bachelor’s Degree + 7 years of experience.
  • Fields of study: Security Management, Business Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Psychology, or related.
  • Police or military training can substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

  • At least 5–7 years of experience in security, risk management, or disaster response.
  • Management experience in security operations is required.
  • Prior experience with UN security systems or international organizations is required.
  • Experience in humanitarian security operations is desirable.

Languages:

  • Fluent in English (written and spoken).
  • Knowledge of local Ethiopian languages is a plus.

Core Skills & Competencies:@vacancyspaces.com

General Competencies:

  • Problem-solving: Ability to develop new security solutions.
  • Adaptability: Can handle high-risk, complex situations.
  • Decision-making: Ability to make quick and effective security decisions.
  • Teamwork & Leadership: Ability to manage security teams and coordinate with UN agencies.

Technical Skills:

  • Security Planning: Knowledge of security policies, risk assessment, and emergency response.
  • Communication: Ability to brief teams and provide training on security matters.
  • Technology Use: Experience with digital security systems and communication tools.

Other Important Information:

  • Work Location: The job is based in Semera (Afar Region), with possible assignments in Gondar (Amhara Region).
  • Mobility Requirement: No need to relocate frequently.
  • UNDP Policies:
    • Non-discrimination: Open to all nationalities and backgrounds.
    • Strict policies on sexual misconduct, harassment, and abuse.
    • Green Card Holders in the U.S.: Must switch to a G-4 visa (if not a U.S. citizen).
    • Scam Warning: UNDP does not charge fees for applications.

Next Steps:

If you’re interested, you should:

  • Prepare a resume (CV) highlighting your security management experience.
  • Write a strong cover letter explaining your qualifications and experience in security operations.
  • Submit your application before February 8, 2025.

Would you like help with your resume, cover letter, or interview preparation? 😊

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To provide an in-depth explanation of the job posting for the Field Security Coordination Officer with the UNDP in Ethiopia, I’ll break it down into several sections. Each section will dive deeper into specific aspects of the role, its requirements, and the context in which it operates. This detailed explanation will help clarify the expectations and provide a thorough understanding of what the job entails. While the response is long, I will aim to ensure it’s structured for clarity and readability.


Introduction to the Role:

The Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) is a crucial role designed to enhance the safety and security of humanitarian operations in Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia. This position is under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). UNDSS is the body responsible for ensuring the protection of all UN personnel and assets, especially when working in high-risk environments such as conflict zones or areas with significant political instability. The core mission of this position is to ensure that all UN programs can continue safely, thereby contributing to the global goal of humanitarian relief and sustainable development.


Field Security COORDINATION Officer;Job Background and Context:

Ethiopia, as a country located in the Horn of Africa, faces numerous security challenges, particularly in its northern and eastern regions, including Amhara and Afar. These regions have experienced ongoing conflict, ethnic tensions, and humanitarian crises, which have complicated efforts by international organizations like the UN to provide aid and support to local communities. The Field Security Coordination Officer in this role will support UN humanitarian operations in this challenging environment.

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) leads efforts to ensure that UN personnel working in these regions are safe from harm. The position therefore holds significant responsibility for both planning and responding to security risks, as well as managing the implementation of security strategies in line with the broader mission of the UN.


Core Responsibilities of the Position:

The job description outlines a variety of tasks the Field Security Coordination Officer will be expected to carry out. These tasks are designed to ensure that all operations run smoothly and safely, despite the complex and high-risk environment.

1. Prepares and Reviews Security Management Documents:

One of the most important tasks of the FSCO is to prepare and maintain security management documents. These documents are essential tools used by the UN to assess and respond to security threats. They include:

  • Security Risk Management Plans: These plans assess and mitigate security risks to UN personnel, properties, and operations in a given area.
  • Contingency Plans: These plans outline steps to be taken in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster, political instability, or armed conflict.
  • Security Policies and Procedures: These documents set out the rules and protocols for operating safely in high-risk environments.

The FSCO ensures that these documents are regularly updated and comply with UN security standards. This involves continuous monitoring of the security situation and making adjustments to strategies as needed.

2. Security Support and Advice:

The FSCO provides expert security advice to the Area Security Coordinator and other UN agencies working within the region. The role involves offering guidance on the latest security policies and how they should be implemented on the ground. The FSCO also plays an integral part in planning, implementing, and evaluating security operations. For example:

  • Advising on evacuation procedures in case of an escalating crisis.
  • Identifying and addressing security gaps in current operations.
  • Ensuring that security-related training for all personnel is provided and regularly updated.

Being a member of the Area Security Management Team, the FSCO is expected to work closely with other security professionals, government authorities, and international organizations, contributing to inter-agency coordination.

3. Security Monitoring and Operations:

The FSCO plays a critical role in monitoring the implementation of security measures. This can involve a wide range of activities such as:

  • Supervising Security Communications Systems, ensuring that communication between UN staff and local authorities is clear and reliable.
  • Reviewing security alerts and intelligence to help the UN stay informed about the latest risks.
  • Overseeing the deployment of security resources, ensuring they are used effectively.

The FSCO’s job also includes responding quickly to security incidents and assessing how well the security measures worked in practice.

4. Cooperation with Local Authorities and International Partners:

The FSCO is expected to maintain close collaboration with local and international partners. These could include local governments, police forces, and humanitarian organizations. This cooperation helps ensure that security protocols are in alignment with national laws and local circumstances. Some of the tasks here include:

  • Coordinating security operations with national authorities.
  • Organizing joint security briefings for UN personnel and local security forces.
  • Facilitating cooperation with non-UN partners like NGOs and humanitarian actors under the Saving Lives Together (SLT) framework, which aims to ensure the protection of all organizations working together in conflict zones.

5. Crisis Management and Response:

In the event of a security crisis, the FSCO is expected to be part of the team that responds quickly and effectively. This could mean:

  • Evacuating staff from dangerous areas.
  • Ensuring that appropriate medical support is available in the event of casualties.
  • Reviewing and adjusting security protocols to mitigate future risks.
  • Providing clear communication about the situation to all personnel, keeping them informed and safe.

The FSCO also contributes to the evaluation of past crises to learn from them and improve security plans.


Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A Bachelor’s degree with additional years of relevant experience may also be accepted. Fields of study include:
    • Security Management
    • International Relations
    • Business Administration
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Disaster Management
    This academic background equips candidates with the knowledge required to assess, manage, and mitigate security risks effectively in volatile regions. Alternatively, police or military training may be considered equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, especially for candidates with practical field experience.

Experience:

  • 5 years of experience for candidates with a Master’s degree or 7 years of experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree in security, risk management, disaster management, or related fields.
  • Management experience in a public, private, or corporate sector is necessary, showing the candidate can take leadership roles and make decisions under pressure.
  • Prior experience working within the UN Security Management System or similar international organizations will be highly beneficial.
  • International experience in humanitarian contexts, especially in high-risk environments, is desirable. Such experience may involve working in conflict zones or post-conflict settings where security and logistics are critical to operational success.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
  • Knowledge of local languages (e.g., Amharic, Afar) is a plus but not mandatory.

Core Competencies:

The job requires strong technical and personal competencies, ensuring the candidate can handle complex, often high-pressure situations. These competencies include:

Core Competencies:

  • Achieving Results: The ability to set challenging goals and work toward their achievement, ensuring positive outcomes even in difficult situations.
  • Thinking Innovatively: Being proactive in identifying potential risks and developing innovative solutions to overcome security challenges.
  • Learning Continuously: Embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth, keeping up with security best practices and global trends.
  • Adapting with Agility: Demonstrating flexibility and the ability to manage competing demands, while adjusting quickly to evolving security situations.
  • Acting with Determination: Not letting obstacles get in the way of achieving the bigger picture goal, particularly in crisis situations.
  • Engaging and Partnering: Being skilled at building relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including government bodies, international organizations, and local communities.
  • Enabling Diversity and Inclusion: Championing inclusivity in the workplace, appreciating the value of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Technical Competencies:

  • Security Planning: Deep knowledge of security risk assessment, security planning, and the ability to develop policies that address those risks.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for briefing colleagues and other stakeholders effectively.
  • Crisis Management: Expertise in coordinating responses to security incidents and managing emergency situations.
  • Digital Literacy: Ability to understand and implement modern technologies in the security field, from communication systems to security software.

Conclusion:

The Field Security Coordination Officer position is a critical role that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, management skills, and field experience. The individual must be adaptable, proactive, and a skilled communicator, as they will be operating in one of the most dynamic and high-risk environments in the world. If you are considering applying, ensure that your CV reflects relevant experience, especially in humanitarian or conflict settings, and that your cover letter outlines your qualifications and passion for the role.

To expand further on the Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) role, we can dive deeper into the key skills and expertise required for such a position, as well as the impact of the role in relation to the broader UNDP mission and its global significance. This will also include the challenges of working in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara and Afar regions, as well as the potential career growth opportunities that come with this role.

Deep Dive into the Role’s Key Skills and Expertise:

Security and Risk Management:

At the core of the FSCO role is security and risk management. Security management in a humanitarian context goes beyond simple safety protocols. It requires comprehensive risk analysis, understanding the local context, and being able to predict potential threats to the safety of UN personnel and assets. In such a volatile region as Ethiopia, where multiple challenges might be at play (e.g., armed conflict, ethnic tensions, natural disasters), the FSCO’s ability to anticipate, plan, and adapt to these challenges is crucial.

Security management also entails:

  • Risk Assessment: The FSCO must constantly assess and reassess the risks to staff and operations. This involves monitoring local security dynamics, political developments, and community relations.
  • Contingency Planning: This involves preparing for a wide variety of worst-case scenarios. From evacuations to medical emergencies and even kidnapping situations, having clear, concise, and actionable plans for these types of crises is essential.
  • Resource Management: The FSCO must allocate resources effectively, ensuring that all security measures are well-equipped and ready for use at all times. This includes managing communication systems, security teams, and funds for crisis responses.

Coordination and Stakeholder Management:

A large part of the FSCO’s responsibilities is inter-agency coordination. As part of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS), the FSCO will be interacting with multiple stakeholders:

  • UN Agencies: The FSCO must collaborate with different UN entities that are operating within the region. These include UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), WHO (World Health Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), and others. Each of these organizations has unique security requirements and operational needs, and the FSCO must balance them while keeping personnel safe.
  • Local Authorities: Security coordination with local Ethiopian security agencies and government officials is essential. Given the political sensitivity of security issues, managing these relationships effectively can help ensure that UN operations are supported by local law enforcement and that risks are minimized.
  • International Partners: The FSCO will work closely with other humanitarian organizations (NGOs, international organizations), many of which may not be part of the UN system but who share similar safety concerns. Establishing shared security protocols and helping to ensure collective security is an essential part of working in a multilateral context.

Leadership and Crisis Management:

In emergency situations, the FSCO assumes a leadership role in directing responses. Security crises in complex environments require calm leadership and the ability to make quick, strategic decisions. The coordination of crisis management entails:

  • Decisiveness: The FSCO must often make critical decisions under pressure, determining when to evacuate staff or implement lockdown procedures.
  • Communication Skills: A significant part of crisis management is keeping everyone informed—this includes internal communication with staff, coordination with local authorities, and clear updates to other international bodies. The FSCO must act as the liaison between all parties, ensuring that everyone is aligned and informed in real time.
  • Adaptability: Situations in volatile environments can change in an instant. The FSCO needs to be flexible and able to adjust plans and tactics quickly. Whether it’s responding to a security breach, civil unrest, or a medical emergency, the ability to adapt and stay calm under pressure is vital.

Humanitarian Assistance and Security Integration:

In many humanitarian settings, the provision of assistance (e.g., food, medical aid, shelter) is inseparable from security management. The FSCO must ensure that security is integrated into the operational aspects of all humanitarian efforts. Humanitarian operations often involve working in remote and high-risk areas, where security concerns are compounded by the nature of the aid being provided (e.g., food or medical supplies). In these situations, the FSCO’s role is to:

  • Ensure secure logistics: Secure movement of goods and personnel to locations where aid is needed.
  • Protect UN staff and beneficiaries: Staff safety must be balanced with ensuring that those receiving humanitarian aid are not left vulnerable to violence or exploitation.
  • Safety training: Ensuring that both UN staff and local partners understand the security protocols and have access to security awareness training is key. This includes understanding local cultural nuances, conflict dynamics, and how they might affect operational security.

The Impact of the Role on UNDP’s Mission:

The UNDP is a key player in global development, working to eliminate poverty, promote sustainable development, and support democratic governance. The Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) role directly impacts the success of these missions by ensuring the safety of UN personnel and the effectiveness of humanitarian operations. Specifically, the FSCO’s work supports:

  1. Humanitarian Assistance and Peacebuilding: By providing a secure operational environment, the FSCO helps ensure that humanitarian aid (e.g., food, medical supplies, shelter) can reach those who need it most in Ethiopia.
  2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The FSCO’s work helps create a stable environment where development initiatives can proceed without the constant threat of disruption due to security issues. For example, community-driven development projects in Amhara and Afar regions can progress more effectively when staff are safe, and security risks are managed.
  3. Democratic Governance and Rule of Law: The FSCO also supports governance initiatives by ensuring that UN personnel working on justice, governance, and rule of law programs in Ethiopia can operate in a secure environment. These programs often require long-term engagements in challenging areas and cannot function without robust security frameworks.

Challenges of Working in Ethiopia (Amhara and Afar Regions):

Working in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Afar regions presents several challenges that the FSCO must be prepared for:

  • Complex Security Landscape: Ethiopia has experienced long-standing conflicts involving multiple ethnic groups. This makes security coordination extremely challenging, as the FSCO will need to navigate ethnic tensions, political instability, and armed conflicts.
  • Geopolitical Issues: Ethiopia is in a region marked by volatile geopolitics. Neighboring countries like Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan have experienced instability, which may spill over into Ethiopia’s security dynamics. The FSCO must keep abreast of regional developments and understand their potential impacts on Ethiopia.
  • Infrastructural Challenges: The Amhara and Afar regions may have limited infrastructure and communications capabilities, which could complicate security efforts. The FSCO must be adept at managing these limitations and ensuring that adequate resources are available to deal with emergencies.

Conflict and Humanitarian Crises:

Ethiopia has experienced several humanitarian crises over the years, particularly in regions like Amhara and Afar, which have been affected by both internal conflict (such as the Tigray conflict) and external crises (such as droughts). The FSCO will need to:

  • Monitor and analyze conflict: Understand the dynamics of the ongoing conflict to ensure the safety of personnel and operations.
  • Provide guidance on evacuation plans: Know when and how to evacuate UN staff in the event of escalating violence.
  • Ensure the continuation of aid despite insecurity: Even in a conflict zone, humanitarian assistance must continue, so the FSCO must ensure the safety of convoys, shelter operations, and food distribution points.

Career Growth and Opportunities:

The FSCO role is a stepping stone for individuals looking to advance in international security management, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Individuals with experience in the FSCO position can move on to higher roles within the UNDSS, such as Chief Security Advisor or other senior management positions within the UN or other international organizations. Furthermore:

  • Field Experience: This role offers significant field experience in one of the world’s most complex security environments. The real-world experience gained can be invaluable for individuals interested in broader international diplomacy, conflict resolution, or humanitarian affairs.
  • Networking Opportunities: Working with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, and international security professionals gives employees access to an extensive professional network, which can help advance careers in the future.
  • Leadership Development: As a supervisor of security assistants, the FSCO gains leadership experience, an essential skill for future roles in higher-level management and operations coordination.

Conclusion:

The Field Security Coordination Officer position is a highly dynamic and impactful role within the UNDP. It demands a unique set of skills in security management, crisis response, and coordination. Working in challenging environments such as Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia requires resilience, adaptability, and leadership, and offers a chance to contribute significantly to the UN’s global mission. If you are considering this role, preparing to work in complex environments and developing the relevant skills will be essential to ensure your success and the success of UN operations

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