Hiring Organization: UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
Job location: Lebanon
Closing date: 28 Jul 2026
Job Code Title : Senior Field Security Officer
Job Opening number : 26-SEC-UNRWA - Security & Risk Manage-280345-R-FO
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Job Code Title : Senior Field Security Officer
Job Opening number : 26-SEC-UNRWA - Security & Risk Manage-280345-R-FO
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change.
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.
The Senior Field Security Officer reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs (DUA) D-2 and receives technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management (DSRM) - HQ (Amman).
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, for all UNRWA personnel both Internationally recruited and locally recruited Area staff with focus on frontline Area staff security, particularly in those areas heavily impacted by the current conflict.
- The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) serves as a principal Advisor and assists the Front Office (DUA and DDUA (Operations/Programmes)) in the execution of their security responsibilities in the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA's Security and Risk Management system is context specific and tailored to the needs of frontline personnel. S/he supports the identification, implementation of security and risk management best practices and other Standard Operation Procedures across the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA's participation in the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and supports UNRWA's compliance with security requirements, as appropriate. The SFSO also maintains close cooperation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officer(s), as well as with the Host Government security agencies, local community, and beneficiaries. Where applicable, the SFSO provides direct supervision to the Close Protection Team, and in addition to all aspects of the Field Security Risk & Management (FSRM) team. In this context, SFSO performs the following:
1. Security Risk Assessment:
1.1.In line with UNSMS methodology, leads the development of security risk management processes, outlining potential risks and recommends prevention and mitigation strategies towards improving the security of both the internationally recruited and the frontline Area staff, as well as the installations with a particular emphasis on the Camp level;
1.2.In close cooperation with the Front Office and Department and Programme Heads, ensures that security initiatives are fully coordinated, approved and integrated into appropriate Agency-wide policy;
1.3.Oversees the process of comprehensive threat analysis and security risk assessments to include all area staff, locations, installations and activities in the assigned Field;
1.4.Manages the processes of various security assessments, both routine and adhoc, as required, to ensure optimal prevention and mitigation measures are in place;
1.5.Reviews inputs and recommends improvements 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 all staff with the objective to minimize risk in the contextual, programmatic and professional workplace-risk categories for frontline Area staff;
1.6.Manages the UNRWA security incidents system as required and ensures that the Agency Security Incident Management System (SIMS) is fully implemented, kept up-to-date and reports filed properly. Oversees the upgrading of the SIMS to provide critical information for security analysis; encourages incident reporting at the Camp and Area level;
2. UNRWA Security Plan, Security Risk Management processes and UNSMS Security Risk Management (SRM) Measures:
2.1.Plans and oversees Security Risk Management process for all offices and maintains guidance such as security, contingency, emergency and evacuation plans as required;
2.2.Supports and supervises the implementation and adherence to the Area Security Plan and coordinates capacity building efforts for relevant frontline staff with the support of the available security resources on the ground;
2.3.Is responsible for developing and updating the Field specific security contingency plans in accordance with the United Nations Security Policy Manual that governs Internationally recruited staff and UNRWA risk management system for Area staff; coordinates and organizes emergency medical evacuation and convoy security procedures;
2.4.Ensures and manages that all new International and Area staff personnel receive briefings upon arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
2.5.Ensures implementation of the frontline staff capacity-building plan, including SSAFE training programme for frontline staff, as required, and professional work-place risk trainings;
2.6.Manages the staff warden/ information systems as required;
2.7.Ensures that UNRWA Field Office procedures conform to the UNSMS and UNRWA policy and standards as appropriate, and that UNRWA personnel is included in the Security Plan comprising International staff with eligible dependents and the Area staff;
2.8.Ensures that appropriate staff tracking procedures are in place for all UNRWA staff travel; ensures compliance of International staff with Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) including the security clearance process;
2.9.Oversees staff's adherence and compliance to various (UNDSS and UNRWA specific) security plans and advisories, such as warden systems, and Residential Security Measures (RSM);
2.10. Assists the Field Director in assessing and implementing security risk management measures with a view towards SRM compliance for all aspects of UNRWA operations, including staff and supports the development and implementation of operational procedures and standards with regard to contextual, programmatic and professional work-place risk categories for frontline Area staff based on best practices in the Field; in LFO, chairs the Field Office advisory sub-committee on Security and Risk Management and make recommendations to the Field Director.
3. Office Security Management:
3.1.Oversees and directs the reporting of area d security incidents and information; monitoring of guarding schedules; conducting radio checks and providing logistics support; 3.2.Leads periodic appropriate security assessments of UNRWA premises, equipment and advises on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions;
3.3.Reviews office security surveys and recommends physical security measures validated by D/SRM to the Field Director or DDUA;
3.4.Ensures due security arrangements (fire, hazards etc.) in UNRWA premises, makes recommendations to responsible units and conducts periodic drills, and works closely on emergency preparedness and readiness activities;
3.5.Leads the development and maintenance of plans to engage frontline Area Staff, beneficiaries and community to further safeguard UNRWA installations' security;
4. Reporting and liaison:
4.1.Advises the Field Director's Office and Programme Managers on security and risk management components in programmes and ensures that these components are included in all appeals and in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; prepares security related budget proposals and follows up security related procurement and construction with relevant departments;
4.2.Updates the Front Office and DSRM at HQ(A) and UNDSS country offices on relevant security developments; participates as a member of the inter-agency country security cell and contributes to the joint analyses; attends the Security Management Team (SMT) meetings in support of her/his supervisor as required;
4.3.Establishes and maintains contacts with Area and Programme staff, Chiefs of Area Offices, Camp Service Officers and programmatic frontline Area staff as appropriate; establishes and maintains 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;
4.4.Establishes and maintains communication links with other UN / NGO / IO Security personnel; Coordinates with other UN entities around the humanitarian notification system for humanitarian convoys.
4.5.Establishes a flow of accurate and timely security related information to management and all staff;
4.6.Develops a security strategy of further engagement with beneficiaries, local community and host governments to increase coordination, collaboration and acceptance;
4.7.Supports the implementation of clear security reporting lines and communication channels between the HQ, Field-Area, Sub-Area, Camp/Installation levels;
5. Manages Field Security Risk Management section and assets in terms of budget, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting obligations;
6. Ensures reporting of all security related incidents involving UNRWA personnel as per Agency guidelines and makes certain they are entered into the Security Information Management System; assesses, investigates and follows up on these incidents as needed;
7. Implements Residential Security Measures (RSM) based on residential security surveys of UNRWA International staff in conjunction with UNDSS and recommends physical security measures to Area staff members; prepares justification for residential security measures as required;
Competencies
UN Core Values of lntegrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply.
Functional
i. Applying Technical Expertise
ii. Relating and Networking
iii. Deciding and Initiating Action
Leadership (as applicable)
i. Delivering Results
ii. Managing Complexity and Change
Other Competencies not listed under Functional and Leadership
Leading and Supervising.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in risk management, military or police intelligence, international relations or related area, or a university degree from an accredited educational institution in the same specializations as mentioned above, with two additional years of relevant work experience, given the specialty of this post.
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in security analysis and risk management with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or International Organization (IO) is required.
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport, or a national identity number is required.
Progressively responsible practical experience at the Field/country level in moderate to high-risk security environments within UNSMS, IO security management, INGO Security Management is required.
Indicate your current involvement in any outside activities, as it is required. Including but not limited to employment, independent contractor/freelance consultant, board member (corporate, academic, etc), expert group, lobby, public speaking/writing (article, book, blog, social media etc), teaching, conferences, training, press statement, voluntary work, political activity, fundraising/donation for non- UNRWA entity, running for public office, role in political party or orgs, owning business, work for gov./NGO/private company/charity, UNRWA partner/vendor, full/part-time, paid or not. A "yes" answer doesn't necessarily lead to exclusion from future work at UNRWA, yet misrepresentation in providing accurate/complete info can lead to disqualification/termination of appointment, if hired.
Additional technical certification in relation to security and risk management such as security management, community security, civilian-military coordination, human rights & protection, counterterrorism, intelligence management, hostage management, operational planning and investigation, crisis management and emergency or disaster planning is desirable.
Demonstrated understanding of security related analytical processes is desirable.
Additional management, programme and project management qualifications is desirable.
Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience, UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security, humanitarian operations, humanitarian, human rights, and/or international refugee law is desirable.
In possession of UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) certificate is desirable.
Experience working in conflict settings and in high-risk environment is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages,
English is required. Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
English
Desirable Languages
Arabic
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This is a UN Regular Budget post. Type of Contract and duration: 1 year, with the possibility of further extension.
Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system Inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening. All university degrees must also be stated where applicable. UNRWA personnel must ensure adding their contract type and grade level. Given the large pool of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Providing incorrect or misleading information on an application form will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate.
Advertisements published in English will only accept applications in English; other language submissions will not be considered.
UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointments to the same post or a similar post, when the need arises.
Equivalency:
A first level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination.
The Agency disqualifies applicants whose name appears on the UN Sanctions List or a UN database of staff separated for reasons of misconduct or of staff who separated while a misconduct process was pending. UNRWA shares investigation and misconduct information with other UN Agencies, and past and prospective employers about staff members who have been separated for misconduct, or who have separated while an investigation and/or disciplinary process for misconduct is underway; and those individuals may be prohibited from employment with the United Nations.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/