National Security Officer at World Food Programme (WFP)

Requisition ID: 159724
Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Grade: NOB

Organizational Context

• This position is based in Damaturu, with travel to WFP field locations in the North-east Region (NER) of Nigeria impacted by Non-State Armed Groups presence/influence.
• The incumbent operates under the technical supervision of the Head of the WFP Security Unit NE Nigeria in Maiduguri but reports to the Head of Sub-Office in Damaturu.

Job Purpose

• To support the management of Damaturu Sub-Office to enable the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities across NE Nigeria, mainly in the Yobe State.

Key Accountabilities (not all-inclusive)

• Provide technical advice, guidance and support e.g. security assessments and plans to SO to strengthen the capacity within security management and crisis readiness and preparedness.
• Develop systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.
• Assists context analysis in conflict affected areas of operations, determining the key characteristics and locations of non-state armed groups (NSAG).
• Keep up to date with and advise upon local security developments and issues and the potential impact upon WFP operations to inform security and operational activities.
• Monitor and maintain an effective security management communications system that enables rapid and co-ordinated security activities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local partners to align activities and optimise the best protection for staff, activities and facilities.
• Work in close collaboration with internal counterparts to align activities with wider programmes and activities and ensure compliance with security policies and procedures.
• Manage local security staff, providing coaching and guidance as required to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.
• Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings to present relevant security issues and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.
• Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
• Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g. mandatory Field Security reports that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.
• Support implementation of SAM recommendations in the NE/Yobe
• Other as required.

Standard Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
• A diploma obtained from Military / Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.

Experience:

• Typically three years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in security management (relevant military, policy or corporate) and/or security risk management, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development.
• Experience in managing support staff.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Good theoretical understanding of security management concepts and principals with a knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes.
• Good analytical skills with the ability to assimilate and analyse a range of data and issues to support the development of efficient solutions.
• Good communication skills and ability to adapt communication style to different situations and individuals.
• Ability to supervise, coach and motivate national security staff.
• Ability to deliver effective briefing and training, assessing participant needs.
• Knowledge of common business principals and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language and the duty station’s language, if different.

Other Specific Job Requirements:

• Adaptive capacities in effective security management, ability to make significant
• & Skills: independent contributions to the planning and development of security policies and procedures.
• Job holders are expected to manage a variety of security activities and conduct analytical work of considerable complexity, often manage and complete projects or assignments of a major nature achieving effective outputs.
• Job holders typically anchor a team ensuring high performance and development.

Desired experiences for entry into the role:

• Has contributed to the development of systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations in line with innovative methodologies and best practice
• Has provided support in the provision of technical security operations advice to strengthen the security management function of WFP
• Has managed small teams of national staff with related areas of expertise
• Has developed some experience managing resources in the STLDU or Operations
• Has gained considerable experience in at least one operational area