Security Operations Consultant

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance

Job Title: Security Operations Consultant

Type of Contract: Regular Consultant

Division: Security Division

Duty Station (City, Country): Rome, Italy

Duration: 11 months

BACKGROUNG AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNEMENT:

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies, and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Under the overall policy guidance of the WFP Framework of Accountability for security and in coordination and cooperation with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) the security goal is to enable WFP to conduct its activities and implement its strategic objectives while ensuring the safety and security of its personnel, and security of its operations, premises, and assets. WFP seeks a proactive and effective security workforce and a dynamic security management culture to deliver effectively to populations at risk.

The Operations Unit works to enhance its operational support capacity to Regional Bureaus (RB) and respective WFP countries offices (CO’s) in order to address the need for security risk management-related support in an increasing number of high-risk areas. The position aims at strengthening operational guidance relating to security risk management in emergencies. In this context, the position based in HQ but deployable to the field in direct support of operations is required to address any overstretched capacity or emerging needs for Security. The position also adheres to the strategic objective to attract and retain talented WFP professionals, to provide mentoring and capacity building to WFP national security professionals operating in high-risk environments. Proficiency in English and French will directly impact the selection of the incumbent.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Draft advice, guidance, and recommendations related to security risk management matters for the Director of Security and Chief of Operations, in direct support of the Division’s strategic objectives.
2. Provide security-related access inputs and support in preparation of the Technical Access Cell.
3. Provide an initial review of SRMs, LCSSB, RSM produced within the UNSMS as directly affecting WFP operations; identify potential issues for WFP and identification of solutions to the Chief of Operations for consideration.
4. In coordination with the Analysis unit, support the liaison process with RSO’s and Security professionals to improve the timeliness, accuracy and credibility of security reporting from the Field to SEC HQ, as prescribed in the WFP Security reporting guidelines.
5. Support the implementation of SAM recommendations at RB’s and CO level (procurement need plans and requests, support guidance on key security documentation and processes, etc).
6. Provide recommendations on funding and implementation of security-related needs identified in SRMM/eTREMP.
7. Co-develop SRM-related operational toolkit, guidance, processes aiming at optimizing operational support to the field.
8. Participate in the preparation and reporting of regular security operation coordination meetings and products (including but not limited to operational meetings, Weekly Analytical and Coordination meeting, SEC Weekly updates, Operations participation in the Operational Task Forces).
9. Contribute as required to cross-cutting learning and development initiatives related to security, including but not limited to (D)CD training, FSO/LSA/RSO guide, WFP Programme-related guidance with security considerations.
10. Review and process Mission Security Clearance Requests (MSCR’s) submitted for approval of the WFP Executive Director.
11. Participate in the drafting and preparation of the Security Division’s annual performance report and the Annual Security Report.
12. Participate in the corporate level review of Country Strategic Plans (CSP) and Corporate Portfolio Budget with Regional security teams and the BPO. Act as a focal point for enquires from the field on CSP’s.
13. Direct support missions to either Regional Bureaux or Country Offices as required for surge or more specific activities in support of Security Strategic objectives.
14. Support the Operations Team and perform other tasks as directed by the supervisor.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Operational inputs on various corporate processes, tools, products as described above.
• Optimized reporting on security in both frequency and quality.
• Optimized security inputs into CSPs and Budget revisions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First level University degree with related work experience and/or training/courses.

UNDSS or WFP LSA certification.

Experience: At least five years’ experience in security risk management including implementation of SRM processes, access and negotiation, crisis management, preferably in a WFP L3 emergency setting.

Knowledge and Skills: Specialized knowledge of security risk management; understanding of existing UNSMS policies and processes, including WFP Security policy framework; demonstrated knowledge in security-related crisis management (contingency planning, activation of security plans and associated procedures), demonstrated skills in negotiation to enhance access at field level, first response training capacity is desirable. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language is essential with strong French language skills. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, Portuguese, is desirable. Knowledge of Italian language is also desirable.

Deadline for applications: 12 May 2023

Ref. VA number: 787422

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status

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.