Regional Security Advisor

Functions: 

1. Security strategy development and implementation

The Regional Security Advisor (RSA) reports to both the Regional Director (RD) and the Chief of Security (CoS), and supports them in their security related responsibilities. Within delegated authority, the RSA will be responsible for the following results in the regional area of responsibility:

• Prepare the security strategy and plan, including all aspects related to elaboration, development, adaptation, implementation and updating. 

• Advice to RD / CoS on security needs in the region, such as human resources and/or budgetary, elaborating the necessary proposals.

• Perform security risk assessments, both routine and ad-hoc, based on established UNSMS standards to ensure optimal security measures are in place for UNOPS personnel, assets and operations.

• Prepare an annual region-wide work plan including a budget for all aspects of security to ensure full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines, including Security Plan, Fire Safety, implementation of mandatory security risk management measures (SRMM), and residential security measures (RSM).

• Develop and implement security protocols and procedures adapted to local conditions, consistent with UN security policies and frameworks, and to local procedures and practices.

• Assist in the maintenance of lists of UNOPS personnel and their dependents, offices, residences, project sites and focal points, and ensure the maintenance of an effective system to account for personnel rapidly during emergencies as well as the capacity to issue notifications and instructions.

• Maintain an ongoing evaluation of evacuation systems and resources, including performing drills as necessary, and assuming leadership in the case of an emergency.

• Contribute to the development of the Business Continuity Planning (BCP), documentation, regular training and testing.

• Lead in ensuring effective response to offices in crisis situations.

• Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.

• Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including emergency communications.

• Maintain security of the UNOPS’ offices by conducting physical security inspections of facilities, background checks and entry control.

• Undertake security assessment and support missions to the field as required, which may take place at short notice and to high risk destinations.

• Coordinate, maintain and apply protection details for senior officials as necessary.

• Serve on call 24/7 to attend to urgent security and safety matters and lead response to security related incidents.

2. Advisory

The RSA advises and assists the RD, Country Directors / Managers, other managers and UNOPS personnel, on all aspects of security management throughout the region. Specifically, the RSA is responsible for:

• Providing timely, accurate and relevant security advice in accordance with UNOPS and UNSMS/UN SMT policies, guidelines, procedures and decisions. This may include the development of ad hoc guidelines and SoPs for country offices.

• Assessing prevailing security conditions in the region of responsibility, identifying security trends and advising management and personnel on potential security concerns.

• Advising and supporting UNOPS personnel traveling on mission, according to prevailing risks.

• Advising UNOPS personnel on residential security matters.

• Leading response to security related incidents.

• Maintaining continuous liaison with UNDSS, other International Organizations, Host Government and relevant local actors to gather and assess information on security and safety matters which may impact on UN/UNOPS personnel and programmes in the region, and enabling effective security management, networking, mutual support, and information sharing. 

• Working closely with the UNOPS CoS and keeping the CoS informed on all relevant security issues.

• Ensuring effective mechanisms for responding to day-to-day security requirements.

• Providing substantive advice to managers regarding the mainstreaming of security risk management and related costs into programmes and projects, to enable implementation within a threshold of acceptable risk.  

• Advising and supporting relevant stakeholders in the procurement, selection, installation and administration of security and safety equipment, services and personnel. The incumbent may be called to serve on procurement committees / selection panels.

3. Monitoring and reporting

• Continuous monitoring of developments in the region of responsibility which may have an impact on the security of UNOPS personnel, other assets and operations.

• Responsible for effective security management monitoring, tracking and reporting.

• Identifies the root causes of security issues and ensures coordinated and timely dissemination of security assessment reports and mitigation measures to the relevant stakeholders (Regional Office and HQ, country office, line managers).

• Provide feedback to the CoS regarding the suitability and applicability of UNOPS security policies, processes and tools.

• Report security incidents as soon as possible according to UNOPS and UNSMS procedures.

• Investigate, in cooperation with UNDSS, security-related incidents involving UNOPS personnel.

• Investigate accidents involving UNOPS vehicles and report findings.

• Collaborate with the Health Safety Social and Environment (HSSE) focal point at local, regional and corporate level to manage risks related to the safety of personnel, as needed.

• Contribute to periodic reporting related to the security function.

4. Training, awareness and knowledge sharing

• Contribute to the security knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learned and dissemination of good practices in security management.

• 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 good practices. Provide advice on training needs.

• Ensure that all UNOPS personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival to a new duty station, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment and in accordance with UN security requirements, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security; and understand their security risk management obligations.

• Coordinate attendance of UNOPS personnel at security and safety training according to their role and risk profile, in coordination with UNDSS and other stakeholders.

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on security related topics, including regular evacuation drills and other exercises.

• Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the Security Plan, including required precautions and guidance on action taken during emergencies.

• Ensure that lessons learned and good practices in security management are effectively incorporated in plans, procedures and training activities.

• Keep a record of all training activities in the area of responsibility.

5. 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, promotion of learning and development of self, team members and other personnel under direct supervision.

• Participate in the selection and recruitment procedures of security personnel.

• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

• Provide technical guidance and support to country specific field security advisors as necessary.

• The incumbent will manage the regional network of UNOPS personnel assigned to security-related responsibilities by the security focal points.

• The incumbent may be required to act as secondary supervisor of other security personnel.

6. Specific country level responsibilities

The RSA is responsible for performing the following specific tasks and responsibilities for the country of assignment:

• Support the MCO Director / Country Director / Country Manager in their security related responsibilities.

• Prepare, maintain, update security procedures and contingency plans, for the physical security of office premises and of UNOPS personnel.

• Convene periodic training and drills at the country office, including regular evacuation drills and communication exercises.

• Monitor and assist UNOPS personnel on mission at the country level.

• Attend meetings of the Security Cell, SMT and others as required.

• Develop a local network of contacts with government, security, military and police authorities, international organisations and implementing partners, in support of UNOPS security related needs.

Impact of Results 

The effective and successful achievement of results by the incumbent directly affects UNOPS ability to deliver against its mandate and protects UNOPS reputation. The role is imperative to the effective management of corporate/external risks for the project, impacting the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the region of responsibility.

• Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree or equivalent); or

• First Level University Degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or

• Military or Police senior Command and Staff College qualification at a senior level with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience is required.

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, defined as experience in international security management or similar positions (required).

• Demonstrated experience at the professional level working with the UN security management system, governments, security forces or international corporate firms (required).

• Demonstrated experience coordinating security arrangements with military, police and other security forces (preferred).

• Operational experience in conflict or post conflict environments, or complex security settings (required). 

• Demonstrated experience in producing Standard Operational Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology (preferred). 

• Proficiency in computer skills, including Google Suite (preferred).

• Operational knowledge and experience of the region of responsibility (preferred).