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Field Security Adviser

Damascus

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Damascus
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Security and Safety
    • Security
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Head of Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Head of Cluster who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.


Background Information - Job-specific


 UNMAS Syria Response 

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed the Syria Response programme at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Cluster under the Protection Cluster to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. UNMAS is the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub Cluster for the Syria Response. Established in Damascus since 2018, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mine action in Syria, with the aim to respond to high humanitarian needs. This includes humanitarian mine action activities prioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: risk education, victim assistance, survey and clearance.

The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensive use of explosive weapons which resulted in large scale explosive hazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types of ordnances. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) 2019 for Syria, 10.2 million people live in communities reporting explosive hazard contamination; men, women, and children, are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and death on a daily basis. Millions of people live with a permanent disability and new conflict-related trauma cases lead to thousands of permanent disabilities requiring long-term and multi-dimensional support.


Functional Responsibilities

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office and secondary reporting line to the Senior Programme Manager, the Field Security Adviser will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Prepare an annual security work plan including budget for all aspects of UNMAS Syria Response security including full SRM/ RSM compliance and training needs.
  • Make substantive safety and security recommendations in line with UN and industry best practice enabling programme implementation without compromising personnel safety and security
  • In line with UN Security Management System (UNSMS) methodology, develop as required security risk assessments outlining potential threats, their risks levels and recommended mitigation strategies in regard to project implementation taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments
  • Review the UNMAS Syria Business Continuity Plan and revise/update as needed
  • Review security arrangements for all UNMAS Syria Response offices and maintain copies of all relevant instructions such as security and evacuation plans and telephone trees
  • Maintain accurate multi-sourced country files on current and projected security issues (assessments, security plans, etc.) and brief necessary staff across the programme when required
  • Ensure that all personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival, local and UNMAS required security and medical training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security
  • Maintain up-to-date instructions for personnel of the on precautions they should take in relation to the implementation of the security plan, including comprehensive listing of emergency supplies they should have on hand and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises
  • Ensure personnel adherence and compliance to the various UNSMS advisories, in particular compliance with directions related to the required mitigation measures as determined by the SRM, residential security standards (RSM), travel
  • Ensure that the fleet of vehicles is compliant and equipped as required per UN security management requirements.
  • Plan, manage, and monitor own (UNMAS) supported Personal Security Detail (PSD) convoy movement to high risk areas.
  • Conduct Security Risk Assessments (SRA’s) for missions, to respond to changes in the security environment and discuss the SRA with the Senior Programme Manager (SPM)
  • Conduct regular inspections of all UNMAS office premises to ensure compliance to with the required UN security requirements for compounds.
  • Ensure that Mission Security Clearance Requests (MSCRs) are prepared, submitted and processed in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Provide heightened security awareness training to staff, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.
  • Ensure, by supervising the process, that timely submissions of staff travel security clearance requests is carried out.
  • Ensure that fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, etc.) are present and functioning in all UNMAS Syria premises.
  • Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for staff traveling across the area of operation.
  • Acts as the UNMAS focal point for networking with other sources for security related information and compiles, processes and disseminates information within UNMAS Syria as determined by the Senior Programme Manager (SPM).
  • Define, manage and account for the use of security equipment including communications equipment;
  • Report all security-related incidents involving personnel to  Head of Office in Damascus, UNDSS and UNOPS Chief of Security where appropriate; with a secondary reporting line to the Senior Programme Manager.
  • Supervise and manage two local security assistants.
  • Carry out other assigned tasks as required and/or directed by the Senior Programme Manager. 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Education
  • Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in Social or Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Management, Security Management, or any other related field with 5 years of relevant experience; OR
  • First level university degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) in Social or Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Management, Security Management, or any other related field with 7 years of relevant experience; OR
  • Military (or relevant Police Experience) with a minimum of 11 years of relevant experience is required. 
Experience
  • Relevant experience is defined as experience in security guard management, military operations, policing (law enforcement), humanitarian emergency management, security of information, or personnel security
  • Experience working internationally in the security field is required
Language 
  • Fluency in English (speak, read, and write) is required

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA-2 (ICS-10)
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


This vacancy is now closed.
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