Field Security Advisor

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 102,866 USD and 134,695 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Insert operational/office context information

UNOPS Iraq is undertaking a three-year project started in 2021 that aims to improve basic living conditions for returnees in the liberated rural areas of Al-Anbar governorate through the rehabilitation of up to 1,000 housing units and restoration of decentralized services. The decentralized services component will entail the provision of solar street lighting, the rehabilitation of selected community roads, and of water and sanitation networks and/or stations.

The phase II of the same project is under implementation and will be completed throughout 2025 (including 12 months for the Defect Notification Period). Phase II of the project aims to improve basic living conditions for returnees in the liberated rural areas of Al-Anbar and Ninewa governorates through the rehabilitation of up to 875 housing units and restoration of decentralized services. The decentralized services component will entail the provision of solar street lighting, the rehabilitation of selected community roads, and of water and sanitation networks and/or stations.

The Field Security Adviser functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under the supervision of the Head of Support Services and general guidance of the UNOPS Chief of Security, coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office, if available. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe conduct of local programmes and operations in Iraq. The incumbent promotes a compliance and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System regulations. He/she works closely with and advises Programme Management and personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Advisory and technical
2. Operations
3. Staff Development
4. Team management

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

   Advisory and Technical

• Advise the office management team and all Project Managers 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/prevention 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.

  Operations

• 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.

• Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role 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)

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

  • Fire Safety
  • Security Plan
  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation/prevention measures
  • Residential Security Measures

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

• Maintain 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 personnel and 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 mechanisms for reporting all security related incidents that may have an impact on UNOPS projects or programmes.
• Liaise with and update regularly the UNOPS Chief of Security and/or Regional Security Adviser 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 personnel 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;
• Monitor and facilitate personnel adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation/prevention measures and mandatory security training);
• 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.

  Staff Development

• In Coordination with UNDSS, develop and deliver staff development and training programmes for UNOPS personnel and security focal points, including on Security Risk Assessments within the area of operation.
• Ensure that all UNOPS 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;
• 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

• In Coordination with UNDSS, provide heightened security awareness training to personnel, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

  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 compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

  Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing

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

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

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

• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional 2 years (7 in total)' relevant at the international and national experience OR

• A Technical/Professional Diploma in combination with an additional 4 years (9 in total) relevant, international and national experience OR

• Secondary Diploma in combination with an additional 6 years’ (11 in total) relevant, international and national experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience - A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience preferably in security management, with at least 1-2 years in a senior command or leadership role.

• 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;

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

• Knowledge of the political, economic and social situation in Iraq is desirable.

Language - Fluency in English is Required.

• Knowledge of Arabic is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff (Fixed Term Appointment) Contract level: P3 Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information

• 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.
• This position is stationed in Baghdah, Iraq which is NOT a family duty station.

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.