Deadline for Applications
Hardship Level
Family Type
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Reason
Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date
Standard Job Description
Assistant Field Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Field Security Officer supports and undertakes activities pertaining to workforce security and security for forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The incumbent supports and provides guidance in all security-related aspects of the operation.
The incumbent is supervised by a senior officer who defines the work objectives and provides general guidance. The incumbent may provide input to the supervision of general service staff in the office.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
Support the Representative or the Head of Office in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, partners, operations, and premises.
Support in the development of security risk management processes in close cooperation with UNHCR managers, UNDSS and the security cell, identifying the appropriate security risk management measures and monitoring compliance of same.
Assist in the development of security plans for evacuation/relocation, medical evacuation, and other security contingencies.
In cooperation with UNHCR senior personnel, assist in ensuring that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
Respond to personnel queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance or security-related advice as required.
As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of forcibly displaced and stateless people.
Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities, the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and partner agencies.
Support UNHCR management as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT) or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), and Area Security Coordinators (ASC).
Provide country-relevant security advice and training to UNHCR personnel and, where appropriate, to personnel of NGOs and operational partners.
Conduct rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that personnel are familiar with security contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency, including for Wardens.
Prepare periodic reports and incident reports on security in accordance with UNSMS and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and, as appropriate, regional security coordinators and the Field Security Service.
Maintain linkages with the Psychosocial Wellbeing Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
Contribute to a person-centered approach to all aspects of UNHCR security risk management, ensuring inclusion of the diverse personal profiles of personnel and the development of appropriate support and measures.
Undertake other security-related duties as determined by the supervisor.
Understand all required security learning and training and ensure that changes in security policies and processes are effectively communicated to personnel.
Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues, and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Security Management Risk Management; Political Science;
International Relations; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management Learning Program; First Aid Training;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.
Desirable
Experience in having established working networks with law enforcement and other security actors.
Functional Skills
FS-Security Planning
FS-Security Analysis
CO-Drafting and Documentation
IT-Computer Literacy
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Judgement and Decision Making
Managing Resources
Cross-Functional Competencies
Planning and Organizing
Political Awareness
Stakeholder Management
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
English,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization with the mandate to assist persons in need of international protection; asylum seekers; refugees; statelessness; and internally displaced persons. The UNHCR operation in Mozambique has its main office in Maputo, field office in Nampula, sub-office in Pemba and field units in Cabo Delgado. The working language in the UNHCR offices in Mozambique is English.
The security situation in Cabo Delgado province as of March 2026, remains fluid, volatile, and unpredictable. Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) continue to launch attacks across multiple districts, leaving communities in constant fear and forcing thousands to flee their homes. Despite some government and regional military operations, the insurgency has not been fully contained, and civilians remain exposed to violence, abductions, and forced recruitment. The fragile security environment makes it extremely difficult for humanitarian actors to reach affected populations safely.
Humanitarian needs are immense, with the United Nations OCHA estimating that around 1.1 million people across Mozambique, most concentrated in Cabo Delgado, require urgent assistance. Displacement remains widespread, and many families who attempt to return to their villages find their homes destroyed and basic infrastructure non-functional. Food insecurity is particularly severe, with millions across the country facing crisis or emergency levels of hunger. The destruction of schools and health facilities has left communities without access to essential services, compounding the vulnerability of displaced and returning populations.
Climate shocks have further worsened the crisis. In 2025, Mozambique was hit by three major cyclones, while El Niño–related droughts disrupted agriculture and deepened food shortages. These overlapping disasters have stretched humanitarian resources thin and made recovery even more difficult. The combination of conflict and climate impacts has created a complex emergency where communities face both immediate survival challenges and long-term obstacles to rebuilding their lives.
UNHCR plays a pivotal role in ensuring that humanitarian and protection assistance reaches displaced populations. In conflict-affected regions Cabo Delgado, UNHCR works alongside government authorities, local partners, and other international agencies to provide life-saving support to families uprooted by violence. UNHCR is deeply engaged in protection activities. These involve safeguarding the rights and dignity of displaced individuals, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. UNHCR works to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, supports psychosocial care, and advocates for safe environments where displaced people can rebuild their lives. Protection also means ensuring that displaced communities have access to legal documentation, freedom of movement, and opportunities to pursue education and livelihoods.
By coordinating humanitarian responses, UNHCR helps stabilize communities and ensures that displaced people are not left behind in times of crisis.
UNHCR security risk management strategy is guided by a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the safety and security of staff, the protection of persons UNHCR serves, and the ability to stay, access, deliver humanitarian assistance and provide protection. The strategy includes compliance with all security risk management measures of an SRM area and the implementation of robust contingency plans e.g., Business Continuity, MEDVAC, Relocation, Evacuation and Alternative Work Modalities for security, natural disasters and health emergencies. Equally important are context specific SOPs that serve as essential tools for guiding staff behavior, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and supporting decision-making under pressure
The Assistant Field Security Officer is located at the Sub Office in Pemba and reports to the Head of the Sub Office Pemba. H/se will be responsible for providing support to the supervisor in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for the UNHCR staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern and cover the Security roles for the entire operation in Mozambique, by undertaking regular and ad hoc security risk assessment; gather security information from all available sources and analyze the overall security situation as well as the security situation related to any given specific area; make appropriate recommendations based on field observations.
The position is based in Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. Pemba is a D, Non-Family duty station.
Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799,380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical, hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22 °c and the average daily highs of 30 °c. The rainy season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13 °C to 24 °C.
Cabo Delgado is bordering Tanzania, with a population of over 2.2 million individuals according to the 2017 census. The province, considered one of the poorest in the country, was hit by cyclone Kenneth in April 2019 and Cyclone CHIDO in December 2024, which affected several villages, causing material damage and the displacement of many residents. The province has also been targeted by armed groups that have been attacking local villages since October 2017.
Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The housing market is healthy but quite expensive (from US$ 800 to US$ 1,500 per month). Pemba has several supermarkets and one international airport. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 63.25 meticais (MZN) as per March 2026. Pemba has several health facilities including ISOS clinic, CLIDIS private clinic and the Provincial hospital. There is a wide range of Banks and ATMs to meet financial needs. Credit/debit cards are accepted in most places.
UNDSS-cleared hotels are available, with rates differing depending on the availability and season. MOSS compliant apartments are available.
The current operational circumstances require frequently long working hours. This is a stressful work context, making a capacity for self-care critical.
Crime in Pemba and villages outside of the capital is concerning, and UN personnel must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
First Aid Training - Other, Security Management Learning Program - OtherWork Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearance