Oct 2, 2018

Field Security Adviser , South Sudan

Employer: UNHCR
Location: JamJang South Sudan



ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Field Security Adviser takes on the role of leading, coordinating and providing appropriate guidance related to security management within an office.

The incumbent maintains contact with other UN agencies, NGOs, implementing partners, government partners in the area to facilitate the operation.
The incumbent directly supervises general service staff in the office, and reports to the Head of Office.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Country operations receive practical and well-reasoned security advice and support toward helping ensure an appropriate level of safety for UNHCR¿s staff and operations and compliance with security guidelines and procedures.
- UNHCR benefits from effective relationships with host country law enforcement agencies and the UN Security Management System.
- Staff are aware of threats/risks and how to respond to them, understand and comply with guidelines and procedures.
- Security management is efficient, well-coordinated and consistent with policies and procedures.

Responsibility
- Advise and support the Representative or Head of Office in managing staff safety and security of UNHCR staff, partners, operations, premises and refugees or persons of concern.
- Undertake periodic security assessments in close co-operation with UNHCR senior staff members and interagency partners, analysing security factors and levels of risk related to UNHCR activities and programmes.
- Evaluate existing security measures to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement. Follow up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with standards established through the Security Risk Management process.
- Assist in the development of plans for evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies.
- In cooperation with UNHCR senior staff members, ensure that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
- Participate and support in activities to advise on programme criticality assessment process.
- As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern by providing security assessments, analysis and advice in developing and implementing effective strategies which underpin the responsibilities of the host state.
- Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective information sharing; provide regular feedback and analysis to country managers.
- Maintain close co-operation with staff of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), ensuring UNHCR's understanding of applicable requirements, cooperating in security assessments and planning and supporting UNDSS understanding of agency requirements.
- Support UNHCR staff serving as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT), or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Wardens.
- Provide country-relevant security advice and training to UNHCR staff, and where appropriate, to staff of NGOs and implementing partners in areas including, inter alia, preparation for and conduct of road missions, radio telecommunications and responding to specific threats within the environment.
- Conduct rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that staff are familiar with contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency.
- Prepare periodic analytical reports on security in accordance with UN and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and FSS.
- Maintain linkages with the Staff Welfare Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
- Undertake other security-related functions or responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.

Authority
- Provide security-related advice, in written and oral form, to the manager and other staff.
- Advise on, and upon approval, implement, needed mitigating measures.
- Participate in criticality assessments.
- Represent UNHCR in interagency working groups and attend SMT or ASMT meetings as an observer.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) with a focus on Security Management and/or related disciplines (Business Administration, Political/Social Science, International Relations) plus minimum 6 years of previous work experience relevant to the function including 2 years security risk management experience in an international capacity. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Also relevant would be military or police academy degree (at Officer level).
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Proven competences in security analysis.
- Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
- Negotiating skills.
- Relevant training an asset.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Field Security Adviser positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. 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
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X008L3 - Stakeholder Management Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
========================================================================================================
See below for this postion's Operational Context
========================================================================================================

For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.



Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

The Field Security Adviser should have solid knowledge of safety and security of UN and will take on the role of leading, coordinating and providing appropriate guidance related to security management within the office.
Maintains contact with other UN agencies, INGO/NGO Partners and government to facilitate the operation in the operational area.
Directly supervises 2 Field Security Associates one under Sub Office Jamjang and one under Field Unit Yida, meanwhile will provide support to FO Bentiu where a Field Security Associate is based as the FSA to cover the whole Unity State and is member of the Security Cell of Unity State. The overall security situation in South Sudan remains unstable and unpredictable. The outbreak of armed conflict in December 2013 and then in July 2016 turned it into an ethnic based conflict in the country. The conflict led to general insecurity with significant increase in armed skirmishes, ambushes, killing and crime that changed both the political and security landscape. The conflict mainly affected Juba, Unity, Upper Nile and Greater Jonglie areas. As a result of this conflict hundreds of thousands of South Sudan people crossed the border to take refuge in the neighboring countries and over a million were internally displaced.
In August 2015 a peace agreement mediated by IGAD was signed by the rival leaders, it was thought that the signing of this agreement will end the armed conflict in South Sudan and Security Council adopted Resolution 2241 (2015) followed by Resolution 2252 (2015), which provided UNMISS with the authority to support the implementation of this agreement, however unfortunately the peace deal did not last for long.
On 08 July 2016 in a confrontation which started from the presidential palace in Juba involving body guards of the leaders (President and First Vice President) and which resulted in the killing of hundreds of armed elements from both sides including some civilians, many other wounded and thousands of civilians were displaced. These fighting lasted at least for 3 days and the First Voice President fled the country. From the beginning of the conflict the Pro Government Forces (SPLA IG) are highly challenged by SPLA-IO forces in some parts of the country and mainly in the areas of Upper Nile, Unity & Jonglei.
Following the July 2016 conflict, the regrouping of IO forces associated with White Army begun once again and mainly in the areas of Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglie and followed with the fighting in many other areas of the country including Western and Eastern Equatoria states.
Most of the states in the country were divided between opposition and government held areas and the IO forces divided into IO RM and IO TD (pro government). Since the conflict erupted in Juba on the 8 July forcing the First Vice President to flee country the security situation in Unity State became highly unpredictable and regular clashes were reported between the rival groups and mainly in the areas of central, eastern, western and southern Unity. The potential for inter-communal clashes to erupt particularly in those areas bordering between SPLA IG and SPLA IO controlled territories is high and is compounded by food insecurity, economic collapse and a rising crime rate. The overall security situation remains unstable and the cease-fire could collapse at any time.
In general the fighting continued displacement of civilian population to safer areas including neighboring countries and worsening of the humanitarian situation. A peace agreement with the facilitation of Sudan government was signed between the president and some IO leaders including Rick Machar in Khartoum. Despite that reportedly some minor groups refused to sign this agreement, however this once more raised hope of population for peace in the country.
Cattle raiding and mostly associated with killing performed by the local youth is one of the other main security concern and which has mainly affected the entire Unity Jamjang operation areas.
With the new structure the country has been divided into 32 states, where the decision was reportedly not welcomed by IO, however according the new structure the Unity State is divided into 3 new State (South Leich, North Liech & Ruweng). UNHCR Jamjang operation cover the Ruweng State, but because of the geographical position and terrain of the State, currently UNHCR has no access to the area of ex Abienmnhom County of Unity State which fall under Jamjang operation. There are no operational Banks or any other form to access money. Staff are advised to carry enough cash to see them through to the next R&R. Internet and VSAT communications networks are available at the compound.
Relatively well equipped Gym is available within the office/ accommodation compound.
DSTV is installed in the common TV room.
UNHAS flight which flies three times a week is the only means of commuting between Jam-Jang and Juba.
UNHCR staff serving in AOR are expected to have the capacity to exercise patience and adjust to the working environment which is characterized with limited to none social activities outside the compound (including compounds of the humanitarian partners in the vicinity of the UNHCR compound), and at times challenging and demanding relationships with various stakeholders, including local authorities. All staff members in Sub Office Jamjang reside in the office/ Guesthouse compound where a curfew is in effect during the night.
There is a system of Primary Health Care Centers in the refugee sites (Yida, Ajuong Thok and Pamir) serving refugees where basic medical attention may be obtained in case of emergency, as well as an upgraded health institution in Panrieng referred to as Panrieng state Hospital- all supported by UNHCR. However, medical travel to Juba may be required and authorized upon the referral in case of serious illness. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised by UNHCR Medical Service.
Available commercial mobile telephone network in AOR is Zain. Staff also have access to office VSAT or internet based voice calls such as VIBER/ Whatsapp (within the office compound where broadband wifi internet connection is available).
The area have limited choice in terms of foodstuff, vegetables and fruits are mostly not available. Some important aspects of working & living conditions are:
Jamjang is situated in Unity State, one of the 10 States in South Sudan, around 1,000 km north from Juba, the capital of South Sudan. In October 2015, President of South Sudan introduced the administrative division of South Sudan composed by 28 states and later increased to 32 states), which is not sanctioned by UN, but nevertheless presents a reality on the ground, which impacts the Area of Operations (AOR) managed by SO Jamjang. In the new nomenclature, SO Jamjang is situated in Ruweng state (portion of northern Unity comprising two former counties- Panrieng/ Pariang and Abiehmnon). The AOR is a home to predominantly Padang Dinka, and the main local languages are Dinka and to a lesser extent Arabic, with English as an official language. The State¿s highest authority is the State Governor. Refugees in Ruweng are from South Kordofan in Sudan (area also referred to as Nuba Mountains), with Arabic as the main language.
The climate of Jamjang is relatively hot with heavy rains during rainy season (April to November) and hot/dusty conditions in dry season (December to March). Yet, mornings may be cool, sometimes foggy, in rainy season. Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects are present in the environment. Security issues which should be considered are:
Jamjang is classified as security Level III
Security Briefing is mandatory for all new arrivals and visitors
Curfew in place from 19:00-07:00 hours.
Daily Radio Check is mandatory
Walking/Jogging out of UN compound is not engorged
No Public Transport
No or very poor mobile phone network
Accommodation only with UN/INGO compounds
Tracking of movement mandatory
Report incidents
PPE to have handy and maybe some situations to wear
SSAFE Training to be taken and now this mandatory of r entire country
Warden system in place
Road movement only during day light hours, within the UN movement box ¿ one vehicle with minimum 2 persons on board, movement to/from Yida and Jamjang minimum two field vehicles with minimum 2 persons on board of each vehicle Additional factors which I would like to highlight are:
- The overall security situation is calm in Jamjang operational area, but it is unpredictable and situation can easily change negatively.
- Access to weapons, especially youth of the host community and deserted and unpaid SPLA elements are serious concern of humanitarian community and over 127000 refugees in Jamjang operational area.
- High prices compare to the capital and some other region of the country including remoteness and isolation have added to the problems of humanitarians, beneficiaries and host community.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October 2018 (midnight Geneva time).
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.Field Security Adviser