In a complex and evolving security landscape, the safety of our personnel and assets is the foundation upon which all humanitarian aid is built. At UNICEF, we work in some of the most challenging environments to reach the world’s most vulnerable children. The Security Assistant (G-5) serves as a critical guardian of this mission, providing the technical and operational vigilance necessary to ensure that our programs can continue without interruption, even in high-risk areas.

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (Country Office)

Organization: UNICEF Nigeria

Job Grade: G-5 (General Service)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Closing Date: January 16, 2026

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Security Officer, the Security Assistant provides high-level technical, administrative, and operational support to strengthen UNICEF’s security infrastructure in Nigeria. You will be instrumental in the planning and coordination of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), ensuring that both Abuja-based operations and field-level activities remain in strict compliance with global safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Reporting & Data Analysis

• Intelligence Documentation: Collate and analyze security data to produce comprehensive incident reports, weekly briefings, and statistical summaries that inform leadership decision-making.
• Situation Monitoring: Maintain real-time awareness of regional security trends, providing early warnings and updates on potential threats to UNICEF operations.

Safety & Operational Support

• Security Implementation: Support the day-to-day execution of UNICEF security policies, ensuring all Abuja-based staff and field teams adhere to established safety frameworks.
• Facility Oversight: Assist in conducting security surveys and assessments of UNICEF premises and international staff residences to verify compliance with Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS).

Networking, Liaison & Diplomacy

• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Represent UNICEF within the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), liaising with other UN Agencies, Funds, and Programs (UNAFPs).
• External Relations: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with local security forces, humanitarian partners, and relevant government authorities to facilitate safe program delivery.

Knowledge Management & Compliance

• Training Coordination: Facilitate security briefings and training sessions for staff, ensuring that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge to navigate high-risk environments safely.
• Compliance Tracking: Monitor the implementation of security recommendations and follow up on mandatory security certifications for all personnel.

What Skills & Qualifications are Needed?

• Education: Completion of secondary education is mandatory. This must be supplemented by formal technical training in military or police services, or university-level coursework in a relevant field (e.g., Security Management, International Relations).
• Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a security-related environment.
• Contextual Expertise: Demonstrated experience working in armed conflict environments is highly desirable. Specific knowledge of the security context in North-Eastern Nigeria is considered a significant asset.
• Languages: Full professional fluency in English is required. Proficiency in a local Nigerian language (Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba) or another official UN language is an advantage.
• Core Competencies: Applicants must demonstrate high levels of ethical awareness, the ability to manage complexity, and a drive to achieve results for impact.

Why This Job is Important

Security is not just about protection; it is about “enablement.” By maintaining a secure environment, you enable nutritionists to reach malnourished children, health workers to deliver vaccines, and educators to build schools. As a G-5 Security Assistant, you are the backbone of the safety net that allows UNICEF’s life-saving work to thrive in Nigeria.

Benefits of Applying

• Global Standard: Gain experience within the United Nations system, operating under world-class security frameworks.
• Impactful Contribution: Protect those who protect children, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from UNICEF’s commitment to continuous learning and career development within the General Service category.
• Compensation: UNICEF offers a competitive salary at the G-2 level of the UN General Service scale, inclusive of health insurance and pension benefits.

About the Organization

UNICEF is a global leader in advocating for the rights of every child. In Nigeria, we work across all states to accelerate progress toward child survival, education, and protection. Our values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that by protecting the rights of children today, we are building a more secure and equitable world for tomorrow.

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight Technical Training: Be specific about your military, police, or specialized security certifications.
• Conflict Experience: Clearly articulate your experience managing safety protocols in volatile or high-risk environments.
• Values Alignment: UNICEF looks for candidates who embody their core values; ensure your application reflects integrity and a collaborative spirit.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the qualifications are invited to apply through the UNICEF global recruitment portal.

Official Application Link: jobs.unicef.org

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds, including women and persons with disabilities, to apply.