Field Security Advisor, Multiple positions

Jerusalem Office – UNOPS Project Management and Infrastructure Centre of Excellence

UNOPS supports both humanitarian response and early recovery in Gaza. Currently, UNOPS support in Gaza focuses on key humanitarian enablers, including on access, via the Security Council-mandated UN 2720 Mechanism and the Access Support Unit (ASU), humanitarian fuel and energy, and mine action. Operations are envisaged to continue in the coming period with a focus in line with the UNOPS mandate: (i) infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, (ii) procurement and (iii) project management. 

• Advisory and technical 

• Operations

• Staff Development

• Team management 

• Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Advisory and Technical 

• As part of the UNOPS security team in Gaza, advise the UNOPS office and project management, including the Senior Security Officer in Jerusalem, as well as Gaza based UNOPS 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 UNOPS office and project management 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 within the security team to ensure coverage of Area Security Management Team meetings and other security related meetings as relevant and report back to management in Jerusalem and Gaza. 

• Work jointly with UNOPS Gaza security team including FSAs and Security Associate ensuring seamless coverage during rotations and absences.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

1. Operations

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

• Submit HNS (Humanitarian Notification System) deconfliction / notification for field missions or movements as necessary and /or ensure project submissions to the field missions.

• Plan, command and manage UNOPS and other UN convoys as required for high/very high risk field missions. This include HNS submission and follow up coordination approval and provide after mission debrief to office management/ Security unit  and Security cell as needed.

• Follow HNS  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 FSAs and National Security Associate and maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist in providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.

• 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 SSO in Jerusalem office and FSA 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 within the Gaza security team 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 security team and Jerusalem SSO security arrangements for all operations, maintaining relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties.

• Ensure if required 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 with UNDSS/ OCHA and/or HNS submission 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 Officer 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.

• Ensure 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, liaise with relevant parties 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 UNOPS operations 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 SSO in Jerusalem while updating BCP and UNOPS contingency plans in the area of operations.

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

• Within the UNOPS Gaza security team, ensure coverage of ASMT meetings.

• Assist the office and project management 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 SSO 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 Jerusalem SSO 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.

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.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in social or political science, law, public administration, business management, security management, or relevant field is required

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferrably in the above-mentioned areas or relevant field in combination with an additional 2 years' of relevant experience (7 in total) OR 

• Technical/Professional Diploma in combination with an additional 3 years of relevant, experience  (8 in total) OR 

• Secondary Diploma in combination in combination with an additional 6 years’ of relevant experience  (11 in total).

• At least 5 years of experience in international security management or similar positions  in a very high/high risk environment

• 2 years of experience in a senior command or leadership role is required.

• Previous experience in Convoy Commanding in high risk areas is required.

• Previous experience  as Security Officer / Advisor in UN Missions, International Peacekeeping or Emergency Missions is required.  

Desired:

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

• experience in the ME region is desirable.

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

• Experience producing Standing Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in Arabic is desired

1. Contract type: Staff 
2. Contract level:  TA/ P3
3. Contract duration: 6 months, with 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. 

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.