UNFPA SURGE RESPONSE ROSTER – Security Specialist Positions P3/P4

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Its mission is to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan (2026-2029) reaffirms this direction and focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending the unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

Surge is the rapid scaling up of humanitarian professionals and resources during emergencies. Due to increasing humanitarian needs, UNFPA has become very active in surging qualified personnel. These needs are met by using the UNFPA’s Surge Response Roster, a staffing modality that provides technical experts for surge missions.

Selected candidates will be added to UNFPA’s Surge Response Roster and will be contacted for short term job opportunities that match their profile.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to make a direct impact during humanitarian emergencies by contributing to the safety and security of UNFPA personnel, assets, and programs.
• Deployment for short-term (3 to 6 months) surge missions as part of UNFPA’s humanitarian response.
• A platform to utilize your expertise in security risk management and planning, security services, security networking and partnership building, and other duties.

Experts selected for the roster will be deployed for emergencies to:

• Advise on security duties and responsibilities in line with UN and UNFPA Security Management Systems.
• Coordinate day-to-day security activities and provide leadership and advice to field office personnel on all aspects of security planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Provide advice on and manage technical security elements in UN Security Plans and Security Risk Management reports.
• Plan, coordinate, and participate in inter-agency security assessment and UNFPA missions.
• Prepare and update UNFPA security documentation, including security contingency plans, and provide mandatory and ad hoc security reports.
• Monitor the security situation, provide independent and comprehensive analysis, and identify trends that may affect the security of UNFPA personnel, assets, and programs.
• Ensure UNFPA personnel are informed of security matters and actions to take during emergencies.
• Provide technical advice on the selection and procurement of security equipment such as telecommunication equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and armored vehicles.
• Serve as convoy commander on high-risk missions when required.
• Establish and maintain networks with UN Security Management System and NGO/INGO security advisors.
• Perform any other duties as required by the Head of Office or the Office of the Security Coordinator.

What we are looking for:

• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated international security management experience and a strong understanding of the United Nations Security Management System policies, practices, and procedures is required.
• Experience working in crisis/humanitarian response locations is an asset.
• Strong background in political and security analysis is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with UN counterparts, government officials, NGOs, and other multilateral institutions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish & Portuguese is a strong advantage.
• Possession of an international driver’s license and the ability to drive an armored vehicle is an added advantage.
• An advanced university degree in Security Risk Management, International Relations, Business Administration, Political/Social Science, Psychology, Military Science, Law Enforcement, or a similar field. A first university degree combined with relevant academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Security Certification Program (SCP) certification is an asset.

How You’ll Be Assessed:

• Resume & Application Review: A vetting committee will review your resume, application, and supporting paragraph to see if your experience and skills align with UNFPA’s surge needs.
• Technical & Soft Skills Assessment: You may be asked to complete a technical assessment to evaluate your knowledge and problem-solving abilities. You may also have to answer questions related to soft skills.
• Video Interview: Candidates may be invited to a recorded video interview to answer questions covering technical and behavioral aspects relevant to humanitarian work.
• Reference Checks: Professional references may be requested to gain further insight into your work ethic, performance under pressure, and suitability for surge deployments.

We consider the whole picture, including your technical and soft skills, adaptability, commitment to UNFPA’s mission, and potential to contribute successfully in crisis settings. Selected candidates will be added to UNFPA’s Surge Response Roster and will be contacted for any opportunities that match their profile.