Employer: UNHCR
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Closing date: Thursday, 17 September 2015
Job ID: 11401
Eligibility Information
Procedures and Eligibility
Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers).
Operational Context
Current Situation
Responsible for assessing premises for vulnerability against blast, IED. Provide advice on structural requirements related to physical security to all field offices.
Desirable Attributes
This is an expert post requiring extensive technical expertise in structural engineering and blast mitigation. Formal training in physical and building security required. Additionally, field experience in implementing security management strongly desired to ensure advice that is relevant to clients. Candidate must have no restrictions on global travel, must be willing and able to undertake frequent missions to high risk duty stations.
Reports to the Head of Field Security Service; coordinates with the Security Operation Section and others in performance of functions.
Security Considerations
Geneva is security level 1. Functions entail frequent travel on mission in high and very high risk areas.
Duties and Qualifications
The Senior Field Safety Adviser (Structural Engineering) is the UNHCR staff member responsible for assessing premises for vulnerability against blasts, improvised explosive devices and explosive effects on the exterior envelope. He/she will also advise offices and Field Safety Advisers (FSAs) on related physical and procedural security countermeasures, including barriers, blast walls, entrances/exits, shatter resistant film, etc.
Under the immediate supervision of the Chief Field Safety Section, the incumbent will assess office and residential premises and make professional recommendations to the relevant managers on mitigating measures. The prioritization of assessment missions will be determined by the Chief, FSS, in consultation with the regional bureaus, field offices and FSAs.
The incumbent will closely relate to the Senior Regional Field Security Adviser (SRFSA) or Field Safety Advisers (FSA) at Branch Office level during assessment missions and will work in close cooperation with the relevant personnel of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and ofther Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and participate in the UN Blast Assessment Working Group (BAWG). He/she will also liaise with local authorities as required.
Functional Statement:
Conducts premise security risk assessments, evaluations and surveys with a specific focus on blast preparedness and mitigation in order to enhance the security of UNHCR offices and staff. Also advises on seismic mitigation.
Stays abreast of and analyzes risks against UNHCR premises globally in order to identify and prioritize risks.
Provides quality management of blast assessments and implementation of blast mitigating measures to UNHCR offices globally; follows up on recommendations and guidance provided to offices to ensure effective implementation.
Identifies and collects information on latest developments and research of processes, procedures and products pertaining to blast and seismic mitigation, as well as premises security measures.
To increase the effectiveness of his/her expertise, ensures that Field Safety Advisers have an understanding of the basic principles of blast mitigation by developming and disseminating related guidance, ad hoc support and training.
Contributes to a database of incidents affecting UN premises in order to identify trends and allay risk. Identifies and shares best practices in remedial works with the UNHCR community.
Maintains close cooperation with United Nations Department of Safety & Security(UNDSS). Through the assigned UNHCR Country Office official, liaises with relevant government agencies to obtain latest information regarding local building codes, response capacity, etc.
Inputs in planning, design and implementation of relevant mitigation measures for new construction or the renovation of existing premises to ensure that security and safety considerations are taken into accouny.
Interacts with vendors of related material as necessary.
Provides assistance in the conduct and follow up of blast events' investigations affecting UNHCR premises.
Assists in the development of Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) and Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS) for mitigating blast hazards.
Represents UNHCR Field Safety Section at premises related meetings, working groups, and other fora to provide specialist input as required.
Assists in the preparation of UNHCR safety and security reports as required.
Keeps up-to-date with the latest information and developments in the professional field.
Conducts other security and safety missions as required by DESS/FSS.
Performs coordination function with the SRFSA, FSAs and Country Offices in close cooperation with UNDSS and UNHCR HQ.
Minimum Qualifications and Professional Experiences:
Advanced University Degree in engineering (structural, mechanical) or equivalent;
Minimum of 10 years experience in a combination of blast assessment/blast mitigation, structural engineering and security positions.
Formal training in security and risk management (such as military and/or police college e.g. senior military command and staff course);
Formal training in physical security and in building safety ;
Fluency in written and spoken English; working knowledge of another UN official language will be an asset
Desired Qualifications and Competencies:
Position Competencies
C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
Closing Date
Please note that the closing date for all applications is Thursday, 17 September 2015 (Midnight Geneva time).
How To Apply: