Senior Field Security Asst

August 3, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family

GS5

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-07-21

Senior Field Security Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Field Security Assistant provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security..
The incumbent is normally supervised by an officer who provides regular guidance. They may be assigned some independent routine tasks while more often follows instructions of the supervisor. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR personnel, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and with Host Government Security authorities (HGOs) in the area to facilitate the operation.
The duty of the incumbent is to support the management of security issues.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Provide assistance to the supervisor in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for the UNHCR personnel operations, premises, partners and persons of concern.
- Be aware of security protocols and procedures in place in accordance with the UNSMS policies, UNHCR Policies and the Security Risk Management process in the designated area check for compliance and advise management on any deficiencies.
- Assist in security assessment missions to the field in coordination with UNDSS/other agencies; help the supervisor during field missions to gather information and analyse the security situation.
- Support the Implementation of security-related projects.
- Assist in the monitoring, updating and reporting of security-related events.
- Assist in the processing of administrative security issues.
- Maintain liaison with UN security management system actors, local law enforcement agencies, civil authorities and other relevant agencies.
- Provide security briefings to UNHCR staff, and as appropriate partner staff, on relevant security risk management for the country concerned to include , inter alia, the warden system, communication notification and reporting procedures, travel planning procedures road and fire safety.
- Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.
- Provide security-related advice to the manager and other staff.
- Advise on security gaps and needs.
- Maintain liaison and build relationships with Host Government Security Forces and security counterparts.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Security and Safety issues
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Experience in security or police field.

Functional Skills
FS-Police, military, NGO Corporate security expertise
IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Cross-cultural communication
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The ideal candidate for the Senior Field Security Assistant (G5) position should possess a combination of security, operational support, and administrative competencies, enabling effective support to UNHCR security operations in a complex humanitarian environment.
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
• Experience in security, police, military, NGO, or corporate security environments, with a sound understanding of security risk management and field security operations.
• Proven ability to collect, analyze, and report security information, conduct security monitoring, and support security assessments and field missions.
• Strong skills in liaison and stakeholder management, with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with government security authorities, law enforcement agencies, UN agencies, implementing partners, and local counterparts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, and the ability to maintain security records, databases, reports, and administrative documentation accurately.
• Familiarity with mapping, navigation, communication, and movement-tracking tools used to support field operations and staff movements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deliver security briefings, provide practical security advice, and communicate effectively with personnel at all levels.
• Good command of English and Arabic, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to rapidly changing operational and security situations.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A high degree of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and respect for diversity, consistent with UNHCR's core values and humanitarian principles.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Pour consulter les considérations relatives à la santé et à la sécurité au travail pour ce lieu d'affectation, veuillez cliquer sur ce lien : https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel 

Nature of Position:

The Senior Security Assistant (G5) is based in UNHCR Homs Sub-Office, supporting security operations across the Central Area of Syria, including Homs and Hama Governorates. The Area of Responsibility remains operationally complex, despite being under the control of Syrian authorities, due to ongoing security threats, including the presence of extremist groups, criminal activity, targeted killings, and the risk of airstrikes and drone attacks. The incumbent supports the implementation of security risk management measures, security information gathering and analysis, field mission support, and liaison with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe delivery of UNHCR humanitarian activities for refugees, returnees, and IDPs. Regular field travel is required, often on a daily basis, under challenging security and logistical conditions, with all movements conducted by road.

The position requires a resilient and adaptable professional capable of working effectively under pressure, managing competing priorities, and maintaining constructive relationships with authorities, partners, and local communities while upholding UNHCR's principles of neutrality and impartiality. Previous experience in humanitarian operations, particularly in security support, IDP, returnee, or refugee contexts, is highly desirable. The duty station presents challenges related to security conditions, limited independent information sources and family separation for staff relocating from other governorates.

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Police, military, NGO Corporate security expertise, IT-Computer Literacy

Certifications

Safety and Security - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview.

This position doesn't require a functional clearance