Local Security Assistant

Overview

Assist in security management to protect UNDP personnel and operations.

You have:

• Secondary Education is required.
• University degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in relevant fields will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
• Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressive experience in security is required.
• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.
• Experience in office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required.

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,236 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.

This is a Fixed Term contract. More about Fixed Term contracts.

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background and Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and disasters. Working with our vast network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, we help nations to create integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet.

UNDP Syria operates in a highly complex and challenging environment, shaped by over a decade of conflict, widespread displacement, economic instability, and recurrent natural disasters. The Syria Country Programme focuses on three critical areas: 1) Promoting socio-economic recovery and social cohesion; 2) Strengthening local governance and basic social services; and 3) Supporting climate change adaptation and natural resource management. The programme emphasizes an area-based approach to tailor interventions to the specific needs of local communities and supports the vision of sustainable peace and recovery for all Syrians.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022–2024 are fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. They prioritize resilience-building efforts while addressing the pressing humanitarian-development nexus. UNDP Syria aims to bridge immediate recovery needs with long-term development goals, focusing on inclusive governance, equitable access to basic services, sustainable livelihoods, and climate action.

The Security Unit advise on the protection of, and minimizing the risk to, UNDP staff, eligible dependents, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the country.

Country Office success in its delivery of UNDP programmes is dependent on ensuring an adequate security framework is in place. The Host Government has primary responsibility for the security and protection of personnel employed by United Nations Security Management System organizations, their eligible family members, and property. The Country Office security team, in collaboration with UNDP Security Office and regional security staff, reinforces and supplements the capacity of the Host Government where needed to enable ongoing delivery of UNDP programmes, particularly in insecure and unstable environments. Specifically, the security team ensures the integration and mainstreaming of security risk management into Country Office operations, including incorporation of security considerations into the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all country office projects and programmes.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the Field Security Specialist and Area Manager, the Local Security Assistant ( LSA) assists in providing support in the implementation of security and safety management in the country of assignment while protecting and minimizing risks to UNDP personnel, property and operations to enable effective UNDP programme delivery throughout the country.

The LSA may interact 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.

The Local Security Assistant (LSA) supports the implementation of security and safety management to protect UNDP personnel, property, and operations, enabling effective programme delivery. Under the guidance of the Field Security Specialist (FSS) and the Head of Area Office in Qamishli, the LSA handles safety and security matters within their Area of Responsibility (AOR).

As a local security expert, the LSA works closely with the UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS) and reports to the FSS and the Head of Area Office. The LSA ensures compliance with UN security policies and supports daily operations related to the safety of personnel, dependents, resources, and facilities. He/She also collaborate with security partners, local counterparts, and leaders to exchange information and implement security programs, maintaining a comprehensive security network.

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 to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration. This approach fosters a cohesive work environment and maximizes the impact of UNDP's initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist in providing security management support to enable effective programme delivery throughout the country while protecting and minimizing risks to UNDP personnel and operations.

• Provide support to security risk management for UN Security Management Systems (SMS) and UNDP Programmes in designated areas.
• Gather and organize information on security factors that are relevant to the design and delivery of UNDP programmes.
• Assist in conducting segments of security assessments and gather information on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security, as requested.
• Assist in implementation of person-centered security risk management approaches to address specific threats or vulnerabilities in alignment with security assessment results and procedures.
• Gather inputs for preparation of country security documents covering areas where UNDP staff, dependents and equipment are present.

2. Perform assigned activities to support implementation of the Country Security Plan, Contingency Plans and Business Continuity Management, and the UN Security Framework.

• Help in the preparation and updating security aspects of procedures for dealing with emergencies involving UNDP staff and operations.
• Coordinate closely with HR Unit to ensure the staff Lists provided to UNDSS are kept up-to-date.
• Provide support in organizing training courses and briefings on security awareness and preparedness for UNDP personnel and provide security orientation to newly assigned staff members as requested.
• In coordination with HR, monitor UNDP staff security training compliance.
• Liaise with UNDP administration when preparing for procurement of security equipment and supplies, and other logistics.

3. Assist in monitoring security compliance of UNDP premises and international staff residences within assigned areas of responsibility.

• Gather information relevant to the implementation and assessment of security and security risk management measures for UNDP premises.
• Maintain liaison with commercial companies used for UNDP security at offices and residences to ensure deployment of security resources are consistent with contract requirements.
• Assist in monitoring and assessing the safety and security preparedness of country offices and international staff residences.

4. Provide support in keeping UNDP management and personnel informed on security matters affecting UNDP programmes, the Country office and its personnel.

• Gather information for inclusion in Country Office security reports.
• Respond to and assist in reporting safety and security incidents affecting UNDP personnel and eligible dependents by gathering and verifying security information relevant to analyzing the situation.
• Maintain a database on UNDP security contact details and the list of UNDP Security Focal points.

• Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities.

  Competencies

Core : Full list of UNDP Core Competencies can be found here

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility :

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management (Communication):

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Business Management (Customer Satisfaction/Client Management):

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.
• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.
• Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Management (Operations Management):

• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization beyond processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner.
• Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms

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 (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.

  Required Skills and Experience

  Education:

• Secondary Education is required.

• University degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

• Applicable security, police and/or military training is desirable.

  Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work is required.

• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
• Experience in the use of radio communications systems and knowledge of Country security codes is desirable.
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Ability to travel is required
• Good knowledge of the duty station is highly desirable

Language:

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required

  Disclaimer

  Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

  Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

  UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

  Applicant information about UNDP rosters

  Note: 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.

  Non-discrimination

  UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

  UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

  Scam warning

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Potential interview questions