Security Operations Support Officer SC9, Lebanon Country Office, Beirut

Assisting more than 90 million people in 83 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030, one in nine people worldwide still do not have enough to eat. Food and food-related assistance lie at the heart of the struggle to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.

In Lebanon, WFP works to support approximately 700,000 people with regular assistance using e-cards. WFP also supports Lebanese schools with school meals, and has run over 300 development activities which include supporting rural infrastructure, as well as education and training opportunities for vulnerable individuals in families. WFP also supports Lebanon’s National Poverty Targeting Programme. 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: The post is based in Beirut Country Office and the incumbent works under general supervision of the Country Director and directly reports to the Field Security Officer. The job holder operates with a high degree of independence and will be involved in a variety of security activities and analytical work, some of which may be of a considerable complexity. The job holder is expected to supervise national security staff to ensure that security objectives are achieved in full and contribute to their performance improvement.

JOB PURPOSE: To support the management of WFP’s security day-to-day operations to facilitate the effective delivery of programmes that meet food assistance needs and maintain the security and safety of WFP personnel, activities and facilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):

Under the direct supervision of the Field Security Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

1. Participate in the security and safety contingency and continuity planning for the office supporting the standardization of plans for WFP facilities in-country and ensuring that all security plans are implemented, and emergency systems are regularly tested.
2. Develop annual plans, contribute to longer term strategies and improvements to security systems and procedures to ensure services provided support WFP strategic objectives and are in compliance with corporate policies, standards, regulations and processes.
3. Responsible for liaison with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and the in-country security management apparatus including participating in security operations management meetings and contributing to technical discussions, exchange of knowledge and experience, to ensure WFP management and staff are fully briefed on security matters in RB/CO.
4. In conjunction with WFP Field Security Division, provide recommendations and operational support to the Country, Area and Field Offices for achievement of Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) and Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS) compliance.
5. Responsible for all facilities access control measures and procedures to ensure safety and security of WFP staff and visitors in line with UNSMS best practices.
6. Contribute to the management of security budget including procurement planning to support efficient and cost-effective resources management.
7. Responsible for management of security equipment to ensure it is issued correctly, is in serviceable condition and is following the established security standards.
8. Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Human Resources Unit regarding a range of security staffing matters (e.g. recruitment, contract management, capacity building), to ensure compliance with the established WFP policies and procedures.
9. Collect information about local security developments, issues and provide technical analysis on the potential impact upon WFP operations to support security and operational activities.
10. Prepare comprehensive, accurate and timely security-related reports including recommendations to support informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to the senior managers and other stakeholders.
11. Provide security orientation briefing to newly arrived staff to ensure staff are well-informed of local security conditions and procedures.
12. Facilitate training sessions as required to build the security capabilities of WFP and external partners.
13. Manage junior security staff, providing coaching and guidance as required to ensure appropriate development and support high performance.
14. Support the supervisor during emergencies to meet changing needs.
15. Perform other duties, as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced University degree in Security Management, International Relations or Law Enforcement or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses. A diploma obtained from Military/Police Academy with qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the First University degree.

Experience: Six years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in security management (relevant military, policy or corporate) and/or security risk management, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development. Experience in managing support staff.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English. Knowledge of French language is added advantage.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Good theoretical understanding of security management concepts and principals with a knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes.
• Good analytical skills with the ability to assimilate and analyse a range of data and issues to support the development of efficient solutions.
• Good communication skills and ability to adapt communication style to different situations and individuals.
• Ability to supervise, coach and motivate national security staff.
• Ability to deliver effective briefing and training, assessing participant needs.
• Knowledge of common business principals and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has supported complex projects and operational activities that maintain security operations
• Functions and feed into overall strategic aims.
• Has gained experience in an emergency response and high-risk operational capacity.
• Has provided direction and instruction to more junior staff members within area of expertise.