Security Officer

Security Officer

World Food Programme (WFP)

October 24, 2025December 8, 2025AbujaNigeria
World Food Programme (WFP) About
Founded in 1961 and assisting 80 million people in around 80 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. WFP’s efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations. Two-thirds of its work is in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict. In emergencies, WFP is often first on the scene, providing food assistance to the victims of war, civil conflict, drought, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, crop failures and natural disasters. When the emergency subsides, WFP helps communities rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods. WFP also works to strengthen the resilience of people and communities affected by protracted crises by applying a development lens in its humanitarian response. WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation implementing school feeding programmes worldwide and has been doing so for over 50 years. Each year, WFP provides school meals to between 20 and 25 million children across 63 countries, often in the hardest-to-reach areas.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of individuals who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment for all employees. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Security Officer position at WFP is crucial for supporting the management of security operations that ensure the safety and security of WFP personnel, activities, and facilities. This role is based in Abuja and involves working under the general supervision of Regional/Country Directors and reporting directly to Senior Security Officers or Deputy Country Directors. The Security Officer will be responsible for implementing security measures, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with security standards. The position requires a proactive approach to security management, including liaising with local security authorities and providing operational support to various WFP offices. The Security Officer will also play a key role in training staff on security protocols and preparing for emergencies, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of WFP's humanitarian assistance efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Security Officer will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:
  • Contributing to the development and implementation of security contingency and continuity plans for the office, ensuring that emergency systems are regularly tested.
  • Liaising with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and attending security operations management meetings to keep WFP management informed on security matters.
  • Providing operational support to Country, Area, and Field Offices to achieve compliance with Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) and Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS).
  • Managing access control measures for WFP facilities to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
  • Supporting the management of the security budget and procurement planning for efficient resource management.
  • Ensuring that security equipment is maintained and compliant with established standards.
  • Collaborating with the Human Resources Unit on security staffing matters, including recruitment and capacity building.
  • Collecting and analyzing information on local security developments to support operational activities.
  • Preparing timely reports for senior management to ensure consistency of information. 1
  • Conducting security orientation briefings for new staff and supporting training activities to enhance security capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Security Management, International Relations, Law Enforcement, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be accepted. A diploma from a Military or Police Academy with qualifying experience can also be considered in lieu of the first university degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of security management concepts and best practices, as well as the ability to analyze information and develop effective solutions. Good communication skills and the ability to adapt to different situations are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Security Officer position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Security Management, International Relations, or Law Enforcement. Candidates with a first university degree and additional relevant experience may also be considered. A diploma from a Military or Police Academy, combined with relevant experience, is acceptable in lieu of a first university degree. Continuous professional development and training in security management are highly valued.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in security management, which may include relevant military, police, or corporate security experience. A background in international humanitarian development is preferred, along with experience in managing support staff. The role requires a solid understanding of security risk management and the ability to operate effectively in complex environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and candidates should also be proficient in the local language of the duty station, if different. Strong communication skills in both languages are essential for effective collaboration and briefing.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Abuja, Nigeria. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on merit and organizational needs. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards.
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