Security Officer, General Services and Security Department – WOAH HQ
Paris, France
| Context |
| The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH – founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide. Through its activities, WOAH makes a decisive contribution to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. The Organisation provides transparent information on world’s animal health situation, and promotes international standards, particularly in terms of the safety of trade in live animals and animal products. More information can be found on WOAH’s website .Joining WOAH means taking part in the development of one of the leading international organisations, recognised and associated with other multilateral institutions, in the field of worldwide health. It means helping to build a global approach to health, combining animal and human health in a “One Health” approach. It means joining teams motivated by the impact of their actions, the sense of their collective commitment and their recognised professionalism in their respective fields of expertise.WOAH’s headquarters are based in Paris. The Organisation is present on every continent through 13 Regional or Sub-regional Representations. WOAH has 250 staff members, two-thirds of whom are based at headquarters.WOAH’s activities expose its staff, experts and senior officials to a wide range of security environments, which may include conflict, political instability, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, natural disasters and health-related risks. WOAH also organises high-level institutional events, including the General Session. The Security Officer strengthens the Organisation’s security framework through a preventive, analytical, operational and advisory role, with particular emphasis on the protection of the Director General, the security of personnel on mission, the security of premises and crisis management. |
| Job Description |
| Positioning and reportingUnder the authority of the Director General and the direct supervision of the Head of the General Services and Security Department. The Security Officer works closely with the Administration Directorate, the Office of the Director General, the Representations, security focal points, relevant authorities, security service providers and relevant professional networks. The Security Officer provides technical expertise and operational support for the development, implementation and monitoring of WOAH’s security policy and provides functional support to security focal points in the Representations. |
| Job purposeUnder the supervision of the Head of Department, the Security Officer contributes to the protection of WOAH personnel, premises, assets and activities, both in France and internationally. Responsibilities include, in particular: protection of the Director General and senior officials; security of Headquarters, Representations and major events; risk analysis and the preparation and monitoring of missions to high-risk locations; security audits and monitoring of corrective measures; management of security equipment, service providers, incidents and crisis situations; participation in the security on-call system. |
| Missions and activities1. Protection of the Director General and Senior OfficialsThe Security Officer assesses risks associated with the travel, meetings and events of the Director General and, where required, senior officials. The Security Officer prepares protection measures proportionate to the threat and coordinates their implementation with the relevant authorities and partners:– prepare official travel arrangements, reconnaissance, transportation, routes, accommodation and sites to be visited; – develop contingency plans and emergency procedures; – coordinate security arrangements for high-level events and VIP visits; – ensure the strict confidentiality of information relating to travel and protection arrangements. 2. Security of Headquarters and Representation Premises The Security Officer contributes to a consistent physical security framework for Headquarters and the Representations. The Security Officer assesses vulnerabilities, recommends corrective measures and monitors access control, visitor management, surveillance, alert and emergency systems. – monitor the availability and operational condition of security equipment; – analyse incidents and propose preventive measures; – contribute to evacuation, business continuity and emergency management plans. 3. Mission SecurityThe Security Officer supports staff, experts and senior officials before and during travel involving security risks. – assess the context and level of risk, define mitigation measures and prepare security briefings; – provide recommendations on travel, transportation, accommodation, communications and contact procedures; – monitor developments and advise management on whether a mission should proceed, be modified, postponed or suspended; – contribute to incident management, evacuations or relocations and after-action reviews. 4. Security Risk Analysis and RecommendationsThe Security Officer contributes to a structured system for monitoring, analysing and managing security risks. The Security Officer identifies threats and vulnerabilities that could affect WOAH personnel, premises, missions, events and operations. – keep risk assessments and, where required, the risk register up to date; – define mitigation measures, alert thresholds and escalation procedures; – produce security notes, alerts, situation reports and clear, documented and proportionate recommendations; – contribute to crisis management and business continuity plans. 5. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts for Staff and Experts in High-Risk AreasThe Security Officer contributes to the system for monitoring staff and experts deployed in high-risk or deteriorating security environments, in compliance with data protection, confidentiality and information security requirements. – organise the registration of high-risk missions and ensure that emergency contact details are available; – monitor developments in the areas concerned and, where appropriate, use dedicated communication and tracking tools; – initiate accountability and emergency communication procedures, ensure appropriate escalation of information and document incidents; – liaise with protection teams in the field and contribute to decisions concerning relocation, evacuation or suspension of activities. 6. Security Audits and Assessments in the RepresentationsThe Security Officer conducts or coordinates periodic audits covering, in particular, physical security, access control, procedures, alert and communication systems, emergency and evacuation arrangements, equipment, mission security, crisis preparedness, business continuity, staff security awareness and security services. Each audit results in a report summarising vulnerabilities, risk levels, corrective measures, priorities, responsibilities and deadlines. The Security Officer monitors the implementation of approved recommendations. 7. Security of the General Session and Major Institutional Events The Security Officer contributes to the planning and coordination of security for the General Session and other major institutional events. – conduct risk assessments and contribute to the security plan; – define staffing, equipment, access, screening and specific security requirements for delegations and VIPs; – coordinate with the venue, service providers and authorities, and prepare emergency and evacuation procedures; – ensure operational coordination, incident monitoring and after-action reviews. 8. Procurement and Management of Security Equipment and ResourcesThe Security Officer contributes to defining, procuring and managing security equipment and resources, in coordination with Procurement and the relevant departments. – define requirements and technical specifications and contribute to the evaluation of bids; – maintain inventories and monitor the availability, maintenance, replacement and allocation of equipment; – contribute to user training and ensure the appropriate and efficient use of security resources. 9. Incident and Crisis ManagementThe Security Officer contributes to WOAH’s preparedness for and response to security incidents and crises. – participate in crisis management procedures and alert and escalation chains; – monitor developments, provide security expertise and advise the Head of Department and senior management; – contribute to coordination with the authorities and to shelter-in-place measures, relocations or evacuations; – monitor affected individuals, prepare incident reports and contribute to after-action reviews. 10. On-Call Duties and Operational AvailabilityGiven the international nature of WOAH’s activities, the Security Officer participates in the on-call system in accordance with the applicable rules. The Security Officer may be required to respond to urgent alerts outside normal working hours, advise management, coordinate initial security measures and liaise with emergency services until the situation has stabilised. 11. Security Policies, Procedures and StandardsThe Security Officer contributes to the development and continuous improvement of WOAH’s security framework, including policies and procedures, security plans, minimum office security standards, emergency procedures and procedures for travel to high-risk areas, incident management, exercises, awareness-raising activities and monitoring indicators. 12. Awareness and TrainingThe Security Officer contributes to developing a security culture through awareness sessions, pre-mission briefings, training on emergency procedures, evacuation and crisis management exercises, as well as sessions for staff travelling to or working in high-risk areas and for security focal points. 13. Coordination with Authorities and External PartnersAs part of their duties, the Security Officer maintains a professional network with French authorities and authorities in host countries, police, security and emergency services, diplomatic and consular representations, international organisations, specialised networks, as well as security companies, service providers and experts. The Security Officer ensures access to reliable and up-to-date information. 14. Reports and DeliverablesAs required, the Security Officer prepares risk assessments, security notes and alerts, briefings, mission, incident and audit reports, event security plans, equipment reports, activity reports, recommendations and after-action reviews. Significant incidents must be reported immediately in accordance with established procedures. Given the nature of the position, the Security Officer is required to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion. In particular, the Security Officer protects information relating to the travel of senior officials, risk assessments, staff and experts on mission, security arrangements, events, incidents, crises and monitoring and alert systems, in accordance with data protection and information security policies. Guiding Principles of the PositionPrevention – anticipate threats and reduce vulnerabilities. Proportionality – adapt measures to the actual level of risk. Confidentiality – strictly protect sensitive information. Responsiveness – ensure a rapid and coordinated response. Business continuity – enable activities to continue while managing risks effectively. Duty of care – contribute to the safety and security of individuals under WOAH’s responsibility. Professionalism – base recommendations on objective, documented and up-to-date analysis. This document defines the main responsibilities associated with the position and is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list. The incumbent may be required to perform any other duties within their area of expertise as assigned by the Head of the General Services and Security Department, in line with WOAH’s objectives and priorities. Responsibilities may evolve according to the needs of the Organisation, the international security environment and internal policies. |
| Requirements |
| Qualifications and ExperienceRequired Qualifications– A university degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field, such as security or risk management, international security, crisis or emergency management, defence and security, a military/police/security forces background, business continuity, or a comparable field. – A professional certification in security, risk or crisis management, close protection, physical security or business continuity would be an asset. – Significant and progressively responsible professional experience in security or risk management is required, ideally in an international, intergovernmental, diplomatic, governmental, humanitarian or multinational environment. At least seven years of experience is desirable. Additional QualificationsDemonstrated experience in several of the following areas would be particularly valued: – executive protection and international travel security; – risk analysis, physical security, audits and crisis management; – operations in high-risk environments and monitoring/alert systems; – coordination of security service providers and security arrangements for major international events; – liaison with national and international authorities. – Experience within an international organisation, public administration, diplomatic service, humanitarian organisation or international company would be a significant advantage. Required SkillsTechnical Skills– proficiency in security risk analysis and management methodologies and excellent situational analysis skills; – good knowledge of international travel security, personal protection and physical security; – ability to develop security plans and procedures and conduct security audits; – strong incident and crisis management skills and knowledge of emergency communication and alert systems; – ability to manage service providers and a good understanding of security technologies; – excellent drafting skills and ability to present complex analyses to decision-makers; – ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately; – proficiency in both French and English, written and spoken, is required. – Knowledge of another official WOAH language would be an asset. Interpersonal Skills– Integrity and discretion – Judgement and decision-making – Communication – Organisation and resilience – Teamwork and adaptability – Service orientation |
| Additional Information |
| Working conditionsThe position is based at WOAH Headquarters in Paris and requires availability and flexibility. The incumbent may be required to work outside normal working hours during missions, the General Session, high-level visits, events, emergencies or as part of on-call duties. The applicable arrangements are governed by WOAH policies and rules. The position involves regular international travel for audits and monitoring of Representations, reconnaissance missions, protection of the Director General, preparation for or support during high-risk missions, major events and, where necessary, crisis situations. Travel at short notice may be required. – Salary: The monthly salary ranges from EUR 3,500 to EUR 3,700, depending on experience and qualifications, with allowances based on eligibility. The salary is exempt from income tax in France. – Contract Type: WOAH Staff – Fixed-term contract. – Duration: Two (2) years, renewable. – Start date : as soon as possible – Location: WOAH Headquarters, 12 rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France. |
| General InformationWOAH places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates, irrespective of their origin, gender, opinions or beliefs. If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by October 19th, 2026.All applications will be reviewed after the closing date of the publication |
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