BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Position of Security Operations Support Officer is based at Country Office (CO) Kampala. The candidate will be employed on a 2-year fixed term contract renewable upon satisfactory performance and resource availability. The job holder typically works under general supervision of the Country Director and directly report to the Head of Security in CO.

To support the management of WFP’s security day-to-day operations to facilitate the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities. The job holder will be involved in security operational support activities and analytical work of limited complexity.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

1. Contribute to the security and safety contingency and continuity planning for the office, supporting the standardization and implementation of plans and ensures that emergency systems are regularly tested for WFP facilities in-country.
2. Liaise with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and the in-country security management apparatus and attend security operations management meetings, to ensure WFP management and staff are fully briefed on security matters in CO.
3. In conjunction with WFP Field Security Division, provide recommendations and operational support to the Country, Area and Field Offices for achievement of Security Risk Management Measures (SRM) and Residential Security Management (RSM) compliance.
4. Responsible for all facilities access control measures and procedures to ensure safety and security of WFP staff and visitors in line with United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) best practices.
5. Provide support to the management of security budget including procurement planning to facilitate efficient and cost-effective resources management.
6. Responsible for country wide oversight management of security equipment to ensure it is issued correctly, is in serviceable condition and is in compliance with the established security standards.
7. Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Human Resources Unit and Procurement Unit regarding a number of security staffing matters (e.g. recruitment, contract management, capacity building), to ensure compliance with the established WFP policies and procedures.
8. Collect information about local security developments, issues and provide basic technical analysis of potential impact upon WFP operations for supervisor’s attention in order to support security and operational activities.
9. Prepare accurate and timely reports to contribute to the consistency of information presented to the senior managers.
10. Provide security orientation briefing to newly arrived staff to ensure staff are well-informed of local security conditions and procedures.
11. Support training activities as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
12. Manage junior security staff, providing coaching and guidance as required to ensure appropriate development and support high performance
13. Support the supervisor during emergencies to meet changing needs.

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES: 

Strategic approach to security risk management: Demonstrates understanding of strategic approaches to security to identify potential threats. Contributes to the creation and implementation of WFP’s mitigation measures.

Operational knowledge of security risk management: Exhibits good understanding of day to day security operations. Works within own remit to proactively contribute to solutions to single or multiple elements of organisational security challenges.

Security resource management: Demonstrates ability to track and compile reports on CO and Field staffing and financial resource usage on a project-level basis.

Analysis and solution development: Demonstrates understanding of key UN inter-governmental body partner agencies. Understands implications of security information and reports and supports in the identification of mitigating actions against threats and vulnerabilities to WFP’s operations.

Planning compliance and emergency management: Supports in planning and prioritisation practices in-line with established security policies and procedures

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has supported projects and operational activities that maintain security operations functions and feed into overall strategic aims
• At least 1-year security experience serving with United Nations, Corporate or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO)
• Has routinely provided coaching or training to new staff members within area of expertise
• Has collated data, assisted in analysis and drafting reports that inform security operations activities.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:  Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement, Organizational leadership/Management 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:  Five years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in security management (relevant military, police, government or corporate) and/or security risk management, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development. Experience in managing support staff, projects and security-related incidents and supervising team.

Knowledge & skills:  

• Good theoretical understanding of security management concepts and principles with a knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes.
• Ability to assimilate a range of information and make basic analyses to support the development of efficient solutions.
• Good communication skills and ability to adapt communication style to different situations and individuals.
• Ability to contribute to and/or deliver effective briefing and training, assessing participant needs.
• Knowledge of common business principles and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.
• Demonstrable experience in managing a security program across multiple sites/offices in a large matrix style organisation. Experience gained through Military/Police or Intelligence Agency experience preferred.
• Crisis / Incident Management experience in multinational/national organisation, able to advise when information is limited, and high levels of ambiguity exist.
• A security professional with demonstrated ability to communicate confidently at all levels, influence stakeholders/colleagues through creation of strong trust-based relationships.
• Ability to establish network of contacts and to further build networks across Government and Security Agencies.
• Very good computer knowledge and use of MS words, Excel, Power Point, Teams, Zoom, Outlook

Language:   Fluency (level C) in English language is required. Ability to speak, read and understand Kiswahili and local Ugandan languages is added advantage.