Employer: UNRWA (United Nations Relief And Works Agency)
Location: Damascus
Deadline for Applications 12 November 2016
(29 October 2016 for internal applicants)
UNRWA encourages applications from qualified women and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
In accordance with the established Agency and applicable United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and procedures and under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director of UNRWA Affairs (DUA) and in close coordination with Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs - Support (DDUA-S), and technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management (DSRM), HQ (Amman), the Senior Field Security Officer will advise on all safety and security related issues and ensure that senior management is kept informed of security developments and is in a position to take appropriate action when required.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent is responsible for advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA security and risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness in the Field. The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) serves as a principal Advisor and assists the DUA and DDUA-S in the execution of their security responsibilities in the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA’s participation in the UN Security Management System and supports UNRWA’s compliance with safety and security requirements as appropriate. The SFSO also maintains close co-operation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officer(s). In this context the Senior Field Security Officer will perform the following:
Security Risk Assessment:
- Develop, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential risks and recommend mitigation strategies of UNRWA’s Field operations in the Field;
- In close cooperation with the DUA and DDUA-S and Departments Heads, ensure that security initiatives are fully coordinated, approved and integrated into appropriate Agency-wide policy;
- Prepare comprehensive threat analysis and security risk assessments to include all area staff, locations, installations and activities in the assigned Field;
- Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal prevention and mitigation measures are in place;
- Assist/provide inputs in coordination with DSRM, HQ (Amman) in the implementation, further development and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the security and risk management system for Area staff;
- Report on UNRWA security incidents as required and ensure that the Agency Security Incident Management System (SIMS) is fully implemented, kept up-to-date and reports filed properly;
- Participate in and provide safety and security inputs to operational and planning documents such as the Headquarters/ Field Implementation Plan as required.
Security Plan and Safety and Security Requirements:
- Review security arrangements for all offices and maintain instructions such as security, contingency, emergency and evacuation plans as required;
- Prepare, maintain and update the Field specific safety and security contingency plans in accordance with the United Nations Security Policy Manual that governs International staff and UNRWA risk management system for Area staff; coordinate and organize emergency medical evacuation and convoy security procedures;
- Ensure that all new International and Area staff personnel receive briefings upon arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
- Support the International staff warden/ information systems as required;
- Ensure that UNRWA Field Office procedures conform to the UNSMS and UNRWA policy and standards as appropriate, and that UNRWA personnel are included in the Security Plan comprising International staff with dependents and the Area staff;
- Ensure that appropriate staff tracking procedures are in place for all UNRWA staff travel; ensure compliance of International staff with Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) including the security clearance process;
- Ensure International staff’s adherence and compliance to various (UNDSS and UNRWA specific) security plans and advisories, such as warden systems, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) and Residential Security Measures ( RSM);
- Assist the Field Director in assessing and implementing MOSS with a view towards MOSS compliance for International staff and implements polices and standards for Area staff risk management, where applicable.
Office Security:
- Oversee the operation of the 24/7 security operations rooms which supports all UNRWA operational movements; recording and reporting of area safety and security incidents and information; conducting radio checks and providing logistics support;
- Develop and implement office security requirements in UNRWA installations; oversee access control mechanism (visitors/vehicle screening) in UNRWA premises;
- Conduct office security surveys and recommends physical security measures to her/his supervisor;
- Assesse fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, etc.) in UNRWA premises and makes recommendations to responsible units regarding fire safety arrangements; prepare fire/building evacuation plans and conduct periodical drills.
Emergency Communications System (ECS):
- Ensure that all security and communications equipment are functioning and in good condition including radio communications;
- Ensure that radio communication training is provided to staff that are required to use various communications means.
Reporting and liaison:
- Advise the Field Director, Programme Managers on security and risk management components in programmes and ensure that these components are included in all appeals and in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; prepare security related budget proposals and follow up security related procurement and construction with relevant departments;
- Update the DUA, DDUA-S and DSRM at HQ(A) and UNDSS country offices on relevant security developments; participate as a member of the country security cell; attend the Security Management Team (SMT) meetings in support of her/his supervisor as required;
- Establish and maintain contacts with area and programme staff, in casu Chief Area Officers, Camp Service Officers and programmatic front line area staff as appropriate; establish and maintain contacts with national security agencies and authorities, and security officials of diplomatic missions and international organizations to obtain/share the best information pertaining to protection for UNRWA staff and operations;
- Establish and maintain communication links with Designated Official, Security Management Team, Area Security Coordinators and other Field security personnel.
Manage SSD staff and asset in terms of budget, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting obligations;
Implement Residential Security Measures (RSM), conduct residential security surveys of UNRWA international staff and recommend physical security measures to Area staff members; prepare justification for residential security measures as required; report all security related incidents involving UNRWA staff as per Agency guidelines and make sure that these are entered into the Security Information Management System; assesse and follow up these incidents as needed; investigate and follow up on incidents as needed;
Plan, supervise and deliver security training to UNRWA staff; organize and maintain country files on security issues (assessments, security plans, messages, maps, etc.)
Professional Knowledge and Experience
· Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations, humanitarian law, human rights, conflict studies, social sciences or international law with a focus on security and risk management;
· A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in security and risk management with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or International Organization (IO) Security Management or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) Security Management and/or experience in police or military, including at least two years of relevant international experience outside one’s home country;
· Progressively responsible practical experience at the Field/country level in moderate to high risk security environments within UNSMS, IO security management, INGO Security Management;
· Fluency in spoken and written English.
Competencies
· Demonstrated competence in management, problem solving skills and excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills;
· Understanding and demonstrated application of security planning, security risk management as related to staff, installations and programmes;
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a team environment and with people of diverse backgrounds, culture and nationalities;
· A high level of written and verbal communication skills and practical report and proposal writing experience;
· Basic paramedic knowledge/skills;
· Judgment and decision-making skills;
· Promotes learning environment in the office/field; provides constructive coaching and feedback to others;
· Creates an empowering and motivating environment;
· Good command of MS Office applications
Equivalency
When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Human Resources Department may substitute part of the unmet requirements under UNRWA’s equivalency determination guidelines with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and/or progressive relevant work experience. Note: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered sufficient for an equivalency determination.
Desirable Qualifications
· Additional technical certification in relation to security and risk management such as security management, community security, civilian-military coordination, human rights & protection, close protection, counter-terrorism, intelligence management, hostage management, operational planning and investigation, crisis management and emergency or disaster planning;
· Senior Staff College (military or police) training;
· Additional management, programme and project management qualifications;
· Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience;
· In possession of UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) certificate;
· Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security;
· Knowledge of humanitarian operations, humanitarian, human rights, and/or international refugee law;
· Knowledge of Arabic Language.
Additional Information
The incumbent will be required to travel frequently within the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.
Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $74,130 net tax free with dependants or $69,032 single, plus post adjustment of 37.9% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks of annual leave. Syria is currently a non-family duty station. Staff members based in Syria are entitled to additional benefits, subject to eligibility, including Non Family Service Allowance, danger pay and R&R leave, currently every 4 weeks (according to the UN classification of the duty station) but subject to change without notice. Initial contract is for two years, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds, performance and the continuing need for the post.
How to Apply
To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, testing, interviewing, etc). The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.
General Information
UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.
The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service in the UN Common System after 1 January 1990 is 62 and 65 after 1 January 2014. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.
The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
On appointment, all individuals will be asked to sign a self-attestation, confirming that they have not committed, been convicted of, or prosecuted for, any criminal offence and that they have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.
Apply online
Location: Damascus
Deadline for Applications 12 November 2016
(29 October 2016 for internal applicants)
UNRWA encourages applications from qualified women and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
In accordance with the established Agency and applicable United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and procedures and under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director of UNRWA Affairs (DUA) and in close coordination with Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs - Support (DDUA-S), and technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management (DSRM), HQ (Amman), the Senior Field Security Officer will advise on all safety and security related issues and ensure that senior management is kept informed of security developments and is in a position to take appropriate action when required.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent is responsible for advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA security and risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness in the Field. The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) serves as a principal Advisor and assists the DUA and DDUA-S in the execution of their security responsibilities in the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA’s participation in the UN Security Management System and supports UNRWA’s compliance with safety and security requirements as appropriate. The SFSO also maintains close co-operation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officer(s). In this context the Senior Field Security Officer will perform the following:
Security Risk Assessment:
- Develop, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential risks and recommend mitigation strategies of UNRWA’s Field operations in the Field;
- In close cooperation with the DUA and DDUA-S and Departments Heads, ensure that security initiatives are fully coordinated, approved and integrated into appropriate Agency-wide policy;
- Prepare comprehensive threat analysis and security risk assessments to include all area staff, locations, installations and activities in the assigned Field;
- Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal prevention and mitigation measures are in place;
- Assist/provide inputs in coordination with DSRM, HQ (Amman) in the implementation, further development and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the security and risk management system for Area staff;
- Report on UNRWA security incidents as required and ensure that the Agency Security Incident Management System (SIMS) is fully implemented, kept up-to-date and reports filed properly;
- Participate in and provide safety and security inputs to operational and planning documents such as the Headquarters/ Field Implementation Plan as required.
Security Plan and Safety and Security Requirements:
- Review security arrangements for all offices and maintain instructions such as security, contingency, emergency and evacuation plans as required;
- Prepare, maintain and update the Field specific safety and security contingency plans in accordance with the United Nations Security Policy Manual that governs International staff and UNRWA risk management system for Area staff; coordinate and organize emergency medical evacuation and convoy security procedures;
- Ensure that all new International and Area staff personnel receive briefings upon arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
- Support the International staff warden/ information systems as required;
- Ensure that UNRWA Field Office procedures conform to the UNSMS and UNRWA policy and standards as appropriate, and that UNRWA personnel are included in the Security Plan comprising International staff with dependents and the Area staff;
- Ensure that appropriate staff tracking procedures are in place for all UNRWA staff travel; ensure compliance of International staff with Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) including the security clearance process;
- Ensure International staff’s adherence and compliance to various (UNDSS and UNRWA specific) security plans and advisories, such as warden systems, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) and Residential Security Measures ( RSM);
- Assist the Field Director in assessing and implementing MOSS with a view towards MOSS compliance for International staff and implements polices and standards for Area staff risk management, where applicable.
Office Security:
- Oversee the operation of the 24/7 security operations rooms which supports all UNRWA operational movements; recording and reporting of area safety and security incidents and information; conducting radio checks and providing logistics support;
- Develop and implement office security requirements in UNRWA installations; oversee access control mechanism (visitors/vehicle screening) in UNRWA premises;
- Conduct office security surveys and recommends physical security measures to her/his supervisor;
- Assesse fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, etc.) in UNRWA premises and makes recommendations to responsible units regarding fire safety arrangements; prepare fire/building evacuation plans and conduct periodical drills.
Emergency Communications System (ECS):
- Ensure that all security and communications equipment are functioning and in good condition including radio communications;
- Ensure that radio communication training is provided to staff that are required to use various communications means.
Reporting and liaison:
- Advise the Field Director, Programme Managers on security and risk management components in programmes and ensure that these components are included in all appeals and in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; prepare security related budget proposals and follow up security related procurement and construction with relevant departments;
- Update the DUA, DDUA-S and DSRM at HQ(A) and UNDSS country offices on relevant security developments; participate as a member of the country security cell; attend the Security Management Team (SMT) meetings in support of her/his supervisor as required;
- Establish and maintain contacts with area and programme staff, in casu Chief Area Officers, Camp Service Officers and programmatic front line area staff as appropriate; establish and maintain contacts with national security agencies and authorities, and security officials of diplomatic missions and international organizations to obtain/share the best information pertaining to protection for UNRWA staff and operations;
- Establish and maintain communication links with Designated Official, Security Management Team, Area Security Coordinators and other Field security personnel.
Manage SSD staff and asset in terms of budget, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting obligations;
Implement Residential Security Measures (RSM), conduct residential security surveys of UNRWA international staff and recommend physical security measures to Area staff members; prepare justification for residential security measures as required; report all security related incidents involving UNRWA staff as per Agency guidelines and make sure that these are entered into the Security Information Management System; assesse and follow up these incidents as needed; investigate and follow up on incidents as needed;
Plan, supervise and deliver security training to UNRWA staff; organize and maintain country files on security issues (assessments, security plans, messages, maps, etc.)
Professional Knowledge and Experience
· Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations, humanitarian law, human rights, conflict studies, social sciences or international law with a focus on security and risk management;
· A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in security and risk management with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or International Organization (IO) Security Management or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) Security Management and/or experience in police or military, including at least two years of relevant international experience outside one’s home country;
· Progressively responsible practical experience at the Field/country level in moderate to high risk security environments within UNSMS, IO security management, INGO Security Management;
· Fluency in spoken and written English.
Competencies
· Demonstrated competence in management, problem solving skills and excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills;
· Understanding and demonstrated application of security planning, security risk management as related to staff, installations and programmes;
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a team environment and with people of diverse backgrounds, culture and nationalities;
· A high level of written and verbal communication skills and practical report and proposal writing experience;
· Basic paramedic knowledge/skills;
· Judgment and decision-making skills;
· Promotes learning environment in the office/field; provides constructive coaching and feedback to others;
· Creates an empowering and motivating environment;
· Good command of MS Office applications
Equivalency
When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Human Resources Department may substitute part of the unmet requirements under UNRWA’s equivalency determination guidelines with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and/or progressive relevant work experience. Note: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered sufficient for an equivalency determination.
Desirable Qualifications
· Additional technical certification in relation to security and risk management such as security management, community security, civilian-military coordination, human rights & protection, close protection, counter-terrorism, intelligence management, hostage management, operational planning and investigation, crisis management and emergency or disaster planning;
· Senior Staff College (military or police) training;
· Additional management, programme and project management qualifications;
· Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience;
· In possession of UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) certificate;
· Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security;
· Knowledge of humanitarian operations, humanitarian, human rights, and/or international refugee law;
· Knowledge of Arabic Language.
Additional Information
The incumbent will be required to travel frequently within the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.
Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $74,130 net tax free with dependants or $69,032 single, plus post adjustment of 37.9% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks of annual leave. Syria is currently a non-family duty station. Staff members based in Syria are entitled to additional benefits, subject to eligibility, including Non Family Service Allowance, danger pay and R&R leave, currently every 4 weeks (according to the UN classification of the duty station) but subject to change without notice. Initial contract is for two years, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds, performance and the continuing need for the post.
How to Apply
To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, testing, interviewing, etc). The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.
General Information
UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.
The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service in the UN Common System after 1 January 1990 is 62 and 65 after 1 January 2014. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.
The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
On appointment, all individuals will be asked to sign a self-attestation, confirming that they have not committed, been convicted of, or prosecuted for, any criminal offence and that they have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.
Apply online