In a world where forced displacement continues to rise due to conflict, persecution, and instability, ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers and the people they serve is more critical than ever. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, plays a leading role in protecting millions of displaced people worldwide.
To support this mission, UNHCR is currently recruiting a Field Security Assistant based in Tunis, Tunisia, offering a unique opportunity for experienced security professionals to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian operations.
About UNHCR and Its Mission
UNHCR works in over 137 countries, providing life-saving assistance such as shelter, food, water, and protection services to people forced to flee wars and persecution. With a diverse workforce of nearly 19,000 staff members, the organization is driven by a strong commitment to safety, dignity, and human rights. A career with UNHCR is more than just a job—it is a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations while working in an inclusive and multicultural environment.
Position Overview: Field Security Assistant
The Field Security Assistant position is a full-time role under the UNOPS LICA4 staff category, with a target start date of January 1, 2026. The duty station is Tunis, Tunisia, and the role is classified under Hardship Level A (least hardship), making it suitable for candidates with families. Applications are open until December 18, 2025.
In this role, the selected candidate will support the implementation of UNHCR’s security policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and security of staff members, persons of concern, and UNHCR premises across Tunisia. The Field Security Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Security Supervisor and collaborate closely with administrative and operational teams.
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Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Field Security Assistant plays a central role in coordinating and strengthening security operations. Core responsibilities include managing and supervising heads of security guards across different locations in Tunisia, ensuring strict compliance with safety and security protocols. This supervision is essential to mitigating risks faced by staff, refugees, asylum seekers, and facilities.
Training and capacity building are also critical components of the role. The incumbent will provide technical guidance and ensure regular induction and training for security guards, including mandatory UNHCR courses such as the Code of Conduct, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and BSAFE training.
Administrative and operational oversight is another major aspect of the position. The Field Security Assistant will review and approve duty schedules submitted by heads of guards, monitor their implementation, and prepare monthly attendance and absence reports. Daily monitoring will ensure the presence and punctuality of security guards at all assigned locations, contributing to consistent and reliable security coverage.
The role also involves close coordination with Administration and Human Resources units on matters related to security guards, as well as supervision of CCTV operations and other surveillance systems to ensure adherence to security and fire safety protocols.
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Accurate incident reporting is essential, and the incumbent will contribute by maintaining security databases, providing data, and reporting critical incidents occurring on premises or shelters. When required, the Field Security Assistant will liaise with local police authorities and act as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in the absence of the Security Supervisor.
Regular reporting is a key deliverable, with daily, weekly, and monthly security reports required to keep management informed and support evidence-based decision-making.
Required Qualifications and Experience
UNHCR is seeking candidates with a strong background in security and risk management. Applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements:
- Five years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or
- Two years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
Prior experience in a similar role and environment is considered a strong asset. Fluency in Arabic and French, both spoken and written, is mandatory, while basic knowledge of English is an advantage. Candidates should also possess basic computer skills, including proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Due to the sensitive nature of the role, applicants must have no criminal record and be eligible for vetting by local security authorities, including the provision of a certificate of non-conviction. Academic backgrounds in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, or related disciplines are considered desirable.
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have experience working with police, military, or corporate security services, as well as familiarity with local security apparatus. Strong skills in critical incident and emergency management, risk assessment, and the application of mitigation measures are essential. Knowledge of security protocols relevant to refugee and asylum contexts, including crowd control situations, will be particularly valuable in this role.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity
UNHCR is firmly committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The organization also promotes disability inclusion and provides reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process for candidates who may require them. All information shared in this regard is treated with strict confidentiality.
Important Recruitment Notes
UNHCR emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications are accepted only through the official UNHCR online recruitment platform; CVs or applications sent by email will not be reviewed. External applicants experiencing technical difficulties may contact UNHCR’s recruitment support team through the official channels provided on the platform.
Why Apply?
Joining UNHCR as a Field Security Assistant means contributing directly to the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations. It offers professional growth, exposure to international standards of security management, and the opportunity to work with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about protecting people forced to flee. For security professionals seeking meaningful work with global impact, this role represents an excellent career opportunity.
Apply online through UNHCR’s recruitment platform👇
