Field Security Associate

Host entity: DSS ZAF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Safety and security

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes by providing professional security risk management and security coordination services across the UN system. UNDSS supports UN entities in maintaining a secure operating environment through security risk assessments, security planning, crisis preparedness, information sharing, compliance monitoring, and security training.
In South Africa, UNDSS works closely with United Nations agencies, government institutions and security partners to ensure that UN personnel, premises and operations are supported through coordinated security management. As Chair of the Security Management Team (SMT), UNDSS leads inter-agency coordination on security management, emergency preparedness, business continuity and operational security across the United Nations Country Team (UNCT).

Assignment context

UNDSS South Africa plays a central role in enabling United Nations agencies to operate safely while delivering their mandates throughout the country. The office coordinates security planning, information sharing, emergency preparedness and operational support across the UN system, requiring strong administrative coordination, documentation and communication.
Hosted by UNDSS South Africa, this assignment provides an excellent opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in United Nations security coordination, programme administration and inter-agency collaboration. The UN Volunteer will contribute to the coordination of Security Cell and Security Management Team (SMT) activities while supporting security information management, meeting coordination, documentation and field mission planning.
Working under the supervision of the designated UNDSS Supervisor, the UN Volunteer will receive structured mentoring and on-the-job learning while strengthening skills in security coordination, stakeholder engagement, organizational planning, information management and United Nations security management processes.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the designated UNDSS Supervisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

● Support the coordination and administration of Security Cell and Security Management Team (SMT) meetings, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, coordinating logistics, circulating meeting documentation, recording proceedings, and tracking agreed action points.
● Provide secretariat support to security coordination mechanisms by maintaining meeting records, updating action trackers, following up on assigned tasks, and ensuring timely dissemination of non-sensitive information to relevant stakeholders.
● Assist in the preparation of security planning documents and operational support materials, including drafting routine documentation, compiling background information, and supporting the development of contingency planning resources under the guidance of security personnel.
● Support the development and updating of security awareness and briefing packages for UN personnel, visitors, and programme teams by compiling information, preparing presentation materials, and assisting with awareness campaigns on security protocols and procedures.
● Assist in collecting, compiling, and analysing security-related information from approved sources to support situational awareness, risk monitoring, and the preparation of routine security advisories and reports.
● Provide logistical and coordination support for field security missions, including assisting with mission planning, preparing documentation, coordinating travel arrangements where applicable, and supporting post-mission reporting and follow-up.
● Support teams operating in the field by coordinating the dissemination of approved security guidance, facilitating communication between UNDSS and programme personnel, and assisting with routine security-related requests.
● Assist in monitoring the implementation of security recommendations and action points by maintaining tracking tools, following up with relevant stakeholders, and reporting progress to supervisors.
● Observe and support security briefings, coordination meetings, and operational discussions to strengthen understanding of UN security management practices, while documenting key decisions and monitoring the implementation of agreed actions under supervision.
● Maintain accurate security coordination records and information management systems, ensuring that documentation is organised, up to date, and handled in accordance with UNDSS information management procedures.
● Contribute to knowledge management and reporting by preparing meeting summaries, drafting routine correspondence, compiling statistics, and supporting the documentation of lessons learned and good practices.
● Perform other security coordination and programme support tasks consistent with the objectives of the assignment, as delegated by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:
● Programme coordination, administrative support or organizational planning.
● Security management, security coordination, risk management or emergency preparedness.
● Stakeholder engagement, meeting coordination and inter-agency collaboration.
● Information management, report writing, records management and documentation.
● Research, data collection and analysis to support programme implementation.
● Working in multicultural environments or supporting public sector, development or humanitarian initiatives.     
    
Skills in:
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Microsoft Teams).
● Administrative coordination, planning and organizational skills.
● Meeting coordination, minute taking and records management.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills.
● Report writing, information management and documentation.
● Analytical thinking with strong attention to detail.
● Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
● Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.

*Mastercard Foundation Alumni and Youth with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.
*Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age at the time of application.

Competencies and values

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams.

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.