About the Organization
World Vision Ethiopia is a prominent Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. With over 75 years of experience globally and a presence in nearly 100 countries, the organization focuses on the most vulnerable children, even in the most dangerous places. Our work is inspired by our Christian faith and a commitment to seeing every child experience the fullness of life through sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
The organization operates with a massive global workforce of over 33,000 staff members, all united by the joy of transforming life stories. In Ethiopia, World Vision has a long-standing history of partnering with local communities and government bodies to deliver life-saving emergency assistance and long-term development programs. We pride ourselves on a professional culture that emphasizes accountability, community ownership, and an institutional culture of safety and security that enables high-impact operations.
World Vision Ethiopia believes that diversity is essential to achieving our mission. We foster an inclusive environment where staff from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued. Our programs are designed to be impartial and inclusive, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, while maintaining our core values and organizational integrity.
We are deeply committed to achieving gender balance and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups within our operations. The organization provides a supportive workspace where professional ethics and personal growth are prioritized through specialized training and mentorship. By joining World Vision, you become part of a global movement dedicated to social justice, economic resilience, and the well-being of the next generation.
World Vision Ethiopia strongly encourages women, youth, and underrepresented groups to apply for this role. We believe that diverse perspectives are vital to designing comprehensive security strategies that consider the safety of all staff and beneficiaries. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and a safe, respectful recruitment process for all qualified Ethiopian nationals who are passionate about humanitarian safety.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Field Security Officer (FSO) plays a critical strategic role in ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian programs in the Gambella region. Reporting to the Field Security Coordinator (FSC), the FSO is responsible for planning and implementing effective security measures that align with the national security context. This role is fundamental to mitigating operational risks and establishing robust systems that protect both staff and organizational assets.
Your “day-in-the-life” impact involves conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), monitoring local context ratings, and tracking staff movements to ensure uninterrupted operations. You will serve as a key advisor, receiving and disseminating vital safety information to staff, contractors, and visitors. By managing day-to-day security incidents—such as localized disputes or access control—you ensure that World Vision remains a trusted and secure partner in the field.
Strategically, this position focuses on building a culture of security awareness across the Response Office. You will lead capacity-building efforts, ensuring that all staff are trained in line with World Vision’s Safety, Security, and Resilience (SSR) guidelines. By engaging local leaders and government security organs, you secure safe-access arrangements for field missions, allowing life-saving aid to reach remote and vulnerable populations.
This role offers significant professional growth opportunities within the global humanitarian security network. As you manage complex security protocols and participate in joint assessments with UN agencies and other INGOs, you will develop advanced skills in crisis management and risk analysis. Successful completion of the mandatory Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) further enhances your professional standing in international security practice.
Ultimately, the Field Security Officer is an enabler of humanitarian impact. Your success is measured by the degree to which program activities are conducted safely and without interruption. By fostering strong partnerships and maintaining high compliance with security standards, you ensure that World Vision can continue its vital mission of serving children in even the most complex and challenging environments.
Job Positions and Requirements
Field Security Officer
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Police Science, Law Enforcement Training, or a related field.
Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of proven experience in a recognized security field (public, private, government, or NGO sectors).
Job Location: Gambella, Ethiopia
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Intern/Trainee Fixed Term)
No. Required: 1
Required Skills and Competencies
The successful candidate must possess strong leadership, diplomatic, and motivational skills, with a proven ability to influence and coordinate across all levels of the organization. You must demonstrate the capacity to build strategic relationships with local authorities and NGO security networks. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to convey clear, concise information during crisis situations are essential.
Technical requirements include the mandatory completion of a Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) course within 90 days of employment. You must also be capable of conducting security investigations and performance reviews for field-based security focal persons. A deep commitment to World Vision’s child safeguarding policies and a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or exploitation is a non-negotiable requirement for this role.
Employment Type and Compensation
This position is offered as a Local Intern (Fixed Term) Trainee role, providing a structured entry point into the professional humanitarian security sector. World Vision Ethiopia provides a competitive package for this category, including specialized training and exposure to international security standards. The role involves an office-based environment with approximately 30% domestic travel for operational and procurement requirements.
In addition to financial compensation, the FSO benefits from a growth-oriented environment where security practice is integrated into the heart of humanitarian operations. This role offers the unique satisfaction of safeguarding those who serve the world’s most vulnerable children, supported by the global expertise and reputation of World Vision International.
How to Apply
The application process is conducted entirely online through the World Vision career portal. Please be clearly informed that scanned certificates, diplomas, or other physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. Your digital profile and the specific details provided in your online application will serve as the primary basis for the preliminary evaluation.
Original documents and academic credentials will only be required for physical verification during the interview stage for those candidates under serious consideration. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, as World Vision maintains a transparent and fair recruitment process.
World Vision Ethiopia employs a merit-based selection process that may include substantive technical assessments and competency-based interviews. Employment confirmation is contingent upon the successful completion of the HEAT training or an approved SSR-equivalent course during the probationary period.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the recruitment team. If you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe after the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. World Vision does not solicit any money at any stage of the recruitment process.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the official World Vision recruitment platform as the primary channel. Ensure that your submission is completed well before the deadline to ensure consideration for this critical security role.
Application Deadline
April 10, 2026