Field Security Officer , Gaza, State of Palestine

Hiring Organization: UNOPS
Job Location: Gaza, State of Palestine

Duration: One Year with possibility of extension upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Deadline: 03-Aug-2025

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

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners.  It is led by the Director, who has overall authority and accountability for the performance PSC on behalf of its clients.  The Director is responsible for administering and providing oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Background Information - UNMAS Palestine Response

The PSC Palestine Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the Palestine Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate. 

In Palestine, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the Palestine mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will be reporting to the Field Security Advisor, she/he will be responsible for the following:

Framework of Accountability 

Support the preparation of SOPs, Contingencies Plan, Business Continuity Plan and MEDEVAC-CASEVAC Plan for the country to include all locations where UNOPS staff and dependents are present;

Support overview of UNOPS warden systems for both International and National staff, including to prepare travel and other security advisories for all UNOPS staff;

Ensure staff adherence and compliance to the various UNSMS advisories, in particular: compliance with directions related to warden systems; minimum operating security standards (MOSS), Residential Security Measures (RSM), etc.;

Work to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all project at the duty station and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs;

Conduct periodic (or when the security situation dictates) office security surveys, with recommendations on necessary physical security upgrades communicated to the UNOPS Country Manager, and in compliance with the UNSMS framework.

Ensure by monitoring the process, that timely submissions of staff security clearance requests are carried out;

Ensure that security training with synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices is provided to Wardens and all staff in the mission area;

Ensure that fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, Medical Equipment etc.) are present and functioning in all UNOPS premises;

Support the preparation of fire/building evacuation plans, whilst ensuring that periodical practice drills are carried out;

In line with UN Security Management System (UNSMS) methodology, develop as required Security Risk Assessments outlining potential risks and recommended mitigation strategies regards project implementation taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments;

Security monitoring and analysis

Support the FSA in  monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment and improvements of operations, including Ad Hoc Security Risk Assessments (RSA);

Support the FSA in analysis and identification of potential threats and risks related to UNOPS PSC security operations and personnel. Propose prevention and mitigation measures aiming to ensure that UNOPS could exercise its activities at an acceptable level of risk; 

Security management and support

Serve as a deputy to the FSA to manage the work assignments and schedules of all staff assigned to the office of the FSA;

Provide oversight and take responsibility for the delegated assignments of personnel and assets under supervision;

Define, manage and account for the use of security equipment including communications equipment;

Immediate reporting of all security related incidents involving UNOPS PSC oPt staff and eligible dependents to the UNOPS Country Manager and UNDSS/DPO. in close coordination with the PSC Regional Security Advisor (RSA) team;

Under the supervision of the FSA, maintain close contact with UNDSS, other UN Agencies, NGO and national security agencies, where and when appropriate;

Be a member of the UNDSS Security Cell Meetings (SCM), and an observer at the SMT meetings as delegated by the FSA;

Ensure 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.

Work in close coordination with UNDSS for the implementation/monitoring of UNOPS safety/security guidelines/activities, the security threat information sharing, and to provide support if required by UNDSS/DPO.  

Perform any other relevant duties as required and tasked by the supervisor related to safety and security.

 Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and enc...

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

*Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Education:

First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivelant) with four (4) years of relevant experience; 

OR

A minimum of eight (8) years of Security Management or Security Risk Management in the Police or Military. 

Experience:

Relevant experience is defined as experience in Security management or Security Risk Management in the Police, military, humanitarian, conflict, post-conflict, or development context. 

Experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage.

Experience in handling emergency, security-related situations is desired.

Experience working in a conflict or post -conflict environment is required.

Ability to develop Standard Operating Procedures, Security Risk Assessments or Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking) is required. 

Knowledge of Arabic Language (reading, writing and speaking) is desired. 

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