Senior Field Security Assistant

Overview

Provide support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security.

You have:

• Familiarity with UN security and safety procedures in the field, including emergency evacuations, contingency planning, and security protocols.
• Proven ability to analyze security risks in diverse scenarios and provide actionable advice to senior management and security and occupational health and safety (OHS) focal points.
• Knowledge and experience in managing security equipment, including access control systems, communication devices (such as satellite phones), CCTV systems, and fire safety equipment.
• Proven experience in the preparation of security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience in community engagement in conflict prone or sensitive areas, and in security management in complex or emergency situations.
• Demonstrated capacity for emergency deployments and rapid response in crisis contexts.
• Previous experience with UNDSS, UN agencies, INGOs, embassies, or similar organizations in field security roles; prior service in the military or security forces is considered an asset.
• Strong communication and training skills to interact effectively with staff and external stakeholders on safety and security matters.
• Fluency in Spanish and a good command of spoken and written English is ideal.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and ability to work under pressure in dynamic environments.

Deadline for Applications

February 3, 2026Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

FamilyStaff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA5Target Start Date

2026-03-02Terms of Reference

Desired candidate profile

• Familiarity with UN security and safety procedures in the field, including emergency evacuations, contingency planning, and security protocols. • Proven ability to analyze security risks in diverse scenarios and provide actionable advice to senior management and security and occupational health and safety (OHS) focal points in Country Offices, Field Units and protection spaces. • Knowledge and experience in managing security equipment, including access control systems, communication devices (such as satellite phones), CCTV systems, and fire safety equipment. • Proven experience in the preparation of security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and in assessing UNHCR sites intended for office premises or protection spaces. • Experience in community engagement in conflict prone or sensitive areas, and in security management in complex or emergency situations. • Demonstrated capacity for emergency deployments and rapid response in crisis contexts. • Previous experience with UNDSS, UN agencies, INGOs, embassies, or similar organizations in field security roles; prior service in the military or security forces is considered an asset. • Strong communication and training skills to interact effectively with staff and external stakeholders on safety and security matters. • Fluency in Spanish and a good command of spoken and written English is ideal. • High level of integrity, discretion, and ability to work under pressure in dynamic environments.

Person interested in applying for this position should be legally present in the country at the time of application, recruitment, and appointment.

Please note that this position will be located at Lima, Peru on presential modality and is offered as a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA / UNOPS) until mid-year. Extension is subject to operational needs, budget, and performance.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified and might be requested to sit a test.

No late applications will be considered.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.Standard Job Description

Senior Field Security Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Field Security Assistant provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security.. The incumbent is normally supervised by an officer who provides regular guidance. They may be assigned some independent routine tasks while more often follows instructions of the supervisor. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR personnel, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and with Host Government Security authorities (HGOs) in the area to facilitate the operation. The duty of the incumbent is to support 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 personnel operations, premises, partners and persons of concern. - Be aware of security protocols and procedures in place in accordance with the UNSMS policies, UNHCR Policies and the Security Risk Management process in the designated area check for compliance and advise management on any deficiencies. - Assist in security assessment missions to the field in coordination with UNDSS/other agencies; help the supervisor during field missions to gather information and analyse the security situation. - Support the 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 liaison with UN security management system actors, local law enforcement agencies, civil authorities and other relevant agencies. - Provide security briefings to UNHCR staff, and as appropriate partner staff, on relevant security risk management for the country concerned to include , inter alia, the warden system, communication notification and reporting procedures, travel planning procedures road 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. - Advise on security gaps and needs. - 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 G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education Not applicable (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

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

Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified

Desirable Experience in security or police field.

Functional Skills FS-Police, military, NGO Corporate security expertise IT-Computer Literacy 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.

Required Languages

English,

Spanish,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Police, military, NGO Corporate security expertise, IT-Computer LiteracyEducation

Certifications

Safety and Security - OtherWork Experience

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote

No

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 7 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unhcr.org