Field Security Assistant at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) - An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Field Security Assistant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno - Nigeria
Organizational Unit: FRNIR
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A
Duration: 12 Months with possibility of extension

Tasks and responsibilities

• •Respond to staff security emergencies and provide and/or organize immediate assistance; call emergency services outside working hours and perform first aid, if required; 
• Ensure appropriate assistance in cases of theft, acts of vandalism or other actions including natural disasters endangering staff members, visitors and FAO property; carry out enquiries and investigate incidents;
• Assist FAO Northeast management to ensure continuing compliance with the United Nations security policies, practices and procedures and ensures their implementation in the AoR
• Support comprehensive review of the security situation in the AoR on a daily basis through local media and other sources and advise/brief the NPO (Safety and Security) / Head of Northeast Sub-Office on trends/situation that could affect FAO operations on a short/medium-term basis.
• Ensure the security information/security advisories received are timely and clearly disseminated to concerned staff, in concurrence with the NPO (Safety and Security).
• Carry out security assessments upon the request of the NPO (Safety and Security) in FAO area of operations.
• Support contacts with the Host Government security organizations/authorities, UNDSS and UN AFPs on all matters related to the security of FAO staff members and their eligible dependents and FAO property under the supervision of the NPO (Safety and Security) and regularly updates the NPO (Safety and Security) /HoO Northeast sub-office/Rep/Regional Security Advisor on security developments.
• Ensure that Fire Safety arrangements, plans for fire/building evacuation, relocation/evacuation of staff to a safe haven are updated and efficiently implemented.
• Maintain Security Plan updated including updated staff list and detailed contacts for use in case of any security situation.
• Keep record of all external and internal missions and staff movements inside and outside the country.
• Provide close security support to FAO program operations in the field, in coordination with UNDSS. Assist FAO field missions on ground security arrangements, convoy planning and emergency procedures.
• Enforce SRM/SOP compliance for FAO vehicle movements and advise on necessary actions, equipment and accessories required to enhance the safety and well-being of staff in the field.
• Observe staff compliance to Security Risk Management (SRM)/Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and report infringements to NPO (Safety and Security) /Head of Northeast Sub-Office. 
• Provide Security Briefing to newly arrived or on mission FAO staff members.
• Assist FAO Staff in preparing security clearances and organize training courses on security issues/awareness and preparedness for staff members and their eligible family members as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as required.

Reporting Lines:

• Under overall supervision of the FAO Representative, guidance of the Head of Northeast Suboffice, the Field Security Assistant, report directly the National Professional Officer (Safety and Security) and work closely with other UN Agencies security focal points.

Technical Focus:

• The Field Security Assistant is expected to use initiative and knowledge in preparing Security Risk Assessment (SRA) in implementing security Risk Management (SRM), Area Security Plan (ASP) and contingency plans, and monitors the implementation of security policies and procedures and all matters pertaining to the safety and security of FAO personnel, premises and assets.

Minimum Requirements   

• University Degree in risk or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law or closely related technical field. 
• Two years of relevant experience in national or international police force, armed forces, a private security organization, or security service of a large organization.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in the use of security and safety systems and of applying protective procedures and techniques
• Extent and relevance of experience in First Aid, Fire incident management etc.
• Familiarity with the Nigerian security context and architecture, Privileges and immunities for Specialized Agencies of the United Nations
• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment including radios, telephones, satellite telephones.

Application Closing Date
17th March, 2026 (11:58 PM).