Field Security Advisor

Jerusalem Office – UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence

Since the opening of the Jerusalem Office in 2006, UNOPS has significantly strengthened its operations in Palestine. Our expert knowledge, skills and management systems contribute to the sustainable development of public infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank, including Area C and East Jerusalem.

Proect Background: 

UN Security Council Resolution 2720(2023) mandates the establishment of a mechanism “for accelerating the provision of humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza through states which are not party to the conflict. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was requested by the UN Secretary-General to design, set-up, operationalise, and manage the Mechanism in support of the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator, and in line with the Security Council Resolution 2720(2023).  

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

1. Advisory and technical 

2. Operations

3. Staff Development

4. Team management 

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Advisory and Technical 

• Advise the UNOPS Jerusalem Director, Senior Project Manager, Senior Security Associate in Jerusalem and Security Associate in Gaza and project personnel on all safety and 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 safety and security is a core component of all programmes at the duty station and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.

• Advise Gaza project managers, UNOPS Jerusalem Director, Senior Project Manager, Senior Security Associate in Jerusalem and Security Associate in Gaza on the required security measures during planning and implementation of operations. Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure the safety and security of personnel, and advise on the resource requirements.

• Collaborate and coordinate with the Security Associate in Gaza to attend the Area Security Management Team meetings on a regular and ad-hoc basis. Work with the SA to report the minutes of the meeting to the Jerusalem Office Senior Management and Senior Security Associate. 

• Replace UNOPS Gaza Security Associate during his/her absence and provide support when needed.

1. Operations

• Conduct field assessments if deemed necessary. Prepare daily Concept of Operations documents including the current SRMs for the field areas.

• Submit UNRM deconfliction for field missions or movements as necessary and /or ensure projects submission to the field missions.

• Follow UNHRM daily field missions and ensure compliance with the existing deconfliction of movement / concept of operations for each mission / and UNDSS Security clearance including MSRC. Take action in response to any emergency or change in the mission.

• Function as a team with the Gaza National Security Associate and maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist in providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.

• Cooperate with SHRC Security Advisor and replace when is needed to cover  SHRC Senior Missions . 

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

• Propose and control budgets for security operations and monitor expenses.

• Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology)

• Cooperate and coordinate with SSA in Jerusalem office and SA in Gaza in preparing the annual security work plan including budget for all aspects of office security including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:

  • Training

  • Fire Safety 

  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation measures

  • Conducting SRM for office and accommodation

•  Coordinate with the Gaza SA the preparation and update of “Gaza Projects Working Procedures”- for the Jerusalem Office Business Continuity Plan and Security Considerations and ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN  contingency planning for both operations and Security and Safety perspectives.

• Maintain up-to-date database of the UNHRM personnel and their dependents, as well as information related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for the implementation of the office/operation’s security plan.

• Review with Gaza SA and Jerusalem SSA security arrangements for all operations, maintaining relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties.

• Ensure the smooth and efficient evacuation of UNOPS staff members, designated personnel, and dependents, managing the implementation of UNDSS and UNOPS evacuation and extrication policies, and  contact UNOPS Director/ Crisis Manager or Deputy Manager for declaration of evacuation. 

• Coordinate UNHRM 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 Jerusalem Senior Security  Associate    to update regularly to UNOPS Jerusalem Director  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 safety standards are in place for staff travelling across the area of operation.

• Manage and perform UNHRM 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 UNHRM staff adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation measures); residential security management (SRM), etc.

•  Advise SSA Jerusalem and Gaza on appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and other regional security services to facilitate seamless implementation of the security arrangements across the respective business unit/office.

• As directed by UNOPS Director, Senior Project Manager and UNDSS / SMT and DO, liaise with military, security personnel and parties to the conflicts to gather and assess information on security and safety 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 UNHRM use of security equipment including security communications equipment.

1. Threat and Risk Assessment

• In collaboration with UNDSS and other agency security personnel, conduct threat and risk assessments for UNOPSoperations in Gaza, identifying and implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures in line with area SRM and country security plan.

• Providing UNOPS specific inputs to UNDSS and other agency security personnel while reviewing and updating the area SRM, Security Plan.

• Liaise with UNOPS FSA in Jerusalem while updating BCP and UNOPS contingency plans in the oPt

• Perform all duties as an active member for the Area Security Cell.

• Attend the ASMT.

• Assist the Senior Project Manager and Head of Programmes in facilitating business continuity preparedness.

• Coordinate and advise to ensure Gaza Warden system is in place and conduct drills as appropriate.

• Managing the UNHRM staff tracking system and that MSCR and ensure that the required security clearances are obtained prior to travel accordance with SOPs and cooperate with Gaza SA to provide one UNOPS list to Jerusalem office, UNDSS and HQ.

• Ensuring that UNOPS staff members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and PPEs as required by SRM.

• Support Gaza SA in establishing internal communications systems ensuring proper integration into UN communication systems.

• Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate security equipment.

• Provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews and restricted areas.

1. Staff Development

• 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 UNHRM 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.

• Coordinate with Gaza SA and Jerusalem SSA efforts to 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, as necessary.

1. 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 UNHRM compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

1. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing 

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

• Collaborate with Jerussalem SSA and Gaza SA to lead and/or 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.

1. Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Field Security Adviser directly impact on the security, safety and performance of UNOPS’ Gaza personnel specifically UNHRM as well as supporting local programmes, projects and operations and therefore the organization’s credibility as an effective service provider in project services and management.   This promotes the image of the office and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

a. Education 

• Advanced university degree preferably in social or political science, law, public administration, business management or security management is required.

• A first-level university degree in combination with  7 years' relevant experience at the international level OR 

• Technical/Professional Diploma in combination with 6 years of relevant, international and national experience OR 

• Secondary Diploma in combination with an 11 years’  of relevant, international and national experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

b. Work Experience 

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in international security management or similar positions in which 2 years of experience in a senior command or leadership role is required.

• Previous experience in UN Missions, International Peacekeeping or Emergency Missions is required. 

• Previous international experience in very high/high risk environment is required. 

• Excellent skills in computer skills, including MS office, is required.

• Direct experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage;

• experience in the ME region' as desirable

• Previous international experience in liaising with local authority/ de-facto Authority in complex environments is an asset. 

• Ability to produce Standing Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset;

c. Language Requirements

• English fluency in writing, spoken and reading- requirement

• Arabic fluency in writing, spoken and reading- desirable

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1. Contract type staff 
2. Contract level  TA/ P3
3. Contract duration 6 months of possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory of performance

• 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.