Security Operations Support Officer

Security Operations Support Officer is hired to support the CO’s management in the security operations to enable the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities, and facilities.

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Security Operations Support Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

•    Provide technical advice, guidance and support e.g. security assessments and plans to COs to strengthen the capacity within security management and crisis readiness and preparedness, contributing to the development of country strategy, policies and planning.

• Develop systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of security situations needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.

• Facilitate WFP access to affected civilian populations within Armenia, working closely with other UN agencies, notably UNDSS.

• Provide WFP staff with safety and security training / briefings as required, Record training, and ensure follow-up, refresher training is delivered to staff remain current.

• Support review of staff office/accommodation safety and security assessments and enhancements.

• Support UNDSS in the overall WFP Security Plan update, including development of specific SOPs and recommendations/ guidelines on WFP staff safety in conflict prone/shelling prone areas, relocation and evacuation plans.

• Represent WFP at local and inter-agency meetings e.g. Security Co-ordination Cells to present relevant security issues and contribute to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience.

• Refresh, update and develop WFP procedures for overall Security Management.

• Provide regular security analysis and recommendations related to the situation in Armenia and the region with specific focus on conflict related aspects. Where necessary, in coordination with relevant RBC stakeholders.

• Oversee and prepare accurate and timely reporting, e.g. mandatory Field Security reports that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.

• Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing security analysis and information as required to support the assessment of community acceptance (activity impact).

• Review WFP operational presence in risk areas – support WFP business continuity in Yerevan and in zones that may potentially be affected by conflict.

• Assist in reviewing the impact of security factors on WFP programme designs and delivery, provide recommendations regarding possible support needs and improvements.

• Provide advice and assistance to programme and project managers on the mainstreaming of security risk management in all stages of project planning.

•    Provide security briefings for WFP arranged missions of external partners.

•    Support disaster preparedness planning and be focal point for the business continuity planning exercises. 

•    Be focal point for the disaster preparedness check list compliance.

•    Engage with programme team to identify disaster preparedness activities in communities and in strengthening government preparedness. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:    

Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement 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:

At least 6 years of related postgraduate progressively professional experience in security operations and emergency response.

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 principals and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.