WFP’s engagement in the Philippines has evolved significantly over time. Initially active in the 1960s, WFP concluded its operations in 1996 as conditions improved, but re-established its presence in 2006 to support the peace process in Mindanao, provide life-saving emergency food assistance, and implement programmes aimed at improving nutrition and the well-being of vulnerable populations.

In the Philippines, WFP’s efforts are guided by its work outlined in the Philippines Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2024-2028. WFP focuses on strengthening government systems at the national, local government unit and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) levels to further build the resilience of vulnerable individuals and communities. The CSP is aligned with national strategies and policies as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework and is guided by three interrelated outcomes:

By 2028, communities exposed to shocks and stressors in the Philippines are better able to meet food, nutrition and other essential needs with inclusive and equitable emergency preparedness and response capacity at the national and local levels.

By 2028, communities vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity in the Philippines are more resilient and can better manage risks affecting human capital gains and food systems, inclusively and equitably.

The Government and partners in the Philippines access WFP services that augment their interventions, upon request.

These strategic objectives are framed within the context of the Philippines being on the verge of becoming and upper-middle income country, while at the same time being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Disasters remain a leading cause of hunger, affecting all aspects of food security: economic and physical access to food, availability and stability of supplies, and nutrition. 

While WFP Philippines maintains a strong capacity to respond directly when significant shocks occur, the overall emphasis of the Country Office lies on systems strengthening (disaster risk management, social protection and food systems) at national, LGU and BARMM levels. WFP utilizes its field operations expertise to support the Government in delivering on key food programmes linked to its mandate and the CSP, including supporting the conceptualization and roll out of national and BARMM regional priority programmes such as and modelling globally proven programmes such as home-grown school feeding – linking local smallholder farmers production to the institutional demand of school meals programmes. WFP engages at the national and BARMM regional levels on policy dialogue, supporting legislative advances in areas such as school meals, anticipatory action and rice fortification.

JOB TITLE: Security Associate

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract

JOB GRADE: SC-6
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Cotabato, Philippines
DURATION: 12 months, with possibility of extension 

This position is open to Filipino nationals only

JOB PURPOSE

The Security Associate is responsible for implementing and assessing security measures, maintaining security equipment, and providing timely updates and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

This role ensures the protection of WFP staff, facilities, and program operations, and contributes to the smooth implementation of WFP activities within the UN Security Area in Central Mindanao.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Security Associate reports directly to the Head of Field Office and maintains constant coordination with the WFP Country Office Security Focal Person. This role requires a high level of responsibility and initiative, including the ability to respond independently to queries with minimal guidance and to exercise sound judgment in addressing unforeseen challenges on a daily basis.

The Security Associate is responsible for managing resources, coaching, and coordinating a team of security support staff to ensure operational effectiveness. Due to the nature of the role, incumbents may be required to report for duty on short notice.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review security threats and risks in detail and compile accurate reports on trends and situations that could adversely impact WFP operations, to ensure information is accurately collated and sent to senior security staff to support reporting and decision making.

• Review security related information (e.g. security incidents and events, security support to daily activities, etc.) and use corporate or local information management tools to produce a range of analyses and in-depth reports, to ensure that information is readily available for relevant stakeholders.

• Liaise and co-ordinate with local administration, security and law enforcement authorities, communities, UN/NGO security staff and other actors, to facilitate access for safe programme delivery and to mitigate potential risks against staff and other resources.

• Conduct field trips to support staff in the field at short notice whenever requested by management.

• Plan and coordinate staff activities during field missions and perform security assessments within the area of responsibility to support safe and effective programme delivery.

• Analyze security assessment reports following field missions and present detailed recommendations for risk mitigation to support security situation analysis and facilitate decision-making.

• Assist in advising the Country Director and the Head of Cotabato Field Office on security risk management matters and safety issues in compliance with the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS).

• Support the implementation of risk management preventive and mitigative measures.

• Support the maintenance and management of security equipment and make recommendations to strengthen technology capacity in line with business requirements.

• Review performance of the guards in the field office and the Pollock warehouse, ensure that all access control procedure is in place and effective and stringently followed by all staff and visitors, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment.

• Maintain and develop recommendations for emergency and contingency planning, to support emergency preparedness.

• Deliver security training to staff and review security training needs to develop measures to meet business requirements.

• Supervise and provide on-the-job training to other staff supporting their development and high performance.

• Remain available on a 24/7 basis to provide support to the supervisor and staff when required.

• Assist the supervisor with other security-related matters as requested.

• Represent WFP and advocate interest of WFP in the UN Central Mindanao Security Cell group.

• Maintain Security Share drive with updated relevant security documentation and provide access to it for all staff.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

• Strong resourcefulness, initiative, sound judgment, and tact in handling complex situations.

• Training and/or experience in security risk management, including familiarity with UN-supported peacekeeping or stabilization activities.

• Background in information gathering and political analysis is highly desirable.

• Proven ability to establish priorities and plan, coordinate, and monitor work for self and team members under supervision.

• Demonstrated capacity to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal colleagues, host government counterparts, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs.

• Experience in coordinating with diverse security stakeholders, including government security forces, non-state actors, NGOs, and civil society organizations, is considered an asset.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: Completion of secondary school education. A specialization or University degree, preferably in political/social science, international relations, law enforcement and/or business management, is preferred but not required.

• Experience: At least six (6) years or more of professional experience in a relevant field of work, preferably in Security Management, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development. Work experience in military services and the UN Agencies/international organizations is an asset.

• Language: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino. Working knowledge of any BARRM language is desirable.