Senior Security Officer

Role overview

This position provides advanced security coordination and advisory support to ESAMCO so that programme delivery can continue smoothly, management receives well-informed guidance, and UNSMS requirements are applied consistently across the office’s area of responsibility.

Purpose of the role

The Senior Security Officer is responsible for managing and coordinating all security and safety matters related to UNOPS operations and projects. The role focuses on safeguarding personnel, assets, and programmes through strong risk management, forward-looking planning, and close coordination with UNDSS, host authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. The post requires sound professional judgment and the ability to work with a high level of autonomy while helping management uphold a compliant and effective security framework.

Key duties

• Offer security advice to management and staff within the assigned area, while keeping track of security developments that may affect operations.
• Carry out and routinely refresh Security Risk Assessments for offices, project sites, and travel routes, identifying threats, weaknesses, and practical mitigation actions.
• Build and maintain local security management arrangements that align with UNSMS standards and suit the operating environment.
• Provide specialist input on programme design, project execution, and operational decisions from a security perspective.
• Help ensure security and safety requirements are built into project proposals and budgets so mitigation measures are properly resourced.
• Review and revise security SOPs and monitor compliance with SRM requirements, Residential Security Measures, and other mandatory frameworks.
• Maintain continuous awareness of emerging security issues and provide timely analysis and recommendations to support decisions in settings ranging from cities to remote field areas.
• Coordinate security matters with UNDSS, government counterparts, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to support consistent implementation of security measures.
• Assist with security clearances for personnel travel, including submissions through TRIP or other approved systems.
• Advise on secure access planning for field missions in high-risk areas, including mitigation planning, convoy arrangements, and communication protocols.
• Verify that compounds, offices, and residences meet required safety standards and have suitable physical and procedural protections.
• Prepare, implement, and monitor an annual security work plan and budget covering priorities such as fire safety, emergency readiness, and required mitigation actions.
• Track security equipment and systems, ensuring they remain operational and fit for purpose.
• Represent UNOPS in Security Cell meetings and other coordination forums, and provide management with updates and recommendations on security conditions.
• Guide project managers on security considerations linked to implementing partners, in line with donor, partner, and UNSMS expectations.
• Advise on incorporating risk controls into implementing partner documentation, TORs, and operational plans.
• Review implementing partner security deliverables, identify risks, and recommend mitigation measures where needed.
• Clarify that implementing partners remain fully responsible for their own security management and duty of care, while UNOPS retains an advisory role.
• Help project managers assess whether implementing partner security arrangements meet minimum standards without taking on direct oversight or enforcement responsibilities.
• Act as a focal point for major incidents affecting personnel, assets, and operations across the ESAMCO portfolio.
• Support management during crises, evacuations, relocations, and other emergencies in coordination with UNDSS and relevant partners.
• Ensure security incident reports are prepared and submitted on time, and maintain accurate incident records for monitoring and trend analysis.
• Support investigations and follow-up inquiries related to security incidents or accidents, and ensure lessons learned are reflected in future planning.
• Keep emergency communication systems effective and ensure staff understand reporting and escalation procedures.
• Assist with coordination and leadership during evacuations, relocations, and other crisis responses in line with UNDSS protocols and contingency plans.
• Promote security awareness and accountability across the portfolio and strengthen local capacity through mentoring, training, and the sharing of good practice.
• Deliver security briefings and onboarding sessions for new staff, consultants, and visitors.
• Run refresher sessions on personal safety, travel security, fire prevention, and emergency procedures.
• Lead the training and development of security personnel to build local capability.
• Work with UNDSS to organise joint awareness activities, preparedness training, simulations, and drills.
• Review how security measures are implemented across offices and project locations and advise management on gaps, priorities, and corrective actions.
• Maintain current security records such as staff and dependent contact lists, warden systems, and emergency notification procedures.
• Monitor compliance with mandatory mitigation measures to keep premises and personnel aligned with UNSMS requirements.
• Support country leadership and the Field Security Advisor on operational and documentation compliance with security policies.
• Review, update, and test the business continuity plan so the organisation is ready for emergencies and operational disruptions.
• Keep comprehensive, up-to-date country files containing security assessments, plans, and advisories for decision-making and audit use.
• Contribute to training and learning activities on security topics within the area of responsibility.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing groups and Communities of Practice, bringing forward insights and lessons from security initiatives.
• Research security-related subjects and contribute to reports, summaries, and briefing notes.

Education requirements

• A master’s degree in any discipline with at least 2 years of relevant experience, or
• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 4 years of relevant experience.

Desired certifications

• UN security certifications such as UNDSS Field Security Associate, Security Certification Program, Security Analysis Process and Practices, SSAFE TDC, or Hostage Incident Management.
• Other recognised security and risk management credentials such as ASIS CPP, PSP, CSMP, ISO 31000, crisis management, business continuity, or an equivalent qualification.

Experience requirements

• Background in law enforcement, the military, security management, crisis management, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with UNDSS and UN field security structures.
• Hands-on use of productivity tools such as MS Office, G Suite, and web-based management platforms.
• Experience in multicultural settings, the UN system, or INGOs in a developing country is preferred.
• Experience in development or humanitarian environments is also an advantage.

Additional information

This role calls for a strong sense of judgment, independent decision-making, and the ability to operate across varied contexts, including urban locations and remote field environments. The job also involves close collaboration with internal teams, external authorities, and security partners to maintain a proactive and compliant security posture.

Terms and conditions

Security responsibilities include maintaining duty-of-care arrangements for personnel and eligible dependents, supporting emergency preparedness, and ensuring that mandatory security measures are followed. The role also involves keeping documentation current and contributing to continuity planning and incident learning.