Local Security Associate
Assist in implementing security measures and maintaining safe environment for UNFPA staff in Qamishli.
Overview
Assist in implementing security measures and maintaining safe environment for UNFPA staff in Qamishli.
You have:
- 7 years’ experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work.
- University degree in Political Science or equivalent and applicable security and military training are desirable.
- Strong commitment to the mandate of the UN and UNFPA in Syria.
- Knowledge of security situation in Syria and technical skills of security analysis
- Excellent computer literacy (windows environment, MS office applications including Word, Excel and Power-point and Internet skills)
- Good communication and coordination skills.
- Ability to implement procedures for warehousing and stock management.
- Person committed to women’s rights is highly desired.
- Experience with UN is preferable.
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
- Sound security awareness.
Contract
This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.
UNFPA expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. It supports countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV and AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect. Advancing gender equality and promoting the empowerment of women is a key programme priority of UNFPA defined in UNFPA Strategic Plan (2022-2025). Under the direct supervision of the Head of Qamishli Sub-Office and technical guidance from Security Analyst (SA)-Damascus, the Local Security Associate will work closely with Qamishli team. The incumbent will also assume the responsibility of liaising with other UN agencies and interlocutors for the adoption of safety and security of personnel and office premises, equipment and assets.
The assignment of Local Security Associate is located in the UNFPA Qamishli sub-office.
The Local Security Associate will be responsible for:
A - Assist in implementation of Area Security Plan • Provide assistance to the UNFPA Head of Field Office and UNFPA SA in the implementation of the Country and Area Security Plan, Contingency Plans and the UN Security Framework, including ensuring that all UNFPA personnel are covered by relevant Security Plans; • Ensure that the Staff Lists are maintained and regularly provided to UNDSS and to the UNFPA Security Specialist; • Assist to administer and test the UNFPA Warden Plan. • Participate and coordinate for the field missions to facilitate movement within AoR and between Qamishli and other parts of the country and provide guidance to the team leader of the field mission as well as keep coordination with the UNDSS, Radio Room and UNFPA Security Specialist. Ensure timely preparation of CONOPS, Mission Requests and Security Clearance; • Facilitate security clearances for travelling UNFPA staff based in Qamishli and missions arriving in; • Assist to prepare and administer documentation related to travel arrangements, including Travel Authorizations; • Administer staff IDs (issuance and renewal) in Qamishli Sub office; • Assist in preparation and implementation of UNFPA Qamishli Business Continuity Plan; • In coordination with UNDSS, Qamishli be prepared for 24-hour response to all security and safety related incidents involving UNFPA Qamishli staff; • Disseminate UN/UNFPA Security directives / guidelines, instructions and advisories as per SA direction; • Contribute to Joint efforts of UNCT such as inter-agency joint convoys, inter-agency assessments, staff training, drills etc as approved by the UNFPA;
B- SRM Compliance • Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of the SRM compliance of UNFPA staff, offices, equipment and other areas. Identify the Emergency Communication Equipment needs; • Assist in the preparation of UNFPA security reports including reports for Significant Security Incident Reporting System (SSIRS); • Assist the SA in the conducting SRM compliance assessment on regular basis; • Ensure that all staff members posted to UNFPA Field Office in Qamishli have completed safety/security mandatory trainings such as, BSAFE, Safe and Secure Approach in Field Environments (SSAFE) and that records of certificates are maintained with the HR Unit; • Assist in selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc). Monitors the procurement, deployment and functionality of the same; • Take responsibilities for maintenance of office vehicles in respect of security requirements, equipment, and vehicle logs;
C- Liaison/Coordination • Maintain close contact and liaise with local host government authorities and other UN AFPOs to obtain latest security information of the area; • Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community (UN, NGO, INSO, NRD and ICRC) and actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation in the region;
D- General assistance to the CO SA/SFP • Provide general administrative assistance to the CO SS/SFP and assistin relation to security expenditure and budgeting; • Maintain routine and confidential correspondence files/documents related to security issue; • Provide substantive support to the CO SA/SFP in collecting and updating information with regards to security issues and communicating them to the RSA and CO SFP; • Take minutes and/or notes at security meetings, when necessary; • Plot security information in GIS software, such as Google Earth; • Maintain routine and confidential correspondence files/documents; • Monitor the security environment in AoR, and provide timely and accurate security advice to the SS, including information regarding compliance with United Nations security policies, practices and procedures;
E- Security Training/Briefings • In close cooperation with CO SA and UNDSS, provide support in organizing and conducting training briefings and courses on security issues/awareness and preparedness and giving orientation to newly assigned staff members; • Ensure that security personnel (wardens) are knowledgeable about their role and responsibilities and provides necessary training with security focal points;
F- Other Tasks & Activities • Provide assistance in the conduct and follow up of investigations and incidents affecting UNFPA staff and offices; • Represent UNFPA at the local Security Cell meetings in Qamishli; • Perform other security-related tasks assigned by the UNFPA Head of Field Office in Qamishli and CO SS/SFP; and
G. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor and head of office.
● Accountability ● Adaptability and flexibility ● Creativity ● Judgement and decision-making ● Planning and organising ● Professionalism ● Self-management
● 7 years’ experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work. ● University degree in Political Science or equivalent and applicable security and military training are desirable. ● Strong commitment to the mandate of the UN and UNFPA in Syria. ● Knowledge of security situation in Syria and technical skills of security analysis ● Excellent computer literacy (windows environment, MS office applications including Word, Excel and Power-point and Internet skills) ● Good communication and coordination skills. ● Ability to implement procedures for warehousing and stock management. ● Person committed to women’s rights is highly desired. ● Experience with UN is preferable ● Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; ● Sound security awareness.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Qamishli. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
National UN Expert Volunteers in Syria are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 919.41; • Monthly Expertise Differential at the amount of USD 367.76; • Monthly Well-being differential USD 275.7 - this is related to the hardship classification of the duty station;; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms.
For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements, and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service.
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience in security management, particularly in conflict zones such as Syria. | We want to understand your relevant professional background and how you handle challenging security situations. | Focus on specific instances where you successfully managed or contributed to security operations. |
| How do you ensure that your team adheres to safety and security protocols? | This question assesses your ability to implement safety procedures effectively. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What measures would you take to handle a security incident involving UNFPA staff? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a time you collaborated with other agencies in a humanitarian context? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you keep yourself updated on security developments in your area? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What tools or methods do you use for effective communication within security teams? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenging incident you faced in your security role and how you resolved it. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you train newly assigned staff on security awareness? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |