Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Senior Field Security Officer reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs (DUA) and receives technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management (DSRM) – HQ (Amman).
Responsibilities
In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent is responsible for advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA security and risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness in the Field, for all UNRWA personnel both Internationally recruited and locally recruited Area staff with focus on frontline Area staff security, particularly in those areas heavily impacted by the current conflict. The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) serves as a principal Advisor and assists the Front Office (DUA and DDUA (Operations/Programmes)) in the execution of their security responsibilities in the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA’s Security and Risk Management system is context specific and tailored to the needs of frontline personnel. S/he supports the identification, implementation of security and risk management best practices and other Standard Operation Procedures across the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA’s participation in the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and supports UNRWA’s compliance with security requirements, as appropriate. The SFSO also maintains close cooperation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officer(s), as well as with the Host Government security agencies, local community, and beneficiaries. The SFSO provides direct supervision in all aspects of the Field Security Risk & Management (FSRM) team. In this context, SFSO performs the following: – Security Risk Assessment: – In line with UNSMS methodology, leads the development of security risk management processes, outlining potential risks and recommends prevention and mitigation strategies towards improving the security of both the internationally recruited and the frontline Area staff, as well as the installations with a particular emphasis on the Camp level. – In close cooperation with the Front Office and Department and Programme Heads, ensures that security initiatives are fully coordinated, approved and integrated into appropriate Agency-wide policy. – Oversees the process of comprehensive threat analysis and security risk assessments to include all area staff, locations, installations and activities in the assigned Field. – Manages the processes of various security assessments, both routine and adhoc, as required, to ensure optimal prevention and mitigation measures are in place. – Reviews inputs and recommends improvements in coordination with DSRM, HQ (Amman) in the implementation, further development and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the security and risk management system for all staff with the objective to minimize risk in the contextual, programmatic and professional workplace-risk categories for frontline Area staff. – Manages the UNRWA security incidents system as required and ensures that the Agency Security Incident Management System (SIMS) is fully implemented, kept up-to-date and reports filed properly. Oversees the upgrading of the SIMS to provide critical information for security analysis. encourages incident reporting at the Camp and Area level. – UNRWA Security Plan, Security Risk Management processes and UNSMS Security Risk Management (SRM) Measures: – Plans and oversees Security Risk Management process for all offices and maintains guidance such as security, contingency, emergency and evacuation plans as required. – Supports and supervises the implementation and adherence to the Camp Security Plan and coordinates capacity building efforts for relevant frontline staff with the support of the available security resources on the ground. – Is responsible for developing and updating the Field specific security contingency plans in accordance with the United Nations Security Policy Manual that governs Internationally recruited staff and UNRWA risk management system for Area staff. coordinates and organizes emergency medical evacuation and convoy security procedures. – Ensures and manages that all new International and Area staff personnel receive briefings upon arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security. – Ensures implementation of the frontline staff capacity-building plan, including SSAFE training programme for frontline staff, as required, and professional work-place risk trainings. – Manages the staff warden/ information systems as required. – Ensures that UNRWA Field Office procedures conform to the UNSMS and UNRWA policy and standards as appropriate, and that UNRWA personnel is included in the Security Plan comprising International staff with eligible dependents and the Area staff. – Ensures that appropriate staff tracking procedures are in place for all UNRWA staff travel. ensures compliance of International staff with Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) including the security clearance process. – Oversees staff’s adherence and compliance to various (UNDSS and UNRWA specific) security plans and advisories, such as warden systems, and Residential Security Measures (RSM). – Assists the Field Director in assessing and implementing security risk management measures with a view towards SRM compliance for all aspects of UNRWA operations, including staff and supports the development and implementation of operational procedures and standards with regard to contextual, programmatic and professional work-place risk categories for frontline Area staff based on best practices in the Field; in WBFO, chairs the Field Office advisory sub-committee on Security and Risk Management and make recommendations to the Field Director. – Office Security Management: – Oversees and directs the reporting of area d security incidents and information; monitoring of guarding schedules; conducting radio checks and providing logistics support. – Leads periodic appropriate security assessments of UNRWA premises, equipment and advises on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions. – Reviews office security surveys and recommends physical security measures validated by D/SRM to the Field Director or DDUA. – Ensures due security arrangements (fire, hazards etc.) in UNRWA premises, makes recommendations to responsible units and conducts periodic drills, and works closely on emergency preparedness and readiness activities. – Leads the development and maintenance of plans to engage frontline Area Staff, beneficiaries and community to further safeguard UNRWA installations’ security. – Reporting and liaison: – Advises the Field Director’s Office and Programme Managers on security and risk management components in programmes and ensures that these components are included in all appeals and in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; prepares security related budget proposals and follows up security related procurement and construction with relevant departments. – Updates the Front Office and DSRM at HQ(A) and UNDSS country offices on relevant security developments; participates as a member of the country security cell; attends the Security Management Team (SMT) meetings in support of her/his supervisor as required. – Establishes and maintains contacts with Area and Programme staff, Chiefs of Area Offices, Camp Service Officers and programmatic frontline Area staff as appropriate; establishes and maintains contacts with national security agencies and authorities, and security officials of diplomatic missions and international organizations to obtain/share the best information pertaining to protection for UNRWA staff and operations. – Establishes and maintains communication links with other UN / NGO / IO Security personnel. – Establishes a flow of accurate and timely security related information to management and all staff. – Develops a security strategy of further engagement with beneficiaries, local community and host governments to increase coordination, collaboration and acceptance. – Supports the implementation of clear security reporting lines and communication channels between the HQ, Field-Area, Sub-Area, Camp/Installation levels. – Manages Field Security Risk Management section and assets in terms of budget, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting obligations. – Ensures reporting of all security related incidents involving UNRWA personnel as per Agency guidelines and makes certain they are entered into the Security Information Management System; assesses, investigates and follows up on these incidents as needed. – Implements Residential Security Measures (RSM) based on residential security surveys of UNRWA International staff in conjunction with UNDSS and recommends physical security measures to Area staff members; prepares justification for residential security measures as required.
Competencies
UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. – Applying Technical Expertise. – Delivering Results. – Relating and Networking. – Managing Complexity and Change. – Deciding and Initiating Action. – Leading and Supervising. For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in risk management, military or police intelligence, international relations or related area, or a university degree from an accredited educational institution in the same specializations as mentioned above, with two additional years of relevant work experience, given the specialty of this post.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in security analysis and risk management with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or International Organization (IO) is required; Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport, or a national identity number is required. Progressively responsible practical experience at the Field/country level in moderate to high-risk security environments within UNSMS, IO security management, INGO Security Management is required. Demonstrated understanding of security related analytical processes is desirable. Additional management, programme and project management qualifications is desirable. Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience is desirable. In possession of UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) certificate is desirable. Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security is desirable. Knowledge of humanitarian operations, humanitarian, human rights, and/or international refugee law is desirable. Experience working in conflict settings and in high-risk environment is desirable.
Languages
Excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of spoken and written Arabic is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
– Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. – Syria is a non-family duty station. – The incumbent may be required to travel to other locations within UNRWA area of operations. – Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in Inspira in order to be considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered. – A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post. – UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. Join our eco-friendly organization dedicated to environment sustainability and targeting to be plastic free by 2025. NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination. – UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. – For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
United Nations Considerations
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups. At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. UNRWA Considerations UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA) DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE OR REQUEST MONEY FROM CANDIDATES AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING, ONBOARDING). UNRWA DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.