Security Associate at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Security Associate

Ref: JR119638
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Employment Type: Full Time
Reports To: Head of Security or a Deputy or National Officer

The Role

• To perform tasks related to the implementation and assessment of security measures and maintenance of equipment with a view towards providing updates and recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making and secure WFP staff, facilities and operations.

Key Accountabilities (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive)

• Review security threats and risks in detail and compile accurate reports on trends and situations that could adversely impact WFP operations, in order to ensure information is accurately collated and sent to senior security staff to support reporting and decision making.
• Review security related information (e.g. security incidents and events, security support to daily activities, etc.) and use corporate or local information management tools to produce a range of analyses and in-depth reports, to ensure that information is readily available for relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise and co-ordinate with local administration, security and law enforcement authorities, communities, UN/NGO security staff and other actors, to facilitate access for safe program delivery and to mitigate potential risks against staff and other resources.
• Plan and co-ordinate staff activities during field missions and perform security assessments within the area of responsibility to support safe and effective program delivery.
• Analyze security assessment reports following field missions and present detailed recommendations for risk mitigation to support security situation analysis and facilitate decision-making.
• Assist in advising the Country Director on security risk management matters and safety issues in compliance with the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS).
• Support the implementation of risk management mitigation measures, including Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) to ensure compliance.
• Support the maintenance and management of security equipment and make recommendations to strengthen technology capacity in line with business requirements.
• Monitor and ensure that all access control procedures are effective and stringently followed by all staff and visitors, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment.
• Maintain and develop recommendations for improving emergency and contingency planning documentation including physical preparations and procedures, to support preparedness for a crisis.
• Deliver security training to staff and review security training needs in order to develop measures to meet business requirements.

Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Security Management, International Relations, Security Studies / Criminology, Law Enforcement / Policing, Public Administration, Cybersecurity, or any other relevant field.

Experience:

• Six or more years of progressively responsible work experience in the relative business stream with experience in general administrative work.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language. Fluency both oral and written communication in the local language at use in the duty station is also desirable.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Has gained sound knowledge of security operations technical processes
• Has provided technical guidance and training to staff members within area of expertise
• Has supported research and collation of data which feeds into reports that inform security operations activities
• Specialized knowledge of the application of practical methods, techniques, procedures and systems used in security, typically gained through technical training and work experience.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of security logistics, security administration, risk assessment and co-ordination with local authorities and local law enforcement agencies.
• Training and experience in fire and related intervention/evacuation procedures.
• Ability to manage emergency situations and remain calm.
• Attention to detail and constant vigilance in order to promptly detect any breach in security measures.
• Ability to interpret information, use judgement and inform supervisors of any incidents which might impact the UNWFP staff and operations.
• Excellent communication skills in order to maintain frequent correspondence with both, internal staff and external authorities with regards to security advisories and security incidents.
• Willingness to attend security trainings and comply with UNSMS standards.

More About You:

• Commitment to humanitarian values: Emphasize your motivation to contribute to WFP’s mission of ending hunger and protecting vulnerable communities.
• Personal qualities: Reliability, integrity, vigilance, adaptability, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Show that you work well with diverse teams, respect cultural differences, and can coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Problem-solving mindset: Mention how you anticipate risks, think critically, and act decisively to ensure safety.
• Learning and growth: Express openness to continuous training, adapting to new contexts, and applying lessons learned in challenging environments.

Additional / Nice to Have:

• Language skills: Fluency in French, Arabic, or other UN languages beyond English.
• Technical certifications: Security management, risk assessment, or IT/cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP basics).
• Emergency response training: First aid, fire safety, crisis management, or evacuation procedures.
• Driving and logistics experience: Valid driver’s license, defensive driving training, or experience with fleet management.
• Regional knowledge: Familiarity with local security dynamics, cultural awareness, and ability to work in diverse environments.
• Technology proficiency: Use of GPS, radio communication systems, CCTV monitoring, or incident reporting software.
• Soft skills: Strong interpersonal communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.

Why Join WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

Application Closing Date
28th January, 2026. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online