Job Description

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent. 

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The UNOPS Somalia Country Office supports the government of Somalia and its partners in achieving sustainable development goals through effective project management, infrastructure development, and procurement services. the office focuses on delivering high quality solutions that contribute to peacebuilding state-building and socio-economic development in Somalia. 

About the Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS Somalia (SOCO), headquartered in Mogadishu and part of the East and Southern Africa, has been a trusted partner to the Government of Somalia and international donors. Through the provision of project management, infrastructure, procurement, and financial services, SOCO plays a critical role in supporting national priorities in health, rule of law, security, transport, and resilience. The office has delivered impactful infrastructure projects—including the Immigration Headquarters ($6.8M), Maritime Police Headquarters ($3.7M), and regional hospitals ($20M)—and leads key national initiatives such as the Joint Police Programme ($56.4M). UNOPS also manages large-scale procurement, including over $75M in non-lethal support to security actors. Advisory support to urban resilience and crisis recovery efforts further strengthens institutional capacity, with projects valued at $8.1M, $8.8M, and $7.4M. SOCO’s integrated approach contributes to sustainable peacebuilding and development outcomes across Somalia.

Job Specific Context

The Senior Security Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Senior Field Security Advisor and is a member of the Security Team, working in close coordination with Programme Managers and the Office Management Team. The incumbent provides specialized technical, operational, and administrative support for the implementation of security and safety operations, ensuring compliance with UNOPS security policies and the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The role supports the coordination of security activities, facilitates the timely exchange of security information, assists in incident response, and contributes to maintaining a safe and secure operating environment for personnel, assets, and operations.

Role Purpose

The Security Senior Assistant provides a broad range of administrative and specialized support services to ensure the effective management of safety and security operations. The incumbent assists in promoting a proactive client-oriented approach in line with UNOPS’ policies and procedures and United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) standards. The role helps to facilitate timely information exchange and supports the resolution of security-related issues to ensure a safe and secure operating environment.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Security Operations Support

• Gather, verify and update security information and data to support the analysis of security situations, including preparedness levels, risk assessments, and the development of security plans and self-assessment programmes for mandatory mitigation measures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel lists and information related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, security focal points, and the warden system to support implementation of the office security plan.
• Disseminate relevant information and updates on the security situation within the country or designated areas of responsibility.
• Compile and tabulate data and survey results to support the monitoring and reporting of compliance with required security mitigation measures at the duty station.
• Document and assist in the reporting of security incidents affecting personnel, offices and assets.
• Represent UNOPS, when required and authorized, at Security Cell meetings to record discussions and share routine information with relevant stakeholders.
• Follow up on routine security-related actions on behalf of the supervisor and provide updates on progress and outcomes.
• Provide administrative support for the organization of security awareness and preparedness training, and assist as a resource person when required.
• Conduct basic security briefings for newly arrived personnel, as assigned.
• Offer guidance and information to personnel on routine security procedures, communication protocols, and designated focal points.
• Administer security clearance processes, including requests for access to UNOPS compounds and facilities.
• In the absence of the Field Security Advisor, Security Senior Associate, or functional supervisor, coordinate closely with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office to provide information and support related to UNOPS security matters.

Operations

• Provide general administrative and logistical support for the work area, ensuring effective information flow and timely follow-up on correspondence, initiatives, and queries with internal and external stakeholders, including Security Focal Points of UN agencies and UNDSS.
• Organize meetings and briefings; arrange appointments; receive visitors; handle and screen telephone calls; respond to routine queries with discretion; and take minutes or notes at meetings as directed by supervisors.
• Prepare a variety of documents, reports, tables, databases, and charts, applying appropriate technical and formatting skills.
• Facilitate emergency communications by operating specialized data and communication equipment, including satellite phones, VHF, and HF radios.
• Maintain organized and secure files and records, including routine and confidential correspondence, ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive information.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from the implementation of security projects/ initiatives.
• Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Experiences and Qualifications

SkillsEmergency Management, Incident Response, Personnel Security, Physical Security, Risk AssessmentCompetenciesEducation Requirements

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 1 year of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in security operations, including incident reporting, security administration support, security communications, warden system, etc., or related areas.
• Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

Language RequirementsLanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequired

Skills Required

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