Local Security Assistant

Organizational Setting

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 2025 Humanitarian 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.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the FAOR (FAO Representative) in the country. S/he will be work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Regional Office, who will be responsible for all day-to-day operational support and may be required to coordinate with the International Professional (Security) or any other person as may be assigned. As and where appropriate, the performance evaluation may be done by the direct supervisor with inputs from the International Professional (Security) or the designated professional.

Technical Focus

The Local Security Assistant (LSA) reports and manages all security-related matters and acts as the primary security focal point for management and staff in the Kabul.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist the Senior LSA and International SO with developing, recommending, and implementing appropriate safety and security procedures related to all aspects of the mission’s and its program’s safety and security;
• This will include effectively addressing emergency management preparation, oversight, and response, as well as supporting the SO with the drafting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operational and In Extremis (IE) response scenarios;
• Strengthens the security arrangements of FAO facilities and contingency planning, and in close cooperation with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and coordinates 24/7 response to all safety and security-related incidents involving FAO staff and assets;
• Coordinates safety and security-related activities with UNDSS in the Kabul, security focal points of other agencies and humanitarian partners, and liaises with local authorities responsible for security;
• Assist in developing and regularly reviewing all internal evacuation and emergency contingency plans and make recommendations as necessary (emergency evacuation, assembly/safe areas, mass casualty management, warden system, and emergency communications), to develop appropriate responses, including required human and technical resources for effective implementation;
• Conduct regular physical security surveys of facilities and staff housing (guest-houses, hotels) ;
• In coordination with the SLSA and SO, produce a consolidated Security Risk Assessment document for the Kabul;
• Develop Ad hoc SRM for various field missions;
• Organize DfPS armed escort when necessary as per SRM;
• Collaborate as required with the SLSA and UNDSS regarding all aspects of threat/risk analysis;
• In coordination with, SLSA, and SO, assist with the preparation of the Contingency Security Plan;
• Provides FAO staff with specific security briefings, situation reports and other appropriate security-related information and training;
• Undertakes field security missions to FAO operations in the area of responsibility and conducts security assessments to determine the level of risk to FAO operations; identifies and implements appropriate risk mitigation measures;
• Participates as a member of specific Security Cell and provides advice on particular FAO concerns regarding the security of the Organization’s operations activities;
• Supervises security equipment and personnel, including inventory, extended training, and performance of in-house unarmed-guards and arranges security escorts for FAO mission’s personnel;
• Conduct security assessments within the area of responsibility as required in support of FAO operations;
• Establish contact across their area of responsibility with all relevant local authorities as appropriate;
• Maintain appropriate level of confidentiality regarding FAO security matters and ensure that FAO personnel are kept informed of matters affecting their safety and security;
• Ensure that all FAO personnel and recognized dependents comply with a specific security advisory, instructions at the duty station in line with UN Security Management System (UNSMS) policy and in accordance with the framework of accountability;
• To ensure that all FAO personnel, and particularly drivers enhance their familiarity with area-specific major routes and alternate routes, availability of safe havens, outlined in the specific Quick Security Risk Assessment (QSRA) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) on road accidents, breakdown, checkpoints, ambush, mine/UXO procedure, and guideline;
• Carry out appropriate safety and security training programmes, including proper use of available emergency communication equipment in a professional and timely manner;
• Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Secondary school with 5 years or more, of field experience in field security management; OR Bachelor’s degree in security management, business administration, political/social science, international relations, or related field with 4 years and above field security management.
• At least 2 years of UN or INGO experience is desirable
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and local languages (Pashto and/or Dari).
• National of Afghanistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• UNDSS certification in any of the following is an asset: Security Certification Programme (SCP), Hostage Incident Management and Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB) Qualification;
• UN experience in the field of security within Afghanistan;
• Extent and relevance of experience with emergency communications equipment operation, including Very High Frequency /High Frequency/Satellite /DMR;
• Problem-solving, client orientation, behavioural flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, good communication skills, and teamwork. Trustworthy with a high sense of responsibility;
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relations with other staff/colleagues from different cultural backgrounds and with relevant counterparts;
• Strong professional command of Microsoft Office, in particular Word and Excel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION