Roving Field Security Officer

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

20 November 2026-23:59-GMT Greenwich Mean Time (Ouagadougou)

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of extreme weather shocks.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

The Roving Security Consultant (CST-2) will provide surge security support across WFP field operations in Burkina Faso, particularly in high-risk locations such as Dori. The role focuses on conducting security risk assessments, advising management, strengthening emergency preparedness, and ensuring compliance with WFP security standards. The consultant will coordinate with UNDSS, authorities, and humanitarian partners while supporting operational access and staff safety.

Job Title: Roving Security Officer

Type of contract: Consultant

Level: CST 2

Duty Station: Dori

Country: Burkina Faso

Duration: 11 months

Background and Purpose of the Assignment

 

Given the evolving security environment in Burkina Faso and the widespread nature of WFP operations, there is a need to strengthen security risk management, operational preparedness, and compliance across Field Offices. To support this objective, WFP seeks to engage a Roving Security Officer to provide technical security expertise and surge support to locations facing increased security challenges or operational demands.

Under the supervision of the Head of Field Office of Dori and the technical support of the Head of Security, the incumbent will support security assessments, risk mitigation measures, emergency preparedness, security reporting, and capacity-building initiatives. The assignment will also enhance coordination with relevant stakeholders and ensure the consistent application of WFP security policies and procedures.

The overall purpose of the assignment is to strengthen the safety and security of WFP personnel, assets, facilities, and operations, thereby enabling the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance in a complex and dynamic operating environment.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide surge security support to Field Offices facing increased security risks, operational challenges, or emergency response requirements.

• Advise management on security risks, mitigation measures, and operational security requirements to ensure safe and effective delivery programme.
• Conduct security risk assessments of WFP personnel, assets, facilities, and operations, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
• Monitor and analyze security developments and provide timely security advice, reports, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Support compliance with Security Risk Management (SRM) measures, WFP security policies, procedures, and applicable security standards.
• Strengthen emergency preparedness and crisis management arrangements through the review of contingency plans, SOPs, evacuation procedures, and preparedness exercises.
• Support the planning and implementation of security arrangements for field missions, humanitarian operations, assessments, and official visits.
• Liaise and coordinate with UNDSS, government authorities, security actors, humanitarian partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate security information sharing and operational access.
• Represent WFP in security coordination forums and meetings, as delegated by the Head of Security.
• Build the security capacities of Field Office personnel and security focal points through training, mentoring, briefings, and awareness activities.
• Prepare accurate and timely security assessments, mission reports, incident reports, advisories, and other security-related documentation in accordance with WFP standards.
• Track the implementation of security recommendations and support continuous improvement of security risk management practices across Field Offices.
• Perform other security-related duties as required in support of WFP operations.

 

Deliverables:

•  Security assessment reports with recommendations and action plans.

•  Mission reports following each deployment or field mission.

•  Monthly activity and security advisory reports.

•  Security training materials, attendance records, and mission debriefs.

•  Updated SOPs, contingency plans, and preparedness documentation, where required.

•  End-of-assignment report summarizing activities conducted, achievements, key findings, recommendations, and lessons learned.

 

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree) in Security Management, International Relations, Political Science, Risk Management, Military Sciences, Law Enforcement, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field; or
• First university degree (Bachelor's degree) with additional years of relevant professional experience.

 

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible professional experience in security management, security operations, humanitarian security, military, police, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting security risk assessments and developing security risk mitigation measures.
• Experience supporting humanitarian or development operations in complex and high-risk environments.
• Proven experience in emergency preparedness, crisis management, and operational security planning.
• Experience advising management on security risks and operational decision-making.
• Previous experience with the United Nations system, international organizations, NGOs, or diplomatic missions is highly desirable.
• Experience in the Sahel region, particularly in conflict-affected or fragile contexts, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with UNDSS Security Risk Management (SRM) processes, MOSS compliance, and security reporting frameworks is an asset.

 

Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of humanitarian security risk management principles and practices.
• Ability to analyze security trends and provide practical, risk-informed recommendations.
• Knowledge of emergency response, contingency planning, business continuity, and crisis management.
• Ability to conduct independent field missions in challenging security environments.
• Excellent report-writing and analytical skills.
• Ability to design and deliver security training and awareness programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination skills, including interaction with government authorities, security forces, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners.

 

Languages

• Fluency (Level C) in French is required.
• Working knowledge (Level B) of English is required.
• Knowledge of local languages spoken in Burkina Faso would be an advantage.

 

Desired Competencies

• Experience facilitating security training, briefings, and awareness sessions for personnel at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality security reports, threat assessments, and briefing materials.

• Proficiency in security information management, incident reporting, and the use of security-related technologies and tracking systems.
• Commitment to promoting staff safety, security risk management, and business continuity while enabling operational access and programme delivery.

 

Additional Requirements for Dori

Given the operational context in Dori, the consultant should demonstrate:

 

• Ability to operate independently in high-risk and remote environments.
• Willingness to undertake frequent field missions to hard-to-reach locations.
• Experience supporting humanitarian access and operational continuity in conflict-affected areas.
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with national authorities, communities, and humanitarian actors.

 

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

 

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

 

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.