Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In particular, FAO provides a combination of humanitarian and basic needs/non-humanitarian assistance to female and male farmers and herders across Afghanistan in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation and natural resources sub-sectors through its projects and programs, as described in the 2024Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023-2027, specifically under UNSFA Priority 2 Economic Opportunities and Resilient Livelihoods.
The post is located in the FAO Representation in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Reporting Lines

The National Professional Officer (Safety and Security) will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Afghanistan. She/he will work under the direct supervision of the Field Security Officer with the technical guidance of the Chief, Security Services (CSOS) and the Regional Security Adviser (CSOS).

Technical Focus

Assist International Security Officer in providing support and advice to the FAO Representative on safety and security in the country.

Key Results

Effective and efficient protection of the integrity of FAO premises, assets and operations, as well as safety and security of FAO personnel.

Key Functions

•     Provide, in close collaboration with the Field Security Unit at headquarters, advice to the FAO Representative with regard to maintaining the safety and security of FAO personnel, premises and assets in compliance with the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) and FAO Security Management Policies and Principles.
•     Monitor and carry out, as necessary, the implementation of the technical security measures as outlined in the Security Plan, Security Risk Management (SRM), Residential Security Measures (RSM), Security Risk Compliance Assessments, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and associated documents which ensure that the Country Office as well as the field offices have an acceptable level of required security-related compliance measures.
•     Monitor the security situation across the county, and coordinate and undertake security risk assessments for the Country Office as well as overall sub offices and provide FAO Representative with independent analysis of emerging security threats to FAO personnel, operations, premises and assets. Facilitate the implementation of recommended prevention and mitigation measures.
•     Maintain updated security information, prepare periodical situation reports ensuring that FAO Representative and the Field Security Unit at headquarters are kept regularly informed of security situation.
•     Prepare Contingency Plans and SOPs for central and field offices and be instrumental in implementing the enhanced security measures; and ensure staff members and personnel are familiar and adhere with the related guidelines.
•     Conduct training/briefing on safety and security procedures, convoy procedures, security and evacuation procedures and other necessary security issues and precautions are undertaken.
•     Conduct regular security briefings to all staff and personnel and to those appointed to the field or on mission.
•     Provide systematic reporting on security incidents to FAO Representative and the Field Security Unit at headquarters.
•     Conduct periodic security assessments of FAO premises and equipment; and provide advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions, as per the approved Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM).
•     Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate security equipment/infrastructure.
•     Ensure FAO's participation in the United Nations Security Management Team (SMT) and Security Cell meetings. Establish and maintain regular contact with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and all relevant national authorities including national security agencies as appropriate.
•     Perform any other relevant duties.

Specific Functions

•     Ensure the implementation and personnel's participation in FAO Security Notification System.
•     Undertake missions to the program sites and assess prevailing local security conditions, identifying security trends and advise FAO personnel, project personnel and eligible family members on potential security issues.
•     Plan and coordinate the mandatory safety drills in FAO premises at the duty station.
•     Directly supervise security equipment and security personnel (LSA's), including inventory, extended training and performance of security contractors, guards and security escorts personnel, if applicable. Provide technical guidance to LSA's.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     National of Afghanistan 
•     Advanced university degree in risk or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law or a related area, OR University (Bachelor’s) degree in risk or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law or a related area and three additional years of experience in risk management and/or safety and security service in a national security and/or military setting.
•     Three years of professional experience in risk management and/or safety and security service in a national security and/or military setting.
•     Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and of the local language.

Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in risk management and/or safety and security service in a national security and/or military setting.
•     Extent of knowledge of UN Security Management System (UNSMS) is considered a strong asset, standard operational rules and procedures
•     Strong networking skills with focus on effective communication with DfA authorities