Security Assistant, (G-5), Abuja, Nigeria, #135320 [Temp Appointment]

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up! 

For every child, a chance.

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children’s rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families.  UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally – click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/

Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link

Background:

UNICEF promotes the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, advocacy, and operations. In Nigeria, UNICEF operates across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in a complex security environment shaped by humanitarian emergencies, socio-economic pressures, and evolving security risks that impact programme delivery and staff safety.

The UNICEF Nigeria Country Office (NCO) Security Section provides country-level security management, coordination, analysis, and advisory support to ensure the safety and security of UNICEF personnel, eligible family members, premises, assets, and operations nationwide. The Security Section works in close coordination with UNDSS and other UN security counterparts and supports both Abuja-based operations and field offices.

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose for the job:

Under the direct supervision of the Security Officer, and in collaboration with other Abuja based team members, the Security Assistant provides technical, operational, and administrative support to strengthen country-level security planning, coordination, reporting, and compliance. The role also supports the effective implementation of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and UNICEF security policies, with a particular focus on Abuja-based operations and country-office support to field locations.

The incumbent is expected to carry out assigned duties in strict compliance with UN security frameworks and relevant procedures,

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

1. Security Reporting – incidents, weekly, stats etc.
2. Safety and Security Support Services
3. Security Networking & Liaison – Security Forces, UNAFPs, Partners etc.
4. Knowledge Management, Training & Compliance Support

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  VA_TOR TA Security Assistant GS-5.docx

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

• Completion of secondary education, supplemented by relevant technical/military/police courses and/or university courses in a relevant discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a security related environment is required.
• Demonstrated experience in armed conflict environments is highly desirable, knowledge of North-Eastern Nigerian’s context is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language(Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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 (1)
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
3. Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
4. Innovates and embraces change (1)
5. Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
6. Thinks and acts strategically (1)
7. Works collaboratively with others (1)

Temporary Assignment:

UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to  Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to internal staff only).

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

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.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

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.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.

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.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced 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.