Local Security Assistant

Peace and Security Cluster

Background: UNMAS Syria Response 

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed, and most recent in 2020 with SCR 2533), 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 Security Assistant works under the guidance and supervision of the Field Security Adviser (FSA), and in close coordination with the QA/Operations officer based in Aleppo and the office management team. S/he provides a comprehensive range of administrative services for the management of security and safe operations.  The Security  Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies. . 

• Support the Security Officer in the planning, preparation and escort of the field missions.

• Submit Concept Of Operations (CONOPS) to UNDSS and follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs), keeping up to date with accurate documentation.

• Conduct safe vehicle handling when driving and liaise with support services for any fleet management and logistics issues;

• Keep the Field Security Adviser (FSA) updated on fleet status and operational capability;

• Conduct security briefings for field missions and new staff members, as required;

• Assist UNMAS FSA in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country/region of assignment;

• Assist in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets;

• Support the organisation of training courses on security awareness and preparedness, providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members and to conduct security briefings, as required;

• Assist the FSA when  conducting Residential Security Measures (RSM), office safety and security preparedness;

• Assist the FSA in reviewing and following up on liaison and coordination requests with the host government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military, and police officers, as well as non-governmental organizations and other non-State actors in the area of operation;

• Support with communications and liaison with UNDSS and other UN Security Focal Points;

• Attend Security Cell meetings when required;

• Support the FSA when assessing security situation at the duty station and gathering of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the FSA;

• Maintain and update the database/filing system of all relevant security information and lists (i.e. CONOPS, Security clearances, staff list, staff tracking, security inventory, security plans, protocols, SOPs, accident/incident reports, etc.);

• Maintain updated staff lists:

• Provide support in security evaluations; 

• Maintain the warden system as required, and keep updated information related to UN offices and residences;

• Provide and facilitate administrative and logistical support to the team as required by the support services team and OIC in Damascus;

• Maintain routine and confidential correspondence files/documents;

• Maintain a database on contact details in relation to host country security authorities;

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the FSA.

• High School Diploma with a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience OR;

• First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in relevant subject matter such as Security, International Relations, Business Administration, Project Management, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Economics, Logistics, Language or other relevant fields with One (1) year relevant experience is required OR;

• A combination of 5 years of experience within the security industry, law enforcement, policing and military may be accepted in lieu of a first level university degree.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in security guard management, military, policing, law enforcement, or personnel security.

• Experience using  MS Office and/or Google Suite is required;

• Prior experience with the United Nations (UN), UN Agency, Fund or Program, and non-governmental organization in a security function is desired;

• Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation is desired;

• Experience in diplomatic, corporate or NGO security and protection is desired;

• Experience in Security Risk Management is desired;

• Valid driving license is required;

• Knowledge of Aleppo and surrounding areas is desired;

• Armored vehicle driving experience is desired.

• Fluency in English (writing, speaking and reading) is required;

• Fluency in Arabic (writing, speaking and reading) is required;

• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

• 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
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• 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: Local ICA

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.