Senior Security Officer

Job description

Role Purpose The Security Senior Officer manages, coordinates, and provides expert advice on all security and safety matters affecting UNOPS operations and projects. Ensuring that UNOPS personnel, assets, and programs are protected through sound risk management, proactive security planning, and effective coordination with UNDSS, government authorities, and other partners. The incumbent is expected to exercise a high degree of professional judgment and operate with substantial independence while supporting management in maintaining an effective and compliant security framework.
Functions / Key Results Expected
1. Security Risk Management and Advisory

• Provide security advice and support to management and personnel operating within their Area of Responsibility (AoR) and maintain awareness of security developments affecting operational activities.
• Conduct and regularly update Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) for UNOPS offices, project sites, and travel routes within their AoR, identifying threats and vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
• Develop and maintain local security management arrangements within their AoR consistent with UNSMS standards and adapted to the local operating context.
• Provide technical security advice and guidance on program design, project implementation, and operational decision-making within their AoR.
• Support the inclusion of safety and security components in project proposals and budgets within their AoR to ensure sufficient resourcing for risk mitigation measures.

2. Operational Security Coordination

• Maintains effective coordination with UNDSS offices, host-government authorities, United Nations agencies, and other relevant stakeholders throughout their AoR, ensuring timely information exchange and coherent implementation of security measures. The incumbent also supports security requirements associated with missions, deployments, and operational activities in countries where no dedicated security personnel are present.
• Support the coordination of personnel travel security clearances within their AoR, ensuring compliance with UNDSS procedures and timely submissions through the TRIP platform or other authorized systems.
• Advise on safe access strategies for field missions in high-risk areas, including risk mitigation planning, convoy coordination, and communication protocols within their AoR.
• Ensure that UNOPS compounds, offices, and residences within their AoR meet required safety standards and are equipped with adequate physical and procedural safeguards.
• Develop, implement, and oversee an annual security work plan and budget, including priorities such as fire safety, emergency preparedness, and mandatory mitigation measures.

3. Support to Project Managers on Implementing Partner (IP) Security Aspects

• Provide technical guidance to project managers on security risk considerations related to implementing partners (IPs), in line with donor/ partner and UNSMS requirements.
• Advise on integrating risk management provisions into IP documentation, terms of reference (ToRs), and operational plans.
• Review IP security reports or deliverables, identify potential risks, and propose mitigation measures as needed

SkillsEmergency Management, Incident Response, Personal Security, Physical Security, Risk Assessment
Education RequirementsRequiredA master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is required.orA bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 4 years of relevant experience;
DesiredUN security certification, e.g., UNDSS: Field Security Associate (FSA), Security Certification Program (SCP), Security Analysis Process and Practices (SAPP), SSAFE TDC, Hostage Incident Management (HIM);orother professional security risk management certification, such as ASIS CPP, PSP, CSMP, ISO 31000 risk management, crisis management, business continuity, or equivalent certification
Experience RequirementsRequiredRelevant experience in law enforcement, military, security management, crisis management, or related areas;Relevant experience in coordination with UNDSS and UN field security structures; andRelevant experience with collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G Suite) and web-based management systems.
DesiredExperience of working in multicultural environments, the UN system, or INGOs in a developing country; andExperience in development or humanitarian contexts.Language RequirementsEnglish: Fluent required
Apply NowInterested candidates are invited to apply via: https://stats.the-network.com/redirect/62463430-87cc-4e71-b683-939fa8f5f940

Requirements

Mid level 48