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Local Security Associate
Better Than Cash
Damaturu, Nigeria
Posted on Apr 1, 2026
Background
The Department of Safety and Security (DSS) is responsible for providing leadership in security operational supports and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the security programmes and activities of the United Nations System.
The insurgence caused by Boko Haram and other bandits activities widened the scope of UNDSS in Nigeria which has risen to the need to map out data information for effective monitoring of security incidences and proffering solutions to help the United Nations achieve its goal of ensuring security and safety of all its staff, contractors, and stakeholders as deemed necessary.
As UNDP administers UNDSS staff serving in field locations, the resulting appointments will be offered under UNDP conditions of service. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him /her.
UNDSS Nigeria is therefore seeking a Local Security Associate to manage the field office in Damaturu to foster security operations and information management in collaboration with the FSCO and the overall guidance of the CSA.
Position Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Chief Security Adviser (CSA), and the direct supervision of the Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO), the Local Security Associate assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in the region of assignment. The key results have an impact on the accurate and timely implementation of the overall UN security programme at the country level.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Assists the CSA/FSCO in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the AoR:
- Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the host government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military, and police officers, as well as non-governmental organizations in the area of operation;
- Helps to assess the security situation at the duty station and ensures adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the SA;
- Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies and provides host country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of the CSA, as required;
- Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
- May be requested to provide technical assistance at A/SMT meetings, in the absence of the CSA.
2. Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists:
- Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan;
- Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required;
- Supports in ensuring the sharing of information and reports regarding tasks around the security plan.
3. Assists the CSA/FSCO with the monitoring of the security measures implementation as recommended in the Security Risks Management (SRM) process for the AoR:
- Provides support in conducting security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for the residences (Residential Security Measures - RSM) of UN staff, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security;
- Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences;
- Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences, to ensure the effective and efficient use of the guard force;
- Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets, and assists in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report, the Security Assessments.
4. Provides general administrative assistance to the CSA/FSCO:
- Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents;
- Maintains a database on contact details in relation to host country security authorities;
- Arranges appointments, receives visitors, places and screens telephone calls and answers queries with discretion, and takes minutes and/or notes at meetings;
- Assist in knowledge building/knowledge sharing.
5. Provides support to the CSA/FSCO in field operations:
- Provides support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness;
- Providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members;
- Conducts security briefings, as required;
- Liaising with the radio room for reporting incidents;
- Any other duty assigned by the CSA/FSCO or designate.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: N/A
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Management: Operations Management
- Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization's business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner.
- Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms
Business Management: Risk Management
- Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business Direction & Strategy: Effective Decision Making
- Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources
Operations: Security crisis management & response
- Knowledge of crisis management and response arrangements as well as the ability to prepare for, respond to, support/manage security crisis events
Operations: Security: Security incident management & monitoring
- Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events
Operations Security: Security training
- Ability to design, contribute to, and/or facilitate meaningful security training programs/courses
Operations: Security Physical/premises security design, implementation and management
- Ability to conduct accurate premises assessments on UN facilities to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place;
- Ability to design, support the implementation and test physical security systems for UNDP premises.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary Education is required. OR
- University degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
- Applicable security, police and/or military training is desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work;
- Experience in conducting security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for offices and residences is desirable;
- Experience in managing security operations, conducting security briefs is an added advantage;
- Experience in the UHF/VHF radio communication is desirable;
- Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.
Language requirements:
- Fluency in English is required;
- Knowledge of Hausa or Kanuri the local language of the duty station is desired.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
Duties and Responsibilities