Field Security Advisor

• Advise the office management team and all Project Managers on all 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 strategies for office and project operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments; 

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

• Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed.  Conduct field assessments if deemed necessary.

• Maintain close relations with the UN Security Management System including UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.

• Adapt and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with the UN security framework.

• 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 budget for all aspects of office security including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:

  • Fire Safety 

  • Security plan

  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation measures

  • RSM

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

• Assist the Head of office in the case of declaration of evacuation. 

• Coordinate personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.

• Develop mechanism 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 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 exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal  standards are in place for staff 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 necessary staff across the region when required;

• Manage the inspection of the main office, facilities, residential compounds, as well as field offices and compounds, providing guidance and procedures for achieving full compliance with the mandatory mitigation measures and RSM compliance.

• Monitor and facilitate staff adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNSMS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation measures); residential security management (RSM), etc.

• Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security personnel 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 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.

• Develop and deliver staff development and training programs for UNOPS personnel and security focal points, including on Security Risk Assessments within the area of operation. 

• 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

• Provide heightened security awareness training to staff, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

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.

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Security related topics.

• Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for Security personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.

• Oversee team’s contributions to Security knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in Security.

• Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.