Overview
Lead security for UNOPS operations, ensuring personnel and assets are protected through expert risk management and proactive planning within the UN Security Management System. The Security Senior Officer manages, coordinates and provides expert advice on all security and safety matters affecting UNOPS operations and projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct and regularly update Security Risk Assessments (SRAs).
- Develop and maintain local security management arrangements.
- Provide technical security advice and guidance.
- Support the inclusion of safety and security components in project proposals.
- Review and update Security standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Prepare and submit security situation reports and analyses.
- Maintain active liaison with UNDSS, host government security agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Support the coordination of personnel travel security clearances.
- Advise on safe access strategies for field missions.
- Ensure UNOPS compounds, offices and residences meet required safety standards.
- Develop, implement and oversee an annual security work plan and budget.
- Manage and account for security equipment.
- Attend Security Management Team (SMT) meetings.
- Provide technical guidance to project managers on security risk considerations related to implementing partners (IPs).
- Advise on the integration of risk management provisions in IP documentation.
- Review IP security reports or deliverables.
- Serve as a key focal point for incident reporting, documentation and analysis.
- Ensure timely preparation and submission of Security Incident Reports (SIRs).
- Support investigations and inquiries into security incidents or accidents.
- Maintain effective emergency communication systems.
- Support coordination and leadership during evacuations, relocations or other crisis responses.
- Deliver security briefings and inductions.
- Conduct refresher sessions on personal security, travel safety, fire prevention, and emergency procedures.
- Lead the training, mentoring and capacity development of security personnel.
- Promote security awareness among personnel and IPs.
- Coordinate with UNDSS to organize joint security awareness and preparedness training.
- Maintain up-to-date security documentation.
- Monitor adherence to mandatory security mitigation measures.
- Support country leadership and the Field Security Advisor in ensuring operational and documentation compliance.
- Review, update and test the business continuity plan (BCP).
- Maintain accurate and current multi-sourced country files.
- Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.
- Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs).
Required Experience
- Relevant experience is work in security management, law enforcement, military or related areas.
- Experience in security risk assessment, crisis management, and coordination with UNDSS or UN field security structures is required.
- Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.
- Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
- Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
Qualifications
- Required Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 4 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is required.
- Desired Professional security certification (e.g. UNDSS SSAFE, HEAT, CPP, or equivalent) is desired.
