UNHCR

Field Security Associate

New Delhi, India Full time

Deadline for Applications

December 19, 2025

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

B

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA6

Target Start Date

2026-01-01

Terms of Reference

Operational Context

India currently hosts more than 261,000 refugees and asylum seekers. These include some 91,000 Sri Lankan refugees and 73,400 Tibetans directly assisted by the Government of India. There are 47,881 individuals registered under UNHCR’s mandate primarily from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other countries. In addition, around 49,000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in the Northeast of India and live in a refugee-like situation. UNHCR works with the Government of India to offer protection and find solutions for refugees and asylum seekers.

As a result of reprioritization, UNHCR India is refocusing its efforts on three core objectives: mandate-critical protection and solutions work; lifesaving and emergency activities with a focus on the most vulnerable; and essential resource mobilization and advocacy for protection and inclusion.

With refugees and asylum seekers spread across 13 different locations across the country, UNHCR relies on its 8 NGO partners for support. It funds activities that complement or facilitate access to essential services and assist the most vulnerable people with humanitarian assistance. UNHCR also works with various partners and key stakeholders to advocate for greater inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The office is engaged in advocacy with the government to support the development of a national framework for refugee protection, and advocates on issues related to the use of alternatives to detention, access to documentation amongst other key areas. UNHCR’s office is in New Delhi and has a field presence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu State.

Desired Candidate Profile

The Field Security Associate provides support to UNHCR’s senior management on all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security. The incumbent will be based in New Delhi and will cover the security requirements for Office of the Chief of Mission and Vikaspuri Registration Centre. The incumbent will also be required to give advice on security related matters to partner organizations as and when needed.

The desired candidate should possess following competencies and experience –
• Good knowledge in field of security and significant understanding of security management systems.
• Demonstrable experience in security risk assessments and providing support to senior managers to make informed decision on mitigation measures.
• Good understanding of local government law enforcement structures in India and experience in establishing effective network of contacts.
• Good communication, coordination and networking skills.
• Experience in working with UN security management systems.
• Experience of operating in humanitarian or United Nations organizations.
• Experience in working with marginalized communities would be an advantage.

This is a UNOPS Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) position in India and is open only for Indian nationals.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates would be required to undergo a written test and/or an interview.

Selected candidate will have to work from UNHCR Office or other UNHCR partner locations in New Delhi

 

Standard Job Description

Field Security Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Security Associate provides support to all security related aspects of field operations including Staff, premises and asset security.
The incumbent is supervised by a Senior Officer (FSA or Head of Office) who defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. The incumbent maintains regular contact on a working level on routine issues with other UNHCR staff members, UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners and Host Government Security authorities (HGS) in the area to facilitate the operation.
The duty of the incumbent is to support and monitor the management of security issues.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Provide assistance to the supervisor in evaluating the level of risk and assessing the existing security measures for the UNHCR staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern.
- Conduct regular security assessment missions to the field as required in coordination with UNDSS/other agencies; gather and analyse information about the security situation during field missions.
- Be aware of security protocols and procedures in place in accordance with the UNSMS policies, UNHCR Policies and the, Security Risk Management process for the designated area ;
- Conduct checks for compliance and advise management on any deficiencies.
- Monitor the physical security of UNHCR premises and reports on deficiencies.
- Monitor and supervise the guard force In accordance with relevant UNSMS policies and guidance.
- Assist UNHCR Protection Colleagues in efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern.
- Provide support during implementation of security-related projects.
- Assist in the monitoring, updating and reporting of security-related events.
- Assist in the processing of administrative security issues.
- Maintain relations and cooperation with UN security management system actors, local law enforcement agencies, civil authorities and other relevant agencies.
- Provide security briefings and training to UNHCR staff, and as appropriate partner staff, on relevant security risk management processes and measures for the country concerned to include security situation updates, , the warden system, communication notification and reporting procedures, travel planning procedures road air and fire safety.
- Respond to staff queries on security issues and provide immediate assistance as required.
- Provide security-related advice to the manager and other staff.
- Maintain liaison and build relationships with Host Government Security Forces and security counterparts.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Security and Safety
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
High level of knowledge in the security field

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
FS-Field Security Operations
FS-Security Analysis
CO-Cross-cultural communication
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, FS-Field Security Operations, FS-Security Analysis, IT-Computer Literacy

Education

Certifications

Safety and Security - Other

Work Experience

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance


Remote

No