Programme Management Specialist (Aviation Security Expert)

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) to implement the project activities for UNOCT Special Projects and Innovation Branch (SPIB),  Countering Terrorist Travel Section (CTTS) Addressing Counter Terrorism in Aviation Security (ACTAS) Unit. The UNOCT Programme on Threat Assessment Models for Aviation Security (“TAM Programme”) consolidates multiple streams of expertise and provides selected Member States with the information required to establish a common approach to threat assessments within the context of aviation security, build an interagency coordination model to support the flow and sharing of relevant information, and improve internal operational capacity to comply with international aviation security requirements. It expands upon the UN Security Council’s call for Member States to intensify dialogue and cooperation on aviation security, including risk-related information through operational programming to facilitate greater connectivity between the aviation security workforce and other relevant entities. In this regard, Resolution 2309 (2016) calls upon Member States to regularly review the ever-evolving threat to civil aviation and to align and adapt mitigation measures accordingly. It also urges Member States to implement effective aviation security arrangements to detect threats, strengthen international information sharing efforts, and ensure that all relevant domestic entities work together to improve aviation security effectiveness. 

The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility. 

Under the supervision of the Senior Portfolio Manager, the Programme Management Specialist (Aviation Security Expert) will provide specialized expertise for the development of tools and trainings related to the establishment of national-level interagency coordination mechanisms for national-level officials from a cross-section of agencies including national security, law enforcement, and civil aviation and will  perform the following responsibilities:

• Adapt and deliver specialized training and technical assistance on interagency cooperation related to threat assessments for aviation security risk management activities for at least three beneficiary Member States for a cross-section of national officials including national security, law enforcement, and civil aviation personnel.

• Provide up to two (2) months of mentoring (on-site and virtual) on threat assessment methodologies and tools to support the preparation and implementation of new interagency cooperation packages for at least three beneficiary Member States.

• Compile relevant threat assessment methodologies and consolidate into an in-house training toolkit in support of the Programme’s aviation security risk management objectives, advise on operating requirements to sustain in-house capacity to deliver specialized tools, training materials, and other best practices  to ensure consistent and effective application of Programme’s methodology in beneficiary Member States. 

• Prepare an internal reference package to support delivery of specialized technical assistance on the Programme’s counter-terrorism – related components. 

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

The incumbent will deliver the following outputs/products by the completion of the contract:

First delivery: Completion of the adaptation and delivery of specialized training and technical assistance on interagency cooperation related to threat assessments for aviation security risk management activities for at least three beneficiary Member States including two (2) months of mentoring (on-site and virtual) and the handover of the new model to the Member States.

Second delivery: Compilation and consolidation of threat assessment methodologies consolidated into an in-house training toolkit, ACTAS personnel briefed on operating requirements to sustain in-house capacity to deliver specialized tools, training materials, and other best practices that ensure consistent effective application of Programme’s methodology in beneficiary Member States.

Third delivery:  Prepare an internal reference package to support delivery of specialized technical assistance on the Programme’s counter-terrorism – related components

Performance indicators are the quality and appropriateness of specialized expertise, inputs and services timely and effectively provided; quality of performance during the facilitation of training sessions; and the timely completion and quality of assignments (preparation of all material; delivery of on-site and virtual support; reporting through oral and written platforms).

Education 

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in a social science discipline such as  international relations, public policy, political science, law, business administration, international relations or other related fields is required.

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

• Specialization or additional qualifications in Security (e.g. aviation security, terrorism, national security, international security) will be an advantage.

Work Experience 

Required:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in international counter-terrorism, including proven experience in developing and implementing national-level inter-agency programmes for national security is required.

• Proven experience on national tools and procedural requirements for the risk management process is required.

• Proven experience in technical assistance projects related to counter-terrorism, including the design, preparation of training materials for international audiences is required.

• Experience with delivering training activities on behalf of international organizations, including instructing and facilitation and mentoring on the tools required for a robust threat assessment is required.

• Experience in harmonizing threat and risk assessments in a multi-stakeholder environment is required.

• Knowledge of aviation security is required.

Desirable (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply)

• Knowledge of general project management and intercultural communication practices is desirable.

• Experience with drafting project reports, summaries, and communication products on substantive counter-terrorism issues is desirable.

• Understanding of nuances underpinning counter-terrorism and aviation security cooperation is desirable. 

Language

• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required. 

• Fluency in French is desirable.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) 
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2)/ICS10
Contract duration: Open-ended (subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance)

• 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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
  
• 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.  
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.


Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.


Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.



Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.