Re-advertisement: Security Officer, NO-1, Sokoto Nigeria

Provide technical assistance in security management for UNICEF.

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Application deadline 6 months ago: Sunday 28 Dec 2025 at 22:55 UTC

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Overview

Provide technical assistance in security management for UNICEF.

You have:

  • A university degree in Security Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Diplomatic Studies, Conflict and Security, Counter Terrorism or another relevant technical field is required.
  • A minimum of one year of professional experience in global security risk management and/or security analysis is required.
  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Contract

This is a NO-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-1 contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up!

For every child, an advocate.

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/

Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link

Background:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated.

There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries.

This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job

The Security Officer reports to the Security Specialist or Operations Manager/Chief of Operations for close guidance and supervision. The Level 1 is an entry professional level and should therefore be normally used as a trainee level for the purpose of acquiring organizational knowledge of rules, regulations and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge of the profession for upward mobility to higher responsibilities. Incumbents at this level are not expected to remain for an extended period of time in the post.

The Security Officer provides technical, operational and administrative assistance in security management and services through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting technical security related information/data while learning organizational/UN system rules, regulations and procedures in the area of security management and emergency/crisis preparedness.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

  • Collect, record and report to supervisor all information related to the safety and security of UNICEF personnel and eligible family members, premises, assets and resources in accordance with UN and UNICEF Security Management Systems.
  • In close coordination with the supervisor, assist in the implementation of all technical requirements contained in the UN Security Plan, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS), Residential Security Measures (RSM), and other relevant policies, guidelines, and assessments. Assist in providing technical support for all UNICEF contracted security providers.
  • Assist the supervisor in drafting UNICEF security documentation including security contingency plans and assist in the compiling of mandatory reports in accordance with UNICEF security reporting guidelines including Security Incident Reports (SIRs).
  1. 2. Safety and Security Services
  • Assist the supervisor in monitoring the security situation and emerging security threats to UNICEF personnel and eligible family members, premises, assets and resources. As requested by the supervisor, assist in security activities that support UNICEF operations and participate in security risk management for all locations where UNICEF personnel and eligible family members are present.
  • Draft security related information and instructions to assist the supervisor in keeping personnel informed on matters affecting their safety and security and actions to take in case of an emergency including those identified in the UN Security Plan as it relates to UNICEF.
  1. Security Networking and Partnership Building
  • Assist the supervisor in identifying appropriate liaison within the UNSMS/NGO community through UNDSS.
  1. Innovation, Knowledge Management and Capacity building
  • Identify, capture, synthesize and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
  • Implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders on security related preparedness and operations.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: UPDATED_111124_Security Officer NOA Sokoto Nigeria with input from SME-CFO .pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

  • Education: A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Security Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Diplomatic Studies, Conflict and Security, Counter Terrorism or another relevant technical field.
  • Work Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience in global security risk management and/or security analysis is required.
  • Demonstrated international security management experience and understanding of the United Nations Security Management System is highly desirable.

  • Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)

(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with

UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information..

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Potential interview questions

Describe a situation where you had to assess a security risk. This question assesses your practical experience in security risk management. Provide a clear example and explain your assessment process and the outcomes.
How do you stay informed about security developments in your area? The interviewer wants to know about your methods for monitoring security threats. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you've worked collaboratively on security matters? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What measures would you implement to ensure safety during an emergency? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you communicate security policies to staff? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe any experience you have with security audits or assessments. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle conflicts within a security team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or systems are you familiar with in security management? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unicef.org