Full TimeENMiddle East
Deadline for Applications
March 1, 2026Hardship Level
E (most hardship)Family Type
Non FamilyFamily Type
Non FamilyDanger PayResidential location (if applicable)
Grade
NOAStaff Member / Affiliate Type
National Professional OfficerReason
Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date
2026-05-01Standard Job Description
Assistant Field Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Field Security Officer supports and undertakes activities pertaining to workforce security and security for forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The incumbent supports and provides guidance in all security-related aspects of the operation.
The incumbent is supervised by a senior officer who defines the work objectives and provides general guidance. The incumbent may provide input to the supervision of general service staff in the office.
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
Support the Representative or the Head of Office in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, partners, operations, and premises.
Support in the development of security risk management processes in close cooperation with UNHCR managers, UNDSS and the security cell, identifying the appropriate security risk management measures and monitoring compliance of same.
Assist in the development of security plans for evacuation/relocation, medical evacuation, and other security contingencies.
In cooperation with UNHCR senior personnel, assist in ensuring that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
Respond to personnel queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance or security-related advice as required.
As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of forcibly displaced and stateless people.
Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities, the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and partner agencies.
Support UNHCR management as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT) or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), and Area Security Coordinators (ASC).
Provide country-relevant security advice and training to UNHCR personnel and, where appropriate, to personnel of NGOs and operational partners.
Conduct rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that personnel are familiar with security contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency, including for Wardens.
Prepare periodic reports and incident reports on security in accordance with UNSMS and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and, as appropriate, regional security coordinators and the Field Security Service.
Maintain linkages with the Psychosocial Wellbeing Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
Contribute to a person-centered approach to all aspects of UNHCR security risk management, ensuring inclusion of the diverse personal profiles of personnel and the development of appropriate support and measures.
Undertake other security-related duties as determined by the supervisor.
Understand all required security learning and training and ensure that changes in security policies and processes are effectively communicated to personnel.
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
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Security Management Risk Management; Political Science;
International Relations; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management Learning Program; First Aid Training;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.
Desirable
Experience in having established working networks with law enforcement and other security actors.
Functional Skills
FS-Security Planning
FS-Security Analysis
CO-Drafting and Documentation
IT-Computer Literacy
(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.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Judgement and Decision Making
Managing Resources
Cross-Functional Competencies
Planning and Organizing
Political Awareness
Stakeholder Management
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.
Desired Candidate Profile
The incumbent must have good interpersonal skills. Good analytical and reporting skills. Knowledge of UNSMS system. Skills and experience in interacting with UNDSS and other sister agencies. Experience in managing teams.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
UNHCR Homs SO is located in Homs city of the same Governorate and cover all UNHCR operations in Central Area with includes Hama Governorate as well. All Central Area is under the control of Government of Syria Security Forces (General Security and Army). Regardless of GoS control, UNHCR Homs Sub-Office is operating in a highly complex context, with presence of active ISIS groups across the Central Area. The Area is still prone to IDF and ICF airstrikes and drone attacks. UNHCR is coordinating the response for IDPs, returnees, and refugees from different countries. The present situation in Central Area of Syria is still unstable due to the level of criminal activity and targeted killings. This creates ongoing pressures at work and in daily life as priorities are frequently upended for other urgent ad hoc tasks.
The incumbent should be prepared to work under very challenging conditions and be able to manage stressful situations. There is no traveling by air to and from Homs. All movement is by road, and sometimes it is complicated.
The candidates from other governorates might face challenges with the relocation to Homs due to inadequate opportunities to obtain living quarters, and frequent family visits might be complicated. Given the nature of the operation in the Central Area of Syria, the incumbent may face multiple challenges, including the sensitive relationship with the authorities and partners; a challenging security situation; few independent or objective sources of information; and an overriding need to be perceived as impartial in all matters.
The position requires a well-rounded and experienced humanitarian profile. The position also requires prior experience with both IDP and returnee operations, in addition to working with urban caseloads. The incumbent needs to travel to the field on a daily basis.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation, FS-Security Analysis, FS-Security Planning, IT-Computer LiteracyEducation
Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Risk Management, Bachelor of Arts: Security ManagementCertifications
First Aid Training - Other, Security Management Learning Program - OtherWork Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. Qualified Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
