National Professional Officer (Safety and Security)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. In Afghanistan, FAO is actively involved in resilience-building actions across all 34 provinces, aiming to protect agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems while boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash incomes. The organization provides a combination of humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance to farmers and herders, as outlined in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023-2027.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Safety and Security) position is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of FAO personnel, premises, and assets in Afghanistan. The officer will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative and the Field Security Officer, providing support and advice on safety and security matters. The role involves monitoring the security situation across the country, conducting security risk assessments, and implementing security measures in compliance with the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The officer will also be responsible for maintaining updated security information, preparing situation reports, and ensuring that all staff are familiar with safety and security procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying security threats and implementing preventive measures to safeguard FAO operations and personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer (Safety and Security) include:

• Collaborating with the Field Security Unit to advise the FAO Representative on safety and security matters.
• Monitoring and implementing technical security measures as outlined in the Security Plan and associated documents.
• Conducting security risk assessments for the Country Office and sub-offices, providing independent analysis of emerging security threats.
• Preparing periodic situation reports to keep the FAO Representative informed of the security situation.
• Developing and implementing Contingency Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for central and field offices.
• Conducting training and briefings on safety and security procedures for staff and personnel.
• Reporting security incidents systematically to the FAO Representative and Field Security Unit.
• Conducting periodic security assessments of FAO premises and providing recommendations for improvements.
• Advising on the selection and procurement of security equipment. 1
• Ensuring FAO's participation in United Nations Security Management Team meetings and maintaining contact with national security agencies. 1
• Performing any other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a national of Afghanistan.
• Hold an advanced university degree in risk or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law, or a related area; or a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with three additional years of relevant experience.
• Have at least three years of professional experience in risk management and/or safety and security service in a national security and/or military setting.
• Possess a working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and the local language. Competencies required include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in risk or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law, or a related area. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in these fields combined with three additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of safety and security management in a challenging environment like Afghanistan.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in risk management and/or safety and security service, particularly in a national security and/or military setting. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations or areas of work is highly valued. Familiarity with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) is considered a strong asset, as is experience in networking and effective communication with national authorities.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at a working knowledge level (level C) is mandatory, along with proficiency in the local language. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication and coordination with local stakeholders and personnel.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is likely to be a full-time role. The contract duration and seniority level are not specified in the job description. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex security environment and may need to engage in international recruitment processes. Compensation and benefits details are not provided but are typically aligned with UN standards.