Field Security Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme)is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

(Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected) During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme.

1. Advise the Head of WHO Office with regard to maintaining the safety and security of WHO personnel, premises and assets in compliance with UNSMS and WHO Security Management Policies and Principles, monitor the implementation of the technical security measures outlined in the Security Plan, MOSS, and SOPs; ensure that the Country Office as well as the suboffices have an acceptable level of MOSS compliance.

2. Monitor the security situation across the county, coordinate and undertake security risk analysis and assessment for the Country Office as well as overall suboffices and provide the Head of WHO Office with independent analysis of emerging security threats to WHO personnel, operations, premises and assets. Facilitate the implementation of recommended mitigating measures.

3. Develop contingency plans and SOPs for the Country Office as well as for each suboffice, be instrumental in implementing the enhanced security measures; and ensure staff members are familiar and adhere with the related guidelines.

4. Design, in cooperation with the data team and the field coordinators, an effective and practical system to track WHO staff and responders throughout the country of assignment; ensure that all field coordinators send, on daily basis, an updated list of staff, consultants, partners and dependents present at their respective field locations.

5. In close coordination with Logistics team, ensure that all deployed staff and responders are provided with a mobile phone and a SIM card upon arrival, as well as hand-held radios where applicable, to enable establishing a SMS or other rapid alert systems to provide staff with relevant and real time information and updates about the prevailing security situation.

6. Increase the security awareness and conduct training for all WHO staff and non staff in accordance with WHO policies and UNSMS standards, provide briefing on radio communication, convoy, security and evacuation procedures and other security issues and precautions to be taken in compliance with the current measures prescribed by UNDSS and WHO.

7. Maintain updated security information, prepare periodical situation reports ensuring that the Head of WHO Office and the UNDSS are kept regularly informed of security situation, drawing their attention to pitfalls, needs, unusual situations and problems, proposing remedial actions and improvements.

8. Participate with the logistics team in identifying proper accommodations, with adequate security measures for all staff and responders, ensuring their safety and well-being.

9. Ensure WHO's participation in the UN Security Cell. Establish contact with all relevant national authorities including national security agencies as appropriate.

10. Conduct safety and security training and ensure all country staff basic security in the field , and safe and secure approach in the field certified

11. Supervise and guide the Local Security assistant(s).

12. Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

Education

Essential : University degree in police science, business administration, political/social science, psychology or international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute, with focus on security management or equivalent in military or police academy degree or training.

Desirable : .

Experience

Essential : At least seven years' experience with proven international exposure in security management. Experience in training and guiding staff on security issues.

Desirable : Experience in field mission of WHO, the UN, health cluster partners or recognized humanitarian organization would be an advantage.

Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security

Knowledge and experience of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser.

Experience of safety and security training and certify staff basic security in the field , and safe and secure approach.

Skills

Demonstrated technical skills to under stand/consolidate varying specializations such as electronics, communications, mechanics, explosives and other sophisticated devices encountered in security system management. Tact, discretion and diplomacy. Good knowledge of WHO field security operations and the specificities of the operations conducted within the framework of an outbreak and health emergencies

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Moving forward in a changing environment

Producing results

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential : Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable :

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 86,027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2681 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.
• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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• Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
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• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
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Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

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