Security Specialist (P-3) – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | UNFPA

Security Specialist (P-3) – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | UNFPA

Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Job Title: Security Specialist
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Position Level: P-3
Job Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Application Deadline: [Insert local time and date, if needed]
Apply Here: UNFPA Careers Portal

About UNFPA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN agency working toward a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Guided by the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026–2029, the organization focuses on:

• Ending unmet needs for family planning
• Preventing maternal deaths
• Eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices
• Promoting demographic resilience through evidence-based policies

UNFPA upholds equality, inclusion, and integrity, ensuring a workplace that supports staff from diverse backgrounds and fosters a culture of respect and empowerment.

Job Summary

The Security Specialist will oversee and manage the safety and security of UNFPA staff, property, and operations in Ethiopia. The role focuses on risk mitigation, security coordination, and operational support to enable the safe delivery of UNFPA programmes across the country.

The Security Specialist will report to the Country Representative and maintain close coordination with the Office of Security Coordinator (OSC) at regional and headquarters levels, as well as with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and other UN agencies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Security Management and Coordination

• Provide expert security advice to the Country Office (CO) leadership to support programme planning and implementation.
• Integrate security considerations into all stages of programme design, execution, and evaluation.
• Maintain coordination with UNDSS and participate in the UN Security Management Team (SMT) and Security Cell meetings.
• Ensure that security measures align with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) standards.

2. Threat and Risk Assessment

• Conduct regular security risk assessments for UNFPA operations across Ethiopia.
• Advise management on security trends, emerging threats, and mitigation strategies.
• Review travel security requests and ensure compliance with Security Risk Management (SRM) requirements.

3. Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness

• Support the preparation and updating of the UNFPA Security Plan and Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in coordination with UNDSS.
• Organize regular emergency drills, staff training, and awareness sessions.
• Ensure that all offices and residences meet safety and emergency preparedness standards.

4. Information Management and Reporting

• Provide timely security briefings, incident updates, and analytical reports to CO management and relevant partners.
• Maintain accurate staff lists, mission itineraries, and contact databases.
• Liaise with national authorities, security counterparts, and local communities to enhance information sharing.

5. Resource and Budget Management

• Prepare and manage the security work plan and related budget.
• Ensure proper allocation of resources for safety measures and security equipment.
• Advise on security-related procurement such as communication systems, vehicles, and protective gear.

6. Capacity Building and Training

• Conduct orientation and security training for staff and implementing partners.
• Oversee warden systems, communication trees, and emergency response mechanisms.
• Support UNDSS-led mandatory training programmes and internal capacity-building initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Security Management, Political or Social Science, Law Enforcement, Military Studies, or related fields.
• A bachelor’s degree combined with a police or military academy diploma may also be accepted.

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in security management, preferably within the UN system, military, or law enforcement.
• Proven experience managing security operations in complex or high-risk environments.
• Knowledge of UNSMS policies and procedures.
• Experience in conducting risk assessments, crisis management, and security training.

Skills:

• Strong decision-making and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Familiarity with Ethiopian context and humanitarian operations is an asset.

Languages

• Required: Fluency in English (oral and written).
• Desirable: Working knowledge of another UN language such as French, Arabic, or Spanish.

Core Values

All UNFPA employees are expected to demonstrate the following values:

• Integrity and Accountability
• Respect for Diversity and Inclusion
• Commitment to UN Principles
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Core Competencies

• Achieving results and maintaining accountability
• Analytical and strategic thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Effective communication and influence
• Leadership and decision-making

Work Environment and Benefits

UNFPA offers a competitive salary, health insurance, and benefits package consistent with the UN system. The organization promotes a supportive, inclusive, and flexible workplace where diversity, gender equality, and professional growth are valued.

Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to support applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online through the official UNFPA recruitment portal:
👉 Apply for this position

Please submit your application before the closing date. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Important Notes

• UNFPA does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Background, reference, and medical checks will be conducted for selected candidates.
• Applicants holding permanent resident status in another country may be required to renounce it upon appointment.
• UNFPA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.