Security Specialist - Syria

Employer: UN Population Fund, Damascus

Vacancy NO.: Job ID 2458
Duty Station: Damascus Syria
Close: 28 Feb 2014
Duration: One year (renewable)
Organisation Unit: Arab States Region (ASRO)
Role:
The Security specialist is located in Damascus, Syria Country Office. The Security Specialist reports to the Representative and coordinates the day to day security activities and maintains a line of communication with the Office of Security Coordinator (OSC) at the Regional and  HQ levels on all technical and security policy issues.  She/he assists the Representative in the implementation of their security related functions and provides leadership and advice to the Country Office (CO) personnel on all aspects related to planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of CO security activities. The Security Specialist maintains close co-operation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officer(s).
Key areas of responsability:
Programming:

• Provides security policy guidance and security management support to the Representative and CO management team enabling effective programme planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures;
• Provide advice, guidance and support to mainstream security into all levels of programme design, implementation and delivery, in Damascus and the UN hubs;
• Support inclusion of security costs by monitoring and advocating for all projects/programmes to contribute resources to implementation of security measures;
• Provide guidance on the security aspects of Programme Criticality, in particular risk management and decision making process;
• Review the impact of current and \ future potential security factors and trends on UNFPA planning, programme design and delivery;
• Liaise and coordinate activities with partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNFPA personnel as the highest priority;
• Provide advice to minimize the risk to UNFPA personnel, property and operations in all locations;
• Participate as a member of the security cell established by DSS in country;
• Liaise with and support UNFPA implementing NGOs in accordance with SLT policies.

Threat and Risk Assessment:

• Conduct threat and risk assessment of operations wherever UNFPA programmes are implemented, identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures;
• Assist/provide inputs to UNDSS in preparing a comprehensive threat and risk assessment of the country to include all locations where UNFPA personnel, dependants and equipment are/will be present;
• Assist/provide inputs to the Security Management Team through the UNFPA Representative;  Security Plan and Alternative Work Arrangements;
• Work closely with UNDSS to ensure that UNFPA procedures conform to the UN security framework;
• Provide inputs and assist UNDSS in establishing, maintaining and updating the country specific security plan and contingency plans;
• Ensure that all UNFPA personnel are included in the Security Plan being prepared by UNDSS;
• Update the UNFPA component within the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with UNDSS;
• Provide security training to UNFPA personnel, identify and follow up on their specific security needs for both international and national personnel;
• Coordinate with UNDSS to ensure all UNFPA personnel undertake all mandatory security training and participate in all security related contingency exercises and trainings;
• Assist in developing a functional alternative work arrangement plan for the CO, in concert and accordance with the SMT decisions;
• Review all security clearance requests for UNFPA personnel travelling to HIGH and VERY HIGH RISK areas to ensure requests are in compliance with the Programme Criticality, Residual Risk decision making process and MOSS measures are in place.

Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS):

• Monitor MOSS compliance of UNFPA personnel and equipment;
• Ensure that UNFPA personnel are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field;
• Establish internal communication systems to enable the integration of  UNFPA communications into the UN Security Emergency Communications System;
• Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.);
• Provide security advice on the security of transportation and logistics;
• Provide orientation and training to international and national personnel  on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions on movement, such as curfews, restricted and dangerous areas, unexploded ordinance (UXO);
• Coordinate with DSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNFPA personnel and eligible dependents;
• In coordination with UNDSS, and on behalf of the Representative, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.

Qualifications and Experience:

• An advance university degree or equivalent in Security Risk Management, political/social or international relations, law enforcement law or related area. Seven years of service as senior military or Police will suffice with technical certification in security management.
• At least five years of relevant progressively responsible experience in the field of security risk management; at least three years within the United Nations System at the senior officer level, and preferably in a high risk duty station.
• UNDSS/UNSMS Security Professional Certification desirable.
• Practical and professional experience in the military, police or humanitarian work;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Spoken Arabic considered an asset.

How to apply:
UNFPA has established an electronic application management system. This allows applicants to create a candidate profile, which can be updated regularly and submitted for more than one vacancy.  Download the Step by Step Guide to Applying in the E-Recruit System of UNFPA at https://erecruit.partneragencies.org/erecruit.html
Please print out the Guide for your reference during the registration and application process. Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process.  UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.