Field Security Specialist – P3

Background

UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so that countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In Myanmar, UNDP focuses on strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities to both ongoing and future challenges. The UNDP’s Community First Programme (CFP) provides direct support to these communities, addressing their urgent basic needs and building their resilience to future shocks.

The Area-Based Community First Programme, or CFP II, is UNDP’s second iteration (2024-2025) of its medium-term strategy to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, building on the gains from CFP I. UNDP aims to do so by adopting an area-based approach where community structures are strengthened, and based on the community’s own prioritization, support is provided to meet critical immediate needs, basic services, livelihoods, and village-level infrastructure. Protection of human rights, strengthening of social cohesion, and preserving democratic space, to the extent possible, continue to be core approaches that underpin the area-based interventions.

The principles, priorities, results, and financing of CFP II are in full alignment with the United Nations Transitional Cooperation Framework (TCF) (2024-2025) for Myanmar. CFP II also accords with the UN Secretary General’s reform agenda aimed at greater internal UN coherence, integration, and synergy. It represents a powerful model of working in a protracted crisis to build resilience amongst the most vulnerable communities. The CFP II intervention also aligns with the UNDP Strategic Plan and UNDP Signature Solutions

CFP II will aim to mitigate at the local level, the worst effects of Myanmar’s multi-dimensional crisis through the provision of an integrated multi-dimensional programme in all four priority areas of the TCF

Position Purpose

Under the strategic guidance and supervision of the Resident Representative (RR) and in close coordination and guidance of Deputy Resident Representative and Operations Manager, the Field Security Specialist (FSS) provides leadership support in security management and policy guidance to enable effective UNDP programme delivery throughout a large and/or complex country within the framework of UN and UNDP security policies and procedures while protecting and minimizing risk to UNDP personnel and operations in covered locations. The FSS ensures the mainstreaming of security and costs into all programming processes at the country office level as well as for individual projects; and maintains a security network of international and national security personnel.

The FSS supervises the Country Office National Security Analyst and security personnel; and works in close collaboration with UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS), security partners in other UN agencies, national and local security counterparts, counterparts in Diplomatic missions, NGOs, municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders to exchange information and implement security programs.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide leadership support in security management and policy guidance to enable effective UNDP programme delivery throughout a large and/or complex country within the framework of UN and UNDP security policies and procedures while protecting and minimizing risk to UNDP personnel and operations in covered locations.

• In consultation with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in the Country Office, support and conduct security risk management for the UN Security Management Systems (SMS) and UNDP Programmes. Ensure the mainstreaming of security and security costs into all levels of programme design, implementation and delivery through the substantive monitoring of ongoing and future projects, programmes and costs; and provide innovative and proactive support, direction and solutions in complex situations where required under guidance of Senior Field Security Specialist or DRR.
• Contribute substantively to the UN SMS-wide security risk management process in designated/security area. Ensure security support needs are identified and provided based on review of possible impacts of potential security factors and trends on UNDP planning, programme design and delivery as well as the possible impact of programme design on stability and security.
• Conduct security risk assessment of operations in the districts and regions where UNDP projects are implemented; and identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Support implementation of person-centered security risk management approaches where security assessments and resultant security measures and procedures are guided by a nuanced evaluation of specific threats or vulnerabilities in a country facing conflict, political unrest or other volatility.
• Assist and provide substantive inputs to UNDSS in preparing the security risk management process and other country security documents of country/areas where UNDP staff, dependents and equipment are present.
• Support Business Continuity Plan (BCP) preparation for CO and the field offices

Work in collaboration with the UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS) and assist in leading the country office security team to ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN security framework.

• Provide inputs and assist UNDSS in establishing, maintaining and updating country specific security and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Security Policy Manual (SPM) as well as providing security related contributions to updating emergency business continuity plans for the country office in concert with the UN Country Team business continuity plan and guidance from the Regional Security Advisor.
• Ensure that all UNDP personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective country offices being prepared by the UNDSS, which will include working in collaboration with HR and other relevant units to maintain and incorporate in those Security Plans an updated list of all UNDP personnel.
• Formulate and test UNDP specific security and contingency plans and support the testing of CO Business Continuity Plans.
• Develop and deliver security orientation and training to UNDP personnel on security guidelines and procedures, and security awareness in a country.
• Coordinate with UNDSS in implementation of fire safety, first aid, and radio communications training for the appropriate staff members.
• Monitor security compliance of UNDP personnel, operations and equipment and advise on selection and procurement of appropriate security equipment.
• Participate as a member of the Security Cell established by UNDSS in country.

Monitor and oversee security compliance of UNDP premises and international staff residences.

• Support the implementation of physical security and security risk management measures for UNDP premises, and as requested, participate in ensuring security management oversight of common premises.
• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and advise on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements, solutions and implementation.
• Represent UNDP security interests in any common premises that UNDP occupies in the country ensuring that staff safety and security are primary considerations.

Provide timely and accurate security advice and briefings to UNDP Management and Personnel and collaborate with key security partners internally and externally to ensure a constant flow of information on important security matters affecting UNDP programmes, the Country Office and its personnel.

• Produce security reports as required by the Country Office and the Security Office in a timely and efficient manner.
• For all security related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents, coordinate with the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) on 24-hour response, and immediately report such incidents to the UNDP Security Office (or Senior Field Security Specialist if present in the duty station) and UNDSS in the country.
• Establish and/or implement internal communication systems and ensure UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System.
• Liaise with and coordinate activities of partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority.
• Maintain a security network of international and national security personnel. Participate as a member of the security cell established by DSS in the country and participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities.
• Brief the RR/Alternate prior to SMT meetings to ensure they are updated on pending security and safety issues

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervises National Security Analyst and other personnel

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results-LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively-LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously-LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility-LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination-LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner-LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion-LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management – Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.
Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Security Services – Security advice, planning and coordination: Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities
Security Services – Security information management: Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations
Security Services – Safety and Security risk management: Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans
Security Services – Physical/premises security design, implementation and management: Ability to conduct accurate premises assessments on UN facilities to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. Ability to design, support the implementation and test physical security systems for UNDP premises
Security Services – Security crisis management & response: Knowledge of crisis management and response arrangements as well as the ability to prepare for, respond to, support/manage security crisis events.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in Social Sciences, Security Risk Management, or related security field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree, or
• A formal multi-year education in security management, such as military or police Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full-time) with senior level command experience.
• Formal training in security risk management is required.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree or formal multi-year security management education) of relevant security or development experience is required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required
• Previous experience working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.
• Previous experience working for a United Nations organization with knowledge of the UN Security Management System as well as UN business, operations and programming cycles is an asset
• Experience conducting risk assessments is an asset.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including partner organizations and counterparts, is an advantage.
• Experience designing and implementing a Business Continuity Plan is desired.

Language:

• Fluency in the English is required
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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