Descripción del puesto
The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) of the United Nations (Panama city) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally.
As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations System programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.
To strengthen the team, UNDSS is seeking for a Field Security Associate, GS 6 (FTA).
This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work.
Together, we can make the world a better place. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss.
This position is located in the Department of Safety and Security in Panama City, Panama. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Deputy Security Adviser, the Field Security Associate assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
Responsibilities:
Within limits of delegated authority, the Field Security Associate is responsible for the following duties:
1. Assists the Deputy Security Adviser in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the safety and security situation in the AoR:
• Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the host government security and emergency management organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, safety and security professionals, as well as non-governmental organizations in the area of operation;
• Helps to assess the safety and security situation at the duty station and ensures adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation;
• Communicates information on safety and security issues to the heads of United Nations agencies and provides host country safety and security advice to UNDSS, as required;
• Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
• May be requested to provide technical assistance at Area/Security Management Team meetings
2. Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists:
• Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan;
• Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required
3. Assists with the monitoring of the safety and security measures implementation as recommended in the Security Risks Management (SRM) process for the AoR.
4. Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets, and assists in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report and other Security Assessments.
5. Provides support in organizing and conducting training courses on safety, security and emergency awareness and preparedness and providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conducts safety and security briefings, as required.
6. Performs other safety and security-related tasks:
• Provides support in conducting security evaluations and provides advice on Residential Security Measures of UN staff, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security;
• Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences;
• Administers a pass and ID system;
• Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences in order to facilitate the effective and efficient use of the guard force.
7. Provides general administrative assistance:
• Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents;
• Maintains a database on contact details of host country security authorities;
• Arranges appointments, receives visitors, places and screens telephone calls with discretion, and takes minutes and/or notes at meeting
8. Provides support to the Area Security Coordinator, Area Security Management System members and other stakeholders, as needed.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
Requisitos
Competencies:
Professionalism: Knowledge in the field of security risk management, especially of the UNSMS. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
Education:
*High school Diploma or equivalent is required.
Work Experience:
*Seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in risk management, safety and security, or emergency and disaster management – such as emergency management, security forces, civil protection and humanitarian or non-governmental organizations, or corporate/private sector security – is required for candidates who hold a high school diploma or equivalent. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
*Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneDrive is required.
*Experience as a trainer, instructor or facilitator in related topics such as first aid, emergency response, incident command, or safety and security is desirable.
*Experience responding to and managing safety and security incidents or emergencies is desirable.
*Experience coordinating with government authorities, humanitarian partners or communities in emergency preparedness and response is desirable.
Languages:
*English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
*For this job opening, English is required. Spanish is required.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://ww.languages.un.org for details).
*Required Languages:
Language English: Reading Writing Listening Speaking - UN level II
Language Spanish: Reading Writing Listening Speaking - UN level III
Assessment:
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice:
*Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.
*The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
*The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff: Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field.
*This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.
Other requirements:
*Appropriate testing, as determined by the Secretariat may be required.
*Travel within and outside of the country may be required.
*Possession of a valid driver's license for Panama is required.
Important information:
**For more details about the Field Security Associate position access to the following link:
https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/283428?language=en
**Only applications submitted through the link above will be reviewed.
**Deadline for submission: October 21, 2026.