Senior Field Security Assistant

Deadline for ApplicationsJanuary 26, 2026

Hardship LevelB

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeGS5

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date2026-03-01

Standard Job Description

Senior Field Security Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Field Security Assistant provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security..

The incumbent is normally supervised by an officer who provides regular guidance. They may be assigned some independent routine tasks while more often follows instructions of the supervisor. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR personnel, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and with Host Government Security authorities (HGOs) in the area to facilitate the operation.

The duty of the incumbent is to support the management of security issues.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

- Provide assistance to the supervisor in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for the UNHCR personnel operations, premises, partners and persons of concern.

- Be aware of security protocols and procedures in place in accordance with the UNSMS policies, UNHCR Policies and the Security Risk Management process in the designated area check for compliance and advise management on any deficiencies.

- Assist in security assessment missions to the field in coordination with UNDSS/other agencies; help the supervisor during field missions to gather information and analyse the security situation.

- Support the Implementation of security-related projects.

- Assist in the monitoring, updating and reporting of security-related events.

- Assist in the processing of administrative security issues.

- Maintain liaison with UN security management system actors, local law enforcement agencies, civil authorities and other relevant agencies.

- Provide security briefings to UNHCR staff, and as appropriate partner staff, on relevant security risk management for the country concerned to include, inter alia, the warden system, communication notification and reporting procedures, travel planning procedures road and fire safety.

- Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.

- Provide security-related advice to the manager and other staff.

- Advise on security gaps and needs.

- Maintain liaison and build relationships with Host Government Security Forces and security counterparts.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level

G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

Not applicable

(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses

Security and Safety issues

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Not specified

Desirable

Experience in security or police field.

Functional Skills

FS-Police, military, NGO Corporate security expertise

IT-Computer Literacy

CO-Cross-cultural communication

(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.

For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile • Knowledge and experience of the working context of SO Mafraq such as working with refugees in camps and in host communities including knowledge of camp entry and exit procedures.

• Experience with UN or UNHCR field security rules and procedures as well as relevant accountability frameworks, including the UN Security Management System (UNSMS).

• Experience in communication, coordination, and liaison with colleagues, partners, and government counterparts on security related matters.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritizing tasks effectively under pressure.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic operational environment.

• Good proficiency in speaking and writing in both English and Arabic language is essential.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Jordan is considered to be the most stable Arab country in the Levant area of the Middle East. Road traffic accidents remain a pertinent risk to staff. Vehicle travel is difficult at certain times due to adverse weather conditions, low visibility and/or heavy traffic.

Nature of Position:

The Mafraq Sub-Office oversees the Zaatari Refugee Camp, Raba’a Al Sarhan Transit Centre, and host communities across the Mafraq governorate, serving approximately 105,000 registered refugees. From April 2026, the Mafraq Sub-Office will also oversee Garden Camp and host communities across the Irbid, Ajloun, and Jerash governorate, serving an additional 83,000 some registered refugees.

The Senior Field Security Assistant reports and is supervised by the Head of Sub-Office and advises on field security, providing sound, well-reasoned advice followed by support in the implementation of agreed measures or steps. As the basecamp in Zaatari Camp is the main UNHCR premises for SO Mafraq, the Senior Field Security Assistant will ensure all standards for a safe working environment at the basecamp are maintained.

The Senior Field Security Assistant is expected to support the Head of Sub-Office with evaluating the level of risk and assessing appropriate security measures.

The Senior Field Security Assistant is also expected to monitor, coach, guide and support the private security personnel providing guard services to UNHCR facilities and personnel.

The Senior Field Security Assistant advises and supports the Head of Sub-Office on all aspects of security risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness about maintaining the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, operations, assets, and facilities. S/he is to provide security advice and training which is gender inclusive to UNHCR personnel, develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective information sharing. On the interagency level, the Senior Field Security Assistant assists with coordination involving the security focal points of partners working in Zaatari camp.

The operational environment is dynamic, with a mix of office-based and field-based tasks within urban, rural, and camp settings. The position demands strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in a multi-functional team under sometimes challenging conditions.

Good proficiency in speaking and writing in both English and Arabic is essential.

Living and Working Conditions:

Mafraq: Mafraq Governorate in Jordan is located 80 km to the north from the capital Amman with total population 549,948 . Mafraq is categorized as (B) duty station.

Accommodation average rent at Mafraq Governorate is between 450- 500 USD for unfurnished apartment and between 700-850 USD for furnished apartment depending on the size of the property itself and number of bedrooms.

Mafraq has cold semi-arid climate. Summers are long, hot, dry, and clear while the winters are cold, windy, and partly cloudy over the course of the year.

International schools are not available in Mafraq, most of the available schools are governmental with few private Arabic schools.

Advanced medical services are available in Mafraq, providing needed medium medical treatments to the population. However, critical medical situation treatment is referred to Amman. UNHCR has signed a frame agreement with Sara Specialty Hospital in Mafraq to treat UNHCR patients and their dependents.

Additional Qualifications

SkillsCO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Police, military, NGO Corporate security expertise, IT-Computer Literacy

Education

CertificationsSafety and Security - Other

Work Experience

CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

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Compendium

Additional InformationCandidates might undergo a written test

Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

JR2663254