Security Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reinforced its presence in Ukraine by signing an agreement with the Government to set up a Project Office that will facilitate and expand the provision of technical and humanitarian assistance to the country’s most vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas.

Ukraine joined FAO in 2003 and since 2015 the Organization has been operating in two strategic directions\: emergency humanitarian response in conflict-affected oblasts and agricultural development across the whole country. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, FAO has scaled up its activities in the country to support agricultural production and food systems with the aim of protecting the food security of vulnerable households and communities across Ukraine.

This role is based full-time, in office, in Lviv, Ukraine.

Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

FAO has a “zero-tolerance” policy towards any form of SEA and for inaction on SEA by its personnel and by the employees of entities working with or providing services to the Organization across all programmes, projects, and activities.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office in Ukraine, the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer (Security and Safety) in Kyiv and in close coordination with the Head of the Field Office in Lviv. The Assistant will also coordinate with the larger security team, in addition to the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and personnel across FAO Ukraine.

Technical Focus

The Security Assistant will provide the necessary assistance to enable FAO programmes and projects by contributing to the safety
and security of all FAO personnel and assets in Ukraine.

Tasks and responsibilities

Specifically, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks\:

• Monitor and assess the overall security situation in Lviv oblast; 
• Apply and monitor the implementation of established Organization and applicable United Nations Security Management
System (UNSMS) policies and procedures on Safety and Security Management; 
• Maintain close security coordination with UNDSS in Lviv, security focal points of other agencies and humanitarian partners, and ensure appropriate professional liaison of security matters with local authorities responsible for security; 
• Ensure protection of FAO personnel present in Lviv, assets and facilities in accordance with provisions of the UN Security Management System by\: strengthening the security arrangements at FAO facilities in  through appropriate security  and contingency planning and, in close cooperation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and FAO National Security Specialist, coordinating 24/7 response to all security-related incidents involving FAO in Lviv personnel and assets; 
• Undertake missions as requested to program sites and assess prevailing local security conditions in the area of responsibility, identifying security trends and advise FAO personnel, project personnel and eligible family members on potential security issues;  
• Support, coordinate, and contribute UN joint missions/convoys when necessary and pertinent to FAO; 
• Brief personnel on visiting missions to the west of Ukraine, with relevant security information, as well as support arrangements for security clearance, situation reports and other appropriate security-related information and training; 
• Coordinate warden duties for Lviv and conduct field office emergency headcounts; 
• Support the implementation and FAO Lviv office personnel’s participation in FAO Security Notification System; 
• In coordination with supervisor, conduct mandatory safety drills, and assist in providing security trainings in FAO premises at the duty station; 
• Support the deployment and utilization of operational emergency communications systems, including its installation, operation and maintenance in FAO office; 
• Manage FAO office security equipment, extended training and performance of security contractors, guards and security escorts personnel, if applicable; 
• Providing security support on missions; 
• Assist the security team in drafting operation, security plans, and other security related documentation;  
• Backstop the other security team personnel and deliverables, as needed 
• Perform other related duties as required by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in security, preferably in the military, police context, or related fields of work
• Working knowledge or Native (Level C) of Russian
• Working knowledge or Native (Level C) of Ukrainian
• Limited knowledge (Level B) of English
• National of Ukraine

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Valid driving license of category B is desirable
• Previous experience with the UN system or relation work for a donor organization, consulting company or NGO is an advantage
• Able to work with minimum guidance, well organized, attentive and pro-active.
• Good knowledge of MS Office applications, Internet, and office technology equipment.
• Ability to take ownership and accountability for assigned processes and to work autonomously
• Ability to work quickly and under pressure

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION