Senior Security Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, established to oversee the delivery of projects across the continent, operates in over 40 countries with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The office is supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in North, West, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa, as well as the Horn of Africa. Its mission is to advance national priorities through strategic initiatives in various sectors, including Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and support for Middle-Income Countries and Small Island Developing States. The office emphasizes excellence in project delivery, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement to contribute to sustainable infrastructure and better quality of life for communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Security Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of personnel, assets, and operations within the UNOPS framework. This position involves working under the direct supervision of the Senior Field advisor" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Advisor and collaborating closely with Programme Managers and the Office Management Team. The incumbent is responsible for providing specialized technical, operational, and administrative support for security operations, ensuring compliance with UNOPS security policies and the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The role includes facilitating timely information exchange, assisting in incident response, and maintaining a secure operating environment. The Senior Security Assistant is expected to promote a proactive client-oriented approach in line with UNOPS policies and UNSMS standards, contributing to the overall effectiveness of security management within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Security Assistant's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities aimed at supporting security operations. Key tasks include gathering, verifying, and updating security information to analyze security situations, maintaining accurate personnel lists, disseminating relevant security updates, documenting security incidents, and representing UNOPS at Security Cell meetings. The incumbent will also provide administrative support for security training, conduct basic security briefings for new personnel, and manage security clearance processes. Additionally, the role involves general administrative and logistical support, organizing meetings, preparing documents and reports, facilitating emergency communications, and maintaining secure files and records. The Senior Security Assistant is expected to contribute to knowledge sharing and participate in training sessions on security topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of security protocols and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school education (or equivalent) with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience. Relevant experience should include work in security operations, incident reporting, security administration support, and security communications. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools, such as MS Office and G-Suite, is required. Experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in developing countries is desired, as well as experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a secondary school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. The educational background should be complemented by relevant experience in security operations or related fields, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires relevant experience in security operations, including incident reporting, security administration support, and security communications. Candidates should have experience in using collaboration and productivity tools, as well as familiarity with web-based management systems. Desired experience includes working in multicultural environments or within UN system organizations, particularly in developing countries, and experience in development or humanitarian contexts is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for the role. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication within diverse teams and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as entry-level, with an ICS Level of 0

• The contract type is ICA - LICA - Support - Regular, and the contract level is LICA
• The posting start date is August 12, 2026, and the end date for applications is August 26, 202
• The duration of the contract is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. All personnel are expected to adhere to UNOPS policies and demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with organizational standards.