Field Security Advisor

1. Advisory and technical 

2. Operations

3. Personnel Capacity on Safety and Security

4. Team management 

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Advise the Country Manager, office management team and all Project Managers on all safety and security related matters including the planning and implementation of projects.

• In line with the UN Security Management System methodology, policies, and procedures, develop, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential threats, risks levels and recommended mitigation/prevention strategies for office, project operations and field site operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments; 

• Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all programmes at the duty station and field sites and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.

• Ensure through planning and implementation of the UNSMSM policies and procedures that mitigation of risk in the context of Papua New Guinea is provided for when conducting field visits. 

• Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed.  Conduct field assessments during establishment of projects and during project implementation. 

• Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.

• Develop, adapt, and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.

• Propose and control budgets for security operations and monitor expenses.

• Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology)

• Prepare an annual security work plan including budgeting for all aspects of office and field security ensuring full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:

  • Fire Safety 

  • Security Plan

  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation/prevention measures

  • Residential Security Measures

  • Security and safety on field sites

• Revise and update the office Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective

• Maintain up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, information and related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for the implementation of the office/operation’s security plan;

• Review security arrangements for all operations, maintaining relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties;

• Coordinate personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.

• Develop mechanisms for reporting all security related incidents that may have an impact on UNOPS projects or programmes.

• Liaise with and update regularly the UNOPS Chief of Security, Regional Security Advisor and EAPMCO Head of Support Services on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.

• Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.

• Brief all new project managers on security concerns specific to their projects;

• Perform security assessments, both routine and ad-hoc, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for personnel traveling across the area of operation.

• Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.

• Maintain accurate multi-sourced country records on current and projected security issues (assessments, security plans, etc.) and brief staff across the region as/when required;

• Monitor and facilitate personnel adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation/prevention measures and mandatory security training);

• Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and other regional security services to facilitate seamless implementation of the security arrangements across the respective business unit/office.

• Liaise with the local government security organizations to gather and assess information on security and safety matters that might affect UNOPS personnel and programmes located in various areas in the country and provide analysis of security related information obtained. 

• Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including security communications equipment.

• In Coordination with UNDSS, develop and deliver staff development and training programmes for UNOPS personnel. 

• Ensure that all UNOPS personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;

• Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, comprehensive listing of emergency supplies, and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises

• In Coordination with UNDSS, provide additional security awareness training to personnel, beyond the mandatory security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

• Manage and supervise junior personnel as may be assigned (currently there are no direct reports to this position) 

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver Security training and learning initiatives for UNOPS personnel and dependents in coordination with UNDSS.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Field Security Advisor directly impacts on the security, safety and performance of UNOPS’ personnel, local programmes, projects and operations and therefore the organization’s credibility as an effective service provider in project services and management.  This promotes the image of the office and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.