Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) provides leadership, operational support, and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System. UNDSS in Somalia supports all UN Agencies in Somalia through security advice and guidance to enable the UN Agencies to conduct their operations in the safest possible manner

Duties and Responsibilities

The Local Security Assistant will provide UNDSS operational security coordination by contributing to security information collection, analysis, liaison, and reporting functions, while also supporting coordination with private security providers and relevant host-government security counterparts to ensure compliance with UN security requirements and facilitate operational security arrangements across the Area of Responsibility.

The Local Security Assistant is expected to contribute to this effort by supporting security information management, incident tracking, liaison with host-government security institutions, and coordination on checkpoint and convoy arrangements, thereby strengthening situational awareness and supporting the effective implementation of security risk management measures for UN personnel, assets, and operations. Under the technical guidance and supervision of the Principal Security Adviser (PSA) and Deputy Principal Security Adviser (DPSA), the Local Security Assistant will support the execution of UNDSS security responsibilities and daily operational coordination within the assigned Area of Responsibility.

The incumbent will demonstrate a client-oriented approach to security management, sound analytical awareness, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex and high-risk security environment, particularly in coordinating with NISA, Police, government authorities, and private security actors on checkpoint access, convoy movements, and related operational security arrangements, while interacting with personnel from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

1. Supports the PSA/DPSA in security information management, incident reporting, and situational awareness:

  • Assists the PSA/DPSA in collecting, verifying, updating, and communicating information on the security situation in the area of operation and across the country.
  • Monitors and reports security incidents affecting UNSMS personnel, offices, assets, and operations in accordance with established UNDSS procedures.
  • Prepares concise incident reports, advisories, security updates, and periodic summaries to support situational awareness and operational decision-making.
  • Maintains relevant security plans, contact directories, and operational information to support preparedness and continuity of operations.
  • Maintains regular contact with Security Focal Points of UN entities to facilitate timely exchange of security-related information within the UNSMS.

2. Supports liaison and coordination with host government authorities, police, and security counterparts:

  • Supports the PSA/DPSA in establishing and maintaining effective liaison with host government authorities and security counterparts on matters affecting UN personnel, premises, assets, and operations.
  • Liaises, as required, with national and local authorities, police, NISA, DUGUF and other relevant counterparts in support of UNDSS operational requirements.
  • Collects, verifies, and consolidates security-related information obtained from official counterparts and other reliable sources for onward analysis and action by the PSA/DPSA.
  • Supports coordination with private security providers and other contracted security actors to ensure compliance with UN security policies, procedures, and requirements.
  • Facilitates the timely exchange of verified security information between UNDSS, UN entities LSAs and relevant counterparts, as appropriate.
  • Maintains records of liaison activities, official engagements, coordination actions, and follow-up with government and security counterparts.
  • Assists in the preparation of briefing notes, talking points, meeting inputs, and correspondence for engagement with government authorities and security interlocutors.
  • Supports follow-up on coordination matters and security-related actions arising from engagements led by the PSA Office.

3. Supports liaison and coordination arrangements with NISA and Police on checkpoints, convoy movements, and operational access:

  • Assists the PSA/DPSA in establishing and maintaining liaison and coordination arrangements with NISA, Police, and other competent authorities on checkpoint procedures, convoy arrangements, and movement-related security matters.
  • Coordinates, as required, with relevant authorities on checkpoint notification, access facilitation, convoy clearances, escort arrangements, and route coordination in support of UN operations.
  • Supports the planning and implementation of security arrangements for convoys, official missions, field visits, and other operational movements requiring host government coordination.
  • Maintains updated records of coordination arrangements, liaison contacts, convoy notifications, access procedures, and movement-related follow-up actions.
  • Identifies recurring challenges affecting checkpoint and convoy coordination and brings them to the attention of the PSA/DPSA for further action.
  • Supports the strengthening of practical coordination arrangements with NISA and Police to enhance predictability, compliance, and safe operational access.
  • Supports the PSA/DPSA in ensuring that decisions and recommendations are translated into practical follow-up with relevant counterparts.

4. Supports government security coordination and institutional liaison on behalf of the PSA/DPSA Office

  • Supports the PSA/DPSA in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening effective working relationships with relevant host government authorities 
  • Liaises, as required, with ministries, regional and local administrations, police leadership, NISA, immigration, airport authorities, and other competent government interlocutors in support of UNDSS operational priorities.
  • Coordinates with relevant government counterparts on security-related administrative and operational matters, including access arrangements, clearances, movement facilitation, incident follow-up, and support to official UN activities.

  • Maintains accurate records of official liaison, coordination exchanges, government meetings, and related follow-up actions undertaken by the PSA Office.

    Institutional Arrangement

    The Local Security Assistant works under the technical guidance and supervision of the UNDSS Area (ASA) and in close coordination with UNDSS colleagues and UNSMS stakeholders in the Area of Responsibility. The LSA maintains functional working relationships with relevant host-government security counterparts and UNSMS security focal points to support timely information exchange, incident follow-up and operational coordination, as directed by the ASA and/or PSA. The position supports UNDSS efforts to strengthen security information management, coordination, and operational situational awareness, contributing to the effective implementation of the UN Security Management System in Somalia.

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 

People Management (Insert below standard sentence if the position has direct reports.)

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management Communication
  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience 
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. 
  • Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. 
  • Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. 
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Management Operations Management
  • Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization beyond processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. 
  • Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms
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 information management
  • Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations
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 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • High School graduate or Equivalent with 6 Years’ experience or bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ experience in Criminal Justice, Military Studies, Security Management, International Relations, Security Studies, Peace Governance and Development or a relevant field is highly desirable.

Experience:

  • Secondary Education with 6 years or University Degree with 3 years experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work. 
  • Somali National
  • Valid National Passport maintained at all times is required. 

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section              

  • Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable. 
  • Experience in computer applications (MS Office, internet) 
  • Experience in preparing Security Assessments/Reports 
  • Experience in the military or Police background is highly desirable 
  • Knowledge of mechanics  and driving an armored is an advantage 
  • Valid and clean driving license, experience in driving armored is an advantage. 
  • Knowledge of mechanics is desirable. 

Language(s)             

  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is essential.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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