Security Expert

The United Nations has been assisting Iraq with the establishment of the Electoral Management Body (initially Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, 2003, currently Independent High Electoral Commission), and the development of the institution’s capacities to administer electoral processes. Despite major military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in November 2017, the political and security environment in the country remains complex and unpredictable.

Regardless of the efforts on the development of technical capacities within IHEC over the years, the credibility of the institution has been decreasing, particularly after the 2018 legislative elections. Since October 2019 the country has experienced major public unrest through continuous demonstrations and sit-ins in Baghdad and all over the country. Amongst demands for better delivery of public services, the protesters also claimed for change of government, and organization of early elections – elections to be held before the normally expected date, which would be the end of the current legislature, in May 2022.

On 5 December the Council of Representatives voted on a new Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) that provides for nine commissioners from the judiciary, who took office on 13 January 202. The United Nations Assistance Mission of Iraq (UNAMI), through its Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA) has since then, been working closely with the nine commissioners to enhance their understanding of the different electoral aspects.

The new law also provides for changes to the positions of Director – General, both in headquarters and governorates offices, which has a strong impact of the existing technical capacity of the institution. The upcoming elections in Iraq will be an important milestone for Iraq’s future progress, with the implementation of a credible and legitimate electoral process and outcome.

On 27 May 2021, upon the request by the Government of Iraq on 11 February 2021 for additional support, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution SCR 2576 (2021) extending the UNAMI mandate until 27 May 2022, calling UNAMI to:

• Provide a strengthened, robust and visible UN team to monitor Iraq’s election day;

• Launch a UN strategic messaging campaign to educate, inform and update Iraqi voters on election

• preparations.

The Security  Expert will work under the supervision of the Team Leader.

The position is located in the Office of Electoral Assistance in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), with duty station in Baghdad. The Security Expert works closely with Iraqi counterparts of the IHEC and other Iraqi stakeholders, as well as UNAMI and other electoral advisors.

Within delegated authority, the Security Expert will be responsible for the following duties:

• Analyse the context in which the election watch project will take place in Iraq (i.e. social, political, inter-ethnic, security, economic risk factors).

• Identify potential risk factors, developing tactics and security plans to election watch projects in line with DSS SOPs and procedures.

• Lead security risk assessments and promote appropriate risk mitigation strategies in partnership with relevant stakeholders. 

• Lead in development of risk assessments and security contingency plans; taking in board specifics of different geographical areas of the country.

• Support, develop and implement security procedures and operating structures on election watch, including information and reporting systems.

• Based on good global practices, design a security curriculum and support the training of STW on electoral security. 

• Lead on the  development of an electoral watch security incident database.

• Undertake analyses on a regular basis to support project counterparts early warning capabilities and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies. 

• Support project in developing an effective partnership with other relevant stakeholders including also the UNDSS to ensure information sharing.

• Lead the team in preparation of documentation and reports pertaining to this function, including but not limited to, Security Concept of Operations; Security Plan; Weekly Security Reports; Topic Security Reports as needed.

• Advice on security needs for project employees. 

• In close consultation with Regional Teams, and in conjunction with the DSS  ensure that security requirements are met according to the needs of the National Movement Plan and the existing security situation.

• Ensure escorts are coordinated for each road movement;

• Liaise with internal and external actors, including UNDSS and other security entities, to ensure comparison and integrity of security reports and incidents

• Prepare regular election security briefings for sharing with UNAMI. 

The Team Leader and other members of the UN electoral watch office; senior staff and officers of UNDSS, electoral management bodies and other national institutions involved in the electoral process; other staff and officers working at the UNAMI office in Baghdad.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimizing violence and maximizing the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability;

• The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organization;

• The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications.     

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Iraq UN Partnership Framework of the project Support to electoral process Iraq.

• University degree with a focus on Security Studies, Political Sciences, Law, or International Relations or any other related field, 
• Extensive army and/or law enforcement experience may be accepted in lieu of a first level university degree.

• A minimum of seven years experience of international exposure in a security advisory function and/or electoral support; 
• At least seven years in an international setting within high-risk security environments;
• Previous work experience in support of, preferably embedded within, an Election Management Body would be an asset;
• Knowledge of Iraq’s security environment, operations and programme cycle a significant advantage; 
• Experience of governance and democracy programming is preferable; 
• Project management and management of risk qualifications/certifications desired; 
• In-depth knowledge of security risk analysis is required. 
• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is preferable; 
• Former military (Commissioned Officer) or police (Inspector or above) experience desired; 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of UN security processes is required.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply; the candidate should be able to work in hardship conditions; the post requires considerable cultural and political sensitivity.

• Fluency in English is Required. Knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage.

• 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.
• Baghdad is not a UN Family Duty Station.
• This vacancy is posted on behalf of UNAMI. The contract duration is 5 months.
• 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: Individual Contractual Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: I-ICA 3
Contract duration: 5 Months