UNICEF Lebanon is looking for a talented candidate to take up the Security Assistant function, based in Beirut, Lebanon, to provide dedicated administrative, coordination, and field support to the Security Section to ensure the effective implementation of security risk management measures and staff safety procedures.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Safety

UNICEF Lebanon Country Office operates in a complex and fluid security environment characterized by political instability, economic crisis, and periodic security incidents that can affect programme delivery and staff safety. The Security Section supports UNICEF management in fulfilling its duty of care by providing security risk management advice, staff safety support and enabling programme access across the country in alignment with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS)

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Security Specialist, the Security Assistant provides dedicated administrative, coordination and field support to the Security Section to ensure the effective implementation of security risk management measures and staff safety procedures. The incumbent maintains accurate security‑related data, supports security communication and warden systems, coordinates residential and hotel security assessments, and contributes to the planning and tracking of missions and high‑level visits, thereby enabling UNICEF operations and programmes to be implemented in a safe and compliant manner.

How can you make a difference? 

1. Staff security data management (EPICS and related records)
• Maintain an accurate and up‑to‑date staff and dependents database in EPICS, including new arrivals, departures, changes in duty station, contact details, and residential information, in close coordination with HR and Administration.
• Generate and share regular staff lists and updates with UNDSS/SIOC and other relevant counterparts, ensuring adherence to data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Monitor the timeliness and completeness of security‑related staff information and follow up with sections and individuals to close gaps.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical records of security documentation (e.g. security clearance evidence, warden lists, residential assessments) to support effective incident response and reporting.

2. Warden system and security communication support
• Maintain and regularly update the UNICEF warden system and surge/Mission/consultant personnel, ensuring accurate allocation of wardens and alternates, contact information and coverage maps.
• Issue and maintain the record of radio call signs for staff and vehicles, in coordination with UNDSS, and ensure that call signs are updated.
• Organize and follow up on the monthly radio check, monitor participation and performance, and provide a brief summary of compliance and issues to the Security Specialist.
• Support dissemination of security advisories, SMS alerts and other critical communication to staff, using established communication channels and protocols.

3. Residential and hotel security assessments
• Schedule, coordinate and conduct residential security surveys/assessments (RSS/A) for International staff members, using the standard UNICEF/RSM checklists and guidance.
• Prepare clear and concise RSA reports with recommendations, share them with the Security Specialist and concerned staff, and maintain an updated database of assessed premises.
• Support hotel security assessments in Beirut by gathering information, coordinating visits with UNDSS and hotel management, and documenting findings and recommendations.
• Maintain a roster of recommended hotels and guesthouses used by UNICEF, tracking validity of assessments and prompting re‑assessments when needed.

4. Support to high‑level visits and field missions
• In coordination with the Security Specialist and relevant programme, Operations and Partnership sections, support security planning for high‑level missions and VIP visits (e.g. route planning, venue checks, gathering security information, coordinating with UNDSS and host entities).
• Assist in preparing security briefing notes, movement plans and contact lists for visiting delegations, and support the delivery of security briefings as requested by the supervisor.
• As requested, join field missions to provide basic security support (e.g. liaison with UNDSS, monitoring local conditions, supporting compliance with security procedures and radio checks).
• Maintain a mission tracker for Security Section support to field activities and high‑level visits, capturing key dates, locations, risk levels and main security considerations.

5. Security clearances and movement tracking
• In coordination with Operations and UNDSS, maintain a consolidated tracking tool of all UNICEF staff travel and security clearances (TRIP/other systems as applicable), including mission dates, destinations and clearance status.
• Follow up with staff and sections to ensure timely submission of travel requests and security clearances in line with UNSMS requirements, flagging any non‑compliance to the Security Specialist.
• File and archive security clearance documentation and related correspondence in an organized manner, easily retrievable for audit and incident review.
• Assist in monitoring implementation of Security Risk Management Mesures (SRMM) and movement‑related security procedures (e.g. curfew, restricted areas) by cross‑checking mission plans.

6. Administrative and planning support to the Security Section
• Support the Security Specialist in tracking the Security Section’s internal deadlines (e.g. reports, trainings, drills, assessments, mission planning) through an updated workplan and reminders to responsible staff.
• Assist in preparing routine security reports, statistics, presentations and briefing materials using data from EPICS, radio checks, mission trackers and incident records.
• Submit Event clearances to UNDSS/SIOC based on the Events SOPs and provide logistical and administrative support for security trainings, briefings and drills, including venue arrangements, invitations, attendance sheets, and distribution of materials.
• Perform any other security‑related duties as requested by the supervisor that contribute to the effective functioning of the Security Section.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements: 

  • Education: Completed secondary education is required. Undergraduate university degree in security management, political or social science, international relations, public administration, or any other related field is an asset.
  • Work Experience: 
    • A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in security, safety, emergency or related functions, preferably with the United Nations, international organizations, NGOs or government security agencies.
    • Experience with data management, tracking tools and basic statistics is desirable.
    • Proven knowledge of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and its structures, policies and procedures is a strong asset
  • Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French or any other UN language is considered an asset.

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

UNICEF does not charge any fee during any stage of the recruitment process. 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.