Senior Security Officer

Job categories Security

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5524/30108

Department/office APR, EAPMCO, Papua New Guinea

Duty station Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-9

Duration Ongoing subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Application period 02-May-2025 to 18-May-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Background Information - Job-specific

South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

UNOPS in Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea (PNG) was formed in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time. Since the establishment of its office, UNOPS has quickly been recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, health infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people. With funds from the European Union (EU) UNOPS supports the implementation of clean water solutions in Banz, is supplying ICT and Solar system solutions in Buganville and implementing Gender based violence referral infrastructures. With funds from the WB UNOPS is supporting the National Department of Heath supplying medical equipment to face Covid and TB emergencies, and assessing infrastructure needs for Communities Health centres. UNOPS is also contracted by the WB to oversee the implementation of programmes across remote areas in the country. With funds from DFAT and MFAT UNOPS is supporting the Government of PNG Strengthening its infrastructure system and in particular designing and implementing energy infrastructures, health infrastructures and waste management solutions in several remote areas across Papua New Guinea. DFAT is the primary donor in Papua New Guinea and UNOPS is currently at a pivotal stage in negotiating a multiyear agreement. This agreement will enable us to move from the design phase to the construction phase across multiple provinces.

Background information - Job specific:

The Field Security Senior Officer functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under the supervision of the Country Manager and with a secondary reporting line to Regional Security Advisor, coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe conduct of local programmes and operations in Papua New Guinea. The incumbent promotes a compliance and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System regulations. He/she works closely with and advises the country office and personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues.

Functional Responsibilities

Advisory and technical Operations Personnel Capacity on Safety and...

Advisory and technical
Operations
Personnel Capacity on Safety and Security
Team management
Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Advisory and Technical

Advise the supervisor, 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.

2. Operations

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;
Takes the lead in incident response and coordinates 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 Regional Security Advisor, the MCO, and Country Manager 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.
Supports incident response and attends security and safety matters as needed.

3. Personnel Capacity on Safety and Security

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.

4. Team Management

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.

5. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing

Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for the projects’ personnel on security related topics.
Conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for UNOPS and for security personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
Contribute to security knowledge and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in security management.
Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
Ensure full documentation of security management approaches and activities, to enhance knowledge-sharing/transfer.
Follow emerging security management approaches, stay up-to-date with trends and apply best practice.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Security Security Officer 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.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and enc...

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: Advanced university degree preferably in social or politic...

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) 2. Contract level: ...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

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