Regional Field Security Advisor

• 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, 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 of responsibility, and enable effective security management, networking, mutual support, and information sharing. 

• Liaise with and update regularly the UNOPS Chief of Security on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance. 

• 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.

2. Operations

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

• Advice to Regional Director 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. 

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

• 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.

• Oversee 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. 

• When requested, review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed.  Conduct field assessments if deemed necessary.

• 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).

• Prepare an annual region-wide security work plan including budget for all aspects of office security including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:

  • Fire Safety 

  • Security plan

  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation measures

  • RSM

• Revise and update the office Regional Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective.

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

• Review 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 dependants, managing the implementation of UNDSS and UNOPS evacuation and extrication policies, and assuming leadership in the case of declaration of evacuation. 

• Coordinate 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.

• 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 traveling across the area of operation.

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

• Ensure that 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.

• Liaise with the local government security organizations 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 use of security equipment including security communications equipment.

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in international security management, with at least 3 years in a senior command or leadership role is required.

• Demonstrated experience and exposure in cross-border and/or international security-related issues is required.

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

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

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