Behind WFP’s Operations: Ensuring Safety, Delivering Hope with WFP’s security Officer Noel Amorocho

‘Pathway to WFP’ is the LinkedIn career series by the World Food Programme investigating the professional backgrounds and life choices that led our staff to the world’s largest humanitarian agency. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive new episodes directly in your inbox!

Meet Noel Amorocho, a dedicated Security Officer based in Cali, Colombia, at WFP’s Colombia Suboffice. Originally from El Espinal, Tolima, Noel brings 28 years of experience in security—21 years in the police force and nearly seven years with WFP. His work ensures that humanitarian teams can safely reach communities in need, often in complex and high-risk environments.

Join us as we learn more about Noel’s inspiring journey and the critical role he plays in WFP’s mission.

Introduce yourself! What is your role at WFP? Where do you work and where are you from?

My name is Noel Amorocho. I’m from El Espinal, Tolima, Colombia, and currently based in Cali. I work as a Security Officer at WFP’s Colombia Cali Suboffice.

Tell us about your professional journey: how did you start your career? What is your academic and previous professional background.

My career began in 1997 when I joined the National Police of Colombia as a cadet officer. I later earned a degree in Business Administration, became a certified administrator, and specialized in Public Safety. After 21 years in the police force, I joined WFP in 2018 as a Security Assistant in the Cucuta office. A total of 28 years of experience in the security field, nearly seven of those in WFP.

What brought you to WFP? Feel free to expand on how you joined the organization, and how your experience has been so far.

In 2018, WFP needed security personnel to support an emergency response during the migratory crisis on the Venezuela-Colombia border. They sought officers familiar with the area and experienced in coordinating with government entities. I applied, went through the hiring process, and joined as a Security Assistant in the Cucuta office. Now, I’m based in Cali, covering the Pacific region.

My experience has been incredibly rewarding and professionally enriching. Working at WFP has taught me the importance of managing risks for colleagues who dedicate themselves to saving lives. Our role is vital in ensuring safety, reminding others not to underestimate risks or normalize violence. This perspective keeps operations safe and effective.

What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities as a security officer?

My primary role is to advise management on decision-making by identifying and mitigating risks in the field. A significant part of my work involves coordinating with communities, local authorities, UN agencies, and other organizations in WFP’s operational areas. I also implement and monitor security plans, such as evacuation protocols, office and warehouse safety assessments, and ensuring vehicles are equipped with communication tools and first-aid supplies for challenging environments.

Each day begins with reviewing information sources to identify potential risks—news reports, internal updates, and UNDSS briefings. I assess how events like road closures, landslides, or security incidents might impact our operations. Next, I review planned missions to ensure compliance with safety protocols through tools like the SAS and trip reports.

Throughout the day, I monitor field missions, conduct check-ins, and follow up on any developments. I also provide security briefings, offer updates on security contexts, and support colleagues with risk assessments for project implementation in specific areas.

What is the most rewarding part of working at WFP?

The greatest satisfaction comes from ensuring my colleagues can safely enter complex, high-risk areas to deliver assistance.

What are some of the challenges you face in your job and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was facilitating access to an area under conflict. Multiple agencies wanted to enter, but through engagement with the communities and discussions with different actors, we were able to highlight the urgent need for humanitarian action. People had been confined for days without food, medicine, or medical care. The challenge was creating the necessary security conditions to allow colleagues to safely deliver aid in the conflict zone which we were able to do through dialogue.

From your experience, what is the role of the security team in humanitarian operations?

The security team plays a vital role in ensuring humanitarian operations can take place safely in challenging and high-risk environments. We establish and maintain security protocols, provide real-time updates on territorial risks, and deliver training on essential skills such as telecommunications, first aid, and risk management.

Our role is also about fostering a mindset where security is prioritized. Humanitarians are often focused on reaching communities in need, but it’s crucial they don’t overlook their own safety. By reinforcing security measures, we help protect colleagues entering conflict zones, ensuring they can carry out their missions effectively and safely.

Can you share 3 tips on how to pursue a similar career?

• Understand UN Security Policies: Familiarize yourself with the United Nations security policies, as implementing protocols and SOPs in the field is essential.

• Cultivate a Service Mindset: A security officer must be dedicated to supporting and instilling confidence in colleagues, providing assurance that their safety and well-being are in good hands.

• Promote Security Awareness: Encourage colleagues to prioritize their own safety and maintain a security-conscious mindset, especially when operating in high-risk environments.

Any final thoughts?

Working with WFP and the United Nations system has been the most meaningful experience of my professional life.

While my years in the public forces were valuable, they didn’t always receive the same recognition. With WFP, the community welcomes us with open arms, warmth, and gratitude. Seeing the joy and appreciation from people we assist brings immense personal and professional satisfaction.

Thank you Noel!

Let us know your thoughts and questions and share these career tips with the future humanitarians in your LinkedIn connections. Subscribe to our ‘Pathway to WFP’ newsletter to receive the next episode in your inbox!