Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP has been working in Afghanistan for more than 50 years on climate change and resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. Under the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in close coordination with other UN agencies, UNDP is supporting Afghan people’s aspiration for peace, prosperity, and sustainability. UNDP is currently implementing its flagship crisis response programme, ABADEI (Area Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives), as part of the ongoing UN-led response to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and the breakdown of Afghanistan’s economy following the August 2021 shift in power.

The ABADEI Strategy is a tailored area-based integrated programming approach to support basic human needs, complementing short-term humanitarian life-saving assistance with the safeguarding of livelihoods and the strengthening of community resilience. It is centered around addressing worsening poverty and vulnerability, supporting community resilience and social cohesion, addressing climatic vulnerability, and enabling the rehabilitation of small-scale infrastructure vital for basic human needs. It supports the creation of immediate sources of income through vocational skills training, cash-for-work, cash for market, small businesses, and livelihood opportunities with particular focus on agri-business and regenerative agriculture infrastructure and services (critical for food security) that are under threat. It is sensitive to the chronic and newly emerging vulnerabilities of Afghan women and girls and aims at providing them assistance in a manner that does not exacerbate their susceptibility to violence and deprivation of opportunities and rights.

Following the power shift in August 2021, the situation for the country remains largely unchanged, with the majority of Afghans facing increased vulnerabilities affecting their well-being, safety, and security. Among the major challenges, that directly affect human needs and their socio-economic recovery, half of the population, especially women, are disproportionately affected by their limited freedom of space, mobility, their limited rights to education, access to health services, and their right to earn livelihoods, and their participation in the governance system and public life.  Currently, for essential needs, the urgency of the interventions has intensified due to continued neglect of development interventions and focus on humanitarian aid. The absence of an internationally recognized government, and the continued challenge of coordination with the de facto Authorities (DFA) at the national, and provincial levels, continue to test how partners deliver critical services at the provincial level with coherence, which is further exacerbated by the disconnection between the central and local levels in regulations and guidelines.

To reduce deteriorating poverty and vulnerability, UNDP Afghanistan is supporting a localized, integrated response to strengthen local community socio-economic resilience and recovery. Through its Transitional Country Programme Strategy (TCPS) for 2024-2025, UNDP is supporting the restoration of basic services including access to green energy, fostering economic empowerment, especially for women, through livelihoods and private sector recovery including access to finance, tackling climate change and disaster risk reduction, and strengthening social cohesion. UNDP is on the ground helping with the recovery and resilience of communities in dealing with multiple crisis (i.e. affected by drought, floods, earthquakes, poppy bans, internally displaced and returnees from Pakistan). UNDP initiatives aim towards empowering women and promoting inclusion of marginalized population groups.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks & crises that the world is facing and that callcalls for assembling of multidisciplinary teams for an integrated & systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaborationWith the current political instability, economic volatility, the collapse of basic services, the uncertainty over continued international aid as a source of revenue, the disruptions to trade and finance, and the impacts of climate change on food production, the risks faced by the poor are becoming more intense and less predictable. It is estimated that as of August 2021, even prior to the collapse of the government, over half a million people had already been displaced by conflict and thousands more affected by natural disasters. In July 2021, 18.4 million Afghans needed humanitarian assistance. This is double the number a year ago and represents one-half of the people in the country. Up to 30 percent of the population is projected to be in either a food security crisis or emergency by the end of the year, and half of all children under five are already severely malnourished.4 Furthermore, the country is in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to have far-reaching impacts on employment, health care services, etc.  UNDP’s analysis shows that the post-August 15, 2021, political transition in Afghanistan could drive the country to near-universal poverty by mid-2022.

An innovative, inclusive, and highly flexible approach is needed, one that puts people first, targets the most vulnerable and meets local needs by focusing on saving lives and livelihoods. UNDP is, therefore, adopting a highly integrated yet decentralized approach to programming known as the Area-based Approach to Development Emergency Initiative  in Afghanistan (titled as the ABADEI Strategy). The ABADEI Strategy which has now been adopted by the UN Executive Committee working group on Afghanistan, is a tailored area-based programming approach for integrated socio-economic recovery and community resilience that has been designed as a rapid response to the current crisis in Afghanistan. It is centered on addressing the multidimensional aspects of poverty and vulnerability, deepening community resilience and social cohesion, and enabling the rehabilitation of economic, social, and environmental critical infrastructure, local markets and livelihood opportunities that are under threat, due to crisis, climate change and economic collapse.  The programmatic vehicle for implementation of the Strategy is the ABADEI Community Resilience Programme being rolled out in eight regions of Afghanistan through the Direct Implementation Modality (DIM).Key priorities that govern or provide direction for the work of the position to demonstrate the link between the Unit priorities and position priorities/expected outcomes of an incumbent.

UNDP Afghanistan Security Unit provides security management solutions to program personnel to deliver UNDP’s regional programs. The FSA in the South Eastern Region based in Gardez will provide security management and support to personnel and programs and assist in mainstreaming security in all aspects of operations and delivery in the region. Stakeholders will be the Head of Office, program managers, and security counterparts from other UN AFPs and UNDSS.

Position Purpose:

The Field Security Associate will work across the  assigned Regional Project Office programme and provide technical security support to all Regional activities. S/he works under the guidance and supervision of the Area Manager and technical supervision of the Security and Government Liaison Officer (SGLO)  and in close collaboration with other Regional Area Manager. The Field Security Associate will also work closely with partners, UN Agencies, technical advisors, experts, and civil society to help implement Regional Project Office activities. S/he will be based in in the assigned Regional Project Office with regular field visits.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Enable Region Project Office activities:

• Provide security policy guidance and security management support to enable effective project planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures.
• Review the impact of current as well as future potential security factors and trends on UNDP planning, project design and delivery, as well as the possible impact that design might have on the stability and security, ensuring that support needs identified, and improvements implemented.
• Liaise and coordinate activities with relevant counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNDP Regional Project Office personnel as the highest priority.
• To protect and minimize the risk to UNDP personnel, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the country.
• Access coordination and support in collaboration with the Area Manager
• Maintain a security network with relevant international and national security counterparts.
• Participate as a member of the Security Cell and ASMT established by UNDSS in country.
• If required, identify options for office and accommodation locations in areas where UNDP Regional Project Office might be expanding.

Security Management:

• Conduct security risk assessments of operations in the districts and provinces where projects are implemented, identify and implement appropriate risk management measure using the SRM document and produce Ad Hoc SRMs for new project sites and locations.
• Assist/provide input to UNDSS in preparing a comprehensive security risk assessment of regions to include all locations where UNDP personnel, eligible family members and assets are present.
• Ensure UNDP personnel and equipment are SRM compliant.
• Ensure that personnel members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
• Use and maintain internal communication systems and ensure UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System.
• Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.)
• Provide advice on the security of transportation and logistics.
• Coordinate with UNDSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP Regional Project Office personnel and eligible family members.

Information Management:

• Provide timely and accurate security advice to the UNDP Management, programme managers, project managers and visiting consultants ensuring cohesiveness of information with UNDP CO Security Unit.
• Immediately report all security-related incidents involving UNDP to the Area Manager and SGLO.
• Ensure that UNDP programme personnel members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security information as required.
• In cooperation with the Area Manager, maintain updated UNDP Regional Project Office personnel lists, including details of visiting missions and consultants.
• Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation.
• In coordination with UNDSS in-region, conduct investigations of death of a personnel/family member under suspicious and unclear circumstances.
• Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts as delegated.

General Security Support:

• In consultation with the Area Manager and SGLO, respond to requests from the DO/UNDSS, UNDP Regional Office and CO to perform UN system-related security tasks. Crisis, incident and post-incident coordination and support in collaboration with the assigned region. The FSA will also undertake road missions with UNDP personnel to operational and project sites while managing various aspects of security measures
• Conduct appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and advise on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions.
• Assist UNDP in developing and implementing office security requirements for sub-offices and offices of UNDP implemented projects.
• Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for UNDP and project offices based on the security phase.
• Represent UNDP Regional Project Office security interests in any common premises that UNDP occupies ensuring that personnel safety and security are primary considerations.
• Ensure that UNDP premises and international personnel residences are SRM compliant

Security Related Training:

• Provide orientation and training to international and national personnel members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews, and dangerous areas.
• Scheduling and implementing fire safety, first aid, and radio communications training for UNDP personnel
• Participation and supporting facili in UNSMS training for UNDP and partner UN agencies.
• Provide and undertake any other form of security related training

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.
 

Competencies

Core:

Achieve Results:LEVEL 1

• Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:LEVEL 1:

• Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:LEVEL 1

• Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:LEVEL 1

• Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:LEVEL 1

• Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:LEVEL 1

• Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 1

• Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical:

Security Services - Security advice, planning and coordination:

• Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

Security Services - Security Risk Management:

• Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans

Security Services - Security incident management & monitoring:

• Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events

Security Services - Security policy awareness & implementation:

• Knowledge of security policy concepts and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Security Services - Security Training:

• Ability to design, contribute to, and/or facilitate meaningful security training programmes/courses

Security Services - Physical/premises security design, implementation and management:

• Ability to conduct accurate premises assessments on UN facilities to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. Ability to design, support the implementation and test physical security systems for UNDP premises

Partnership Management - Relationship Management:

• Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Education:

• Secondary Education is required, or
• University degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in Political Science, Military/Police Studies, Security Management or management will be given due consideration but not a requirement

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in a security support and coordination role.
• Security-related field or experience in security risk management, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work, is desirable.
• Knowledge of diplomatic protocol would be an asset.
• Prior experience with the UN security management system or an international organization is desirable.
• Experience and familiarity with the region is a requirement.
• Prior UNDP experience and familiarity with its policies and procedures, particularly in the applicable job area, is an added advantage.
• Experience in Liaison with Host Government Security, INGO and UN counterparts is desired
• Experience in the preparation and conduct of security assessments in field environments is desired
• Sound knowledge of roles and responsibilities within the UN Country Team, including that of the Resident Coordinator, DO, SMT, UNDSS and UN Security Management System, is desirable
• Knowledge of Security Plans and business continuity is desirable. 

Language:

• Fluency in English and Dari and/or Pashto is required

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.