Sep 6, 2023

Field Security Advisor - Iraq

Hiring organization: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Job location: Baghdad, Iraq

Vacancy codeVA/2023/B5104/26642
Contract type: Fixed TermContract level: P3
Duration12 months initially
Deadline: 18-Sep-2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Insert operational/office context information

UNOPS Iraq is undertaking a three-year project started in 2021 that aims to improve basic living conditions for returnees in the liberated rural areas of Al-Anbar governorate through the rehabilitation of up to 1,000 housing units and restoration of decentralized services. The decentralized services component will entail the provision of solar street lighting, the rehabilitation of selected community roads, and of water and sanitation networks and/or stations.

The phase II of the same project is under implementation and will be completed throughout 2025 (including 12 months for the Defect Notification Period). Phase II of the project aims to improve basic living conditions for returnees in the liberated rural areas of Al-Anbar and Ninewa governorates through the rehabilitation of up to 875 housing units and restoration of decentralized services. The decentralized services component will entail the provision of solar street lighting, the rehabilitation of selected community roads, and of water and sanitation networks and/or stations. The Field Security Adviser functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under the supervision of the Head of Support Services and general guidance of the UNOPS Chief of Security, coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office, if available. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe conduct of local programmes and operations in Iraq. The incumbent promotes a compliance and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System regulations. He/she works closely with and advises Programme Management and personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues.

Functional Responsibilities

Functions / Key Results Expected
Advisory and technical
Operations
Staff Development
Team management
Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing
Advisory and Technical
Advise the office management team and all Project Managers on all safety and security related matters including the planning and implementation of projects.
In line with the UN Security Management System methodology, policies, and procedures, develop, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential threats, risks levels and recommended mitigation/prevention strategies for office and project operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments;
Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all programmes at the duty station and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.


Operations

Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed. Conduct field assessments if deemed necessary.
Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.
Develop, adapt, and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.
Propose and control budgets for security operations and monitor expenses.
Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology)
Prepare an annual security work plan including budgeting for all aspects of office security ensuring full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:

Fire Safety
Security Plan
Implementation of mandatory security mitigation/prevention measures
Residential Security Measures
Revise and update the office Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective
Maintain up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, information and related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for the implementation of the office/operation’s security plan;
Review security arrangements for all operations, maintaining relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties;
Ensure the smooth and efficient evacuation of UNOPS personnel and and dependants, managing the implementation of UNDSS and UNOPS evacuation and extrication policies, and assuming leadership in the case of declaration of evacuation.
Coordinate personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.
Develop mechanisms for reporting all security related incidents that may have an impact on UNOPS projects or programmes.
Liaise with and update regularly the UNOPS Chief of Security and/or Regional Security Adviser on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.
Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.
Brief all new project managers on security concerns specific to their projects;
Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for personnel traveling across the area of operation.
Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.
Maintain accurate multi-sourced country records on current and projected security issues (assessments, security plans, etc.) and brief necessary staff across the region when required;
Monitor and facilitate personnel adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation/prevention measures and mandatory security training);
Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and other regional security services to facilitate seamless implementation of the security arrangements across the respective business unit/office.
Liaise with the local government security organizations to gather and assess information on security and safety matters that might affect UNOPS personnel and programmes located in various areas in the country and provide analysis of security related information obtained.
Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including security communications equipment.

Staff Development
In Coordination with UNDSS, develop and deliver staff development and training programmes for UNOPS personnel and security focal points, including on Security Risk Assessments within the area of operation.
Ensure that all UNOPS personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, comprehensive listing of emergency supplies, and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises
In Coordination with UNDSS, provide heightened security awareness training to personnel, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

Team Management
Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.
Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing
Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Security related topics.
Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for Security personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
Oversee team’s contributions to Security knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in Security.
Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively


Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education


Advanced university degree in social or political science, law, public administration, business management, security management or other relevant discipline is required.A first-level university degree in combination with an additional 2 years (7 in total)' relevant at the international and national experience OR A Technical/Professional Diploma in combination with an additional 4 years (9 in total) relevant, international and national experience OR Secondary Diploma in combination with an additional 6 years’ (11 in total) relevant, international and national experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience preferably in security management, with at least 1-2 years in a senior command or leadership role. Demonstrated experience and exposure in cross-border and/or international security-related issues is required;Direct experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage;Demonstrated experience in producing Standing Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset;Knowledge of the political, economic and social situation in Iraq is desirable.
Language
Fluency in English is Required.Knowledge of Arabic is an asset


Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Staff (Fixed Term Appointment)
Contract level: P3
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx