Field Security Advisor (home-based) - Retainer

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Decades of international sanctions have taken a devastating toll on the iranian economy, creating shortages of everything from foreign currency to everyday goods. The situation has led to the rise of smuggling and other illicit activities often laced with criminal overtones by state and non-state actors seeking to circumvent border controls. Alongside a sprawling black market economy, the country has emerged as a key transhipment hub in the international drugs trade, particularly for Afghan opium destined for the Balkan and Southern routes.

The spillover effects of the international drug trade on Iran have been significant: the country has the second-highest prevalence rate globally of adults suffering from illicit-opiate dependence. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated socio-economic cleavages. Over 5000 security servicemen have perished in the line of duty fighting organized transnational crime in the last decade. Already in 2006 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran testified released a statement that “ The Islamic Republic of Iran has suffered greatly from illicit weapons, drug trafficking, organized crime and terrorism”, recognizing the country had become a “transit route for drug trafficking and illicit trade of small arms in the region.” More recently, the UNODC World Drug Report 2021 estimates that in 2019, 90% of world opium, 72% of the world's morphine and 20% of the world's heroin were seized by the Islamic Republic of Iran. This denotes how the problem has festered and grown in the last decade posing a significant threat to both Iran and its neighbours.

In April 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Japan (GoJ), at the expressed recommendation of the Embassy of Japan in Tehran, contacted UNOPS Tokyo Liaison Office (TLO) seeking assistance for a procurement project in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). GoJ had been positively impressed by how UNOPS BDMCO had delivered on complex and high-profile emergency procurement projects funded by GoJ (in India especially) and have therefore turned to UNOPS to resolve a critical impasse in their bilateral support to IRI. With the full support of the AR Office of the Regional Director (ORD) for Asia, the project was assigned to the UNOPS Sri Lanka team for execution.

Overall Objective

This project is designed to enhance the capacities of the Iranian Customs to scan incoming cargo and to detect contraband. With funding from the Government of Japan, UNOPS will procure and install Mobile Cargo Scanners at Chabahaar Port in Iran in close cooperation with the Iranian Customs authorities. This project is designed to enhance the ability of the Iranian state to exert sovereignty and lawful control over its borders by empowering the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) with state of the art technology to x-ray scan containerised cargo transiting through its southern port of Chabahar.

Functional Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Country Manager/ Project Manager the incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:

1. Develop the technical specifications for Mobile X ray Cargo scanner. Support the business developer in preparing the proposal to be submitted to GoJ.
2. Conduct field security assessment and prepare comprehensive report on installation requirements for the Mobile Cargo scanner.
3. Support the procurement manager with analysis of technical bids to ensure the equipment met the minimum specification.
4. Final inspection verification upon delivery of equipment to ensure the equipment met the specification required.

Functional Competencies In addition to UN/UNOPS Core Values/Competencies, diligence, attention to detail, a keen sense of work priorities and resourcefulness in obtaining and researching important information:

• Demonstrable working knowledge to the following equipment: Mobile X-ray Baggage Scanners is mandatory.
• Demonstrable Ability to frame technical specifications and estimate cots of such equipment is mandatory.
• Experience working in hardship duty station
• Capable of working in a multi-national/cultural environment
• Reliable and able to work under pressure;
• Knowledge of UN rules & procedures is desirable, in particular UNDSS policies;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong organizing abilities;
• Ability to quickly grasp complex structures.

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 (Master's Degree or Higher) in Social or Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Business Management, Security Management or any other relevant disciplines is required. - Bachelor’s degree in Social or Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Business Management, Security Management with additional 2 years of relevant work experience can substitute for the requirement for a Master’s degree. - Substantial experience in Civilian Police/the Military may be accepted in lieu of formal education.

Experience: - Minimum of 5 years of relevant progressive experience in security management required. - Demonstrated experience and exposure in the international security arena dealing with security-related issues is highly desirable. - Experience of working in hardship duty stations is highly desirable. - Direct experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage; - Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures an advantage; - Ability to produce Standard Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset; - Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and G Suite is required.

Language: - Fluency in written and oral English required. - Knowledge of another official UN official language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International ICA - Retainer ( homebased) Contract level: IICA 2 / ICS10 Contract duration: 3 months (Kindly note this is a homebased assignment, which does involve travel to hardship location)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• This is a Home-Based (Retainer) Assignment
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.