Job Description
Dutystation: Pemba, Mozambique
Functional responsibilities
Security Risk Management and Advisory - Serve as the primary security focal point for the UNOPS Mozambique office.
- Advise the Country Manager and Project Managers on security risks affecting UNOPS personnel, premises, and operations.
- Conduct and update security risk assessments for UNOPS offices, project sites, and travel routes.
- Adapt and maintain local security management arrangements in line with UNSMS standards and the Mozambique context, ensuring consistency with existing system-wide security frameworks.
- Provide security risk assessments and technical advice upon request, to inform project-related activities and operational decision-making, in accordance with UNSMS policies.
Support to Project Managers on Implementing Partner (IP) Security Aspects - Following World Bank requirements and the Security Management Plan (SMP), provide technical security advice to Project Managers on the inclusion of risk management in IP documentation and plans.
- This role does not entail direct oversight, operational control, or accountability for IP activities, personnel, or security arrangements. IPs remain fully responsible for their security management and duty of care under their contractual obligations.
- Assist Project Managers in reviewing security-related aspects of IP TORs and reports, identifying potential risks, and advising on possible mitigation measures.
- Responsibility for implementation, monitoring, and enforcement with IPs rests entirely with the Project Manager and the contracting authority.
Operational Security Coordination - Maintain situational awareness by liaising with UNDSS, government security actors, humanitarian agencies, and other partners.
- Support security coordination for UNOPS personnel movements, ensuring compliance with UNSMS procedures.
- Provide advice on safe access strategies to field sites in insecure areas.
Training and Awareness - Deliver security briefings and inductions for newly deployed UNOPS personnel.
- Conduct periodic refresher sessions on personal safety, travel security, and emergency procedures.
- Lead the training, mentoring, and capacity development of the National Security Officer to enhance local security management capabilities.
Incident Management and Reporting - Serve as the focal point for reporting and analysing security and safety (according to UNSMS Security Policy Manual) incidents affecting UNOPS personnel or operations.
- Maintain accurate incident records and ensure lessons learned are integrated into security planning.
Compliance and Documentation - Maintain updated security documentation, including but not limited to contact lists, warden systems, and emergency communication procedures.
- Support the Country Manager in ensuring compliance with SRM requirements.
Impact of ResultsThe effective performance of the Security Officer will enhance the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and operations in Mozambique, enabling the uninterrupted delivery of projects in high-risk environments. The role ensures that security considerations are systematically integrated into project implementation, while respecting the distinct accountability lines between UNOPS and Implementing Partners.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education: - An advanced university degree in Security Management, Political or Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- A first-level university degree with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience: - Two (2) years of relevant professional experience in security risk management, preferably in complex or conflict-affected environments with a Master’s degree or four (4) years experience with a bachelor’s degree is required.
- Experience in the Mozambique security context is desirable.
- Experience with UNSMS policies and procedures is desirable.
- Proven ability to conduct security risk assessments and develop mitigation measures is desirable.
Language Requirements: - Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required
- Portuguese is desirable.
About the Organization
TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
