Categories: Vacancies, April 2026

Field Security Coordination Officer (Multiple DS, Addis Ababa, Mekele, Shire)

Location: Addis Ababa & Mekele, Shire, Ethiopia

Closing Date: Dec 14, 2024, 06:59 AM

Job Description

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support, and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programs and activities of the United Nations System.

UNDSS Ethiopia is supporting the UNSMS in country through security advice and guidance to enable the conduct of operations in the safest way possible.

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support, and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

The Field Security Coordination Officers will work in multiple duty stations and will be responsible for all UNDSS requirements in their Area of Responsibly (AOR).

Position Purpose

Security Support for Humanitarian Operations in Ethiopia.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Prepares and reviews security management documents for the designated area of responsibility.

All aspects related to elaboration, development, implementation and updating of all mandatory documents.

2. Provides support and advice to the Area Security Coordinator and agencies of the United Nations Security.

Provides support and advice to the Area Security Coordinator and agencies of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) operating within the security area about all security-related matters, security policies and procedures.
Serves as member of Area Security Management Team, contributing to planning, implementation, evaluation of effectiveness of security planning, security operations and implementations of measures aimed at improving staff security and conduct of UN programme activities.

3. Monitors activities related to the implementation of the approved security measures.

Provides support to UNSMS organizations in the establishment and maintenance of a functioning Security Communications Systems to include asset and database management of Security communication systems.
Program Management of UNDSS XB Support to the Amhara Region of Ethiopia.
Ensures implementation of safety and security policies of the UNSMS

4. Maintains cooperation and collaborations with authorities and international institutions.

Provides security briefing, advice, and security training to UNSMS personnel and operational partners of the United Nations (such as entities under Saving Life Together framework).

5. Assists in the response to crisis events and security incidents.

Contributing to planning, implementation, evaluation of effectiveness of security planning, security operations and implementations of measures aimed at improving staff security and conduct of UN programme activities.
Reviews and/or supports security planning and security management documents for the assigned area as required.
Identifies and promotes best practices.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The Field Security Coordination Officer will report directly to the Chief Security Adviser and will supervise one Field Security Associate.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction, Strategy & Effective Decision Making: Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

Business Management & Communication:

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

Business Management, Digital Awareness & Literacy: Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillful grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.

Security Services, Security advice planning & coordination: Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities.

Security Services, Security policy awareness & implementation: Knowledge of security policy concepts and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.

Security Services & Security Information Management: Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, business administration, political/social science, psychology, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A first-level university degree may be substituted with a diploma from a police or military education institution, college or academy which is considered as equivalent to a first-level university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years with master’s degree or 7 years with bachelor’s degree of progressively responsible experience in security, risk, or disaster management in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required.
Management experience in the public or private or corporate sector is required.
UN Security Management System or similar International Organizations within security or related area is required.
International experience is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

This vacancy is for three positions and for three locations (Mekele, Shire and Addis Ababa).

Disclaimer

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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