Senior Field Security Advisor

About the Role

UNOPS Ukraine Multi-Country Office is looking for a Senior Field Security Advisor (SFSA) who will report to the UAMCO Director and have a collaborative reporting line to the UNOPS Chief of Security. In his/her/their role, the SFSA should dedicate an approximate 20% of their working time to activities in support of other offices of the Europe and Central Asia Region.

1. Security Strategy Development, Implementation and Advisory

2. Technical Support to Operations

3. Monitoring and Reporting

4. Training, Awareness and Knowledge Sharing

5. Team Management

1. Security Strategy Development, Implementation and Advisory

• Advise the UAMCO Director and all UNOPS personnel on all safety and security-related matters and the possible impact on project design, implementation and funding, in line with UN and industry best practice, enabling project implementation without compromising UNOPS personnel safety and security.

• Prepare the security strategy and planning for the Country Office, including all aspects related to elaboration, development, implementation and maintenance.

• Perform security assessments, both routine and ad-hoc as required, to ensure optimal security standards are in place, and in alignment with UN Security Management System (UNSMS) methodology, policies and procedures.

• Develop, adapt, and implement security protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UNSMS and UNOPS security policies and frameworks.

• Maintain an up-to-date database of UNOPS personnel and their dependents, offices, residences, project sites and focal points.

• Maintain office security by conducting physical security evaluations of facilities, background checks, and have responsibility for guard force management and access control.

• Represent UNOPS to the Security Cell and other relevant meetings, revise all UNSMS planning and operational documents and participate in its elaboration.

2. Technical Support to Operations

• Prepare an annual work plan including budget proposal for all aspects of office security including full compliance with UNSMS policies, procedures and guidelines; including: Security plan, Fire Safety, implementation of Security risk management measures, and residential security measures (RSM); review and update the Business Continuity Plan from security perspective as well as evaluate training needs.

• Assess prevailing local security conditions, monitoring and identifying security trends and advising management and personnel on potential security issues.

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

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

• Ensure all UNOPS offices and work locations count with appropriate and workable security procedures and contingency plans, and provide to its maintenance. Maintain an effective evacuation system, including performing drills as necessary, and assuming leadership in the case of an emergency.

• Proactively as well as in response to requests, provide timely, accurate and relevant security  advice in accordance with UNOPS, PCS and UNSMS/UN SMT policies and decisions.

• Liaise regularly and effectively with UNDSS and other international organizations, with the local government security organizations and other relevant partner agencies (political and humanitarian, police, military, etc. as required), to gather and assess information on security and safety matters that might affect UNOPS personnel and programmes located in various areas in the country, to enable effective security management, networking and provide analysis of security related information obtained. 

• Plan and coordinate security measures for mission travel, specific events and visits, including convoy procedures as applicable.

• Ensure contingency plans are established and maintained, including medical evacuations procedures as relevant.

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

• Advise on the procurement of security services and equipment.

• Ensure contract management of security services to the country office and its personnel, based on quality management and KPIs.

• Assume the leadership in case an emergency has been declared by activating and managing UNSMS and UNOPS policies, including ensuring a smooth and efficient evacuation of UNOPS personnel and dependents when required. 

• Ensure to be reachable/on call 24/7 to assist on any security issues (including incidents and traffic accidents) in relation to UNOPS projects and personnel. 

• Work closely with the UNOPS Chief of Security in HQ and keep the CoS appraised on all security issues.

• Carry out other assigned tasks as directed by the UAMCO Director and/or the Chief of Security.

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, and promotion of learning and development of self and team members. 

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

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or

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

• Attendance to Military or Police training institutes, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.

Work experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience at the professional level working in the security field with UN agencies, funds and programmes, governments or corporate firms is required, for at least 7 years.

• Experience coordinating security arrangements with military, police and other security forces required in diverse contexts.

• Experience in security management in international operations is an asset.

• Experience in conflict / post-conflict environments is an asset.

• Knowledge and experience working in the Ukrainian context is an asset.

Certifications/Licenses

• Driving license and ability to travel independently is required.

• Certifications like UNDSS Security Certification Programme (SCP), ISMI or ASIS CPP are an asset.

Language requirements

• Fluency in written, reading and spoken English is required.

• Good working knowledge of Ukrainian language is an advantage

Contract type:          Fixed Term
Contract level:          P4
Contract duration:    One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.