Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Field Security Officer reports to the manager, who may be, according to context, the Representative/Chief of Mission or Head of Office within a country operation; the Bureau Director in a Regional Directorate; or the Chief, Security Operations Section at Headquarters.
The incumbent acts as an adviser to the manager on field security, providing sound, well-reasoned advice followed by support in implementation of agreed measures or steps.
The incumbent supervises and or supports management in supervising security personnel at the international or national level. The incumbent will monitor, coach, guide and support security personnel.
The incumbent is expected to travel on mission, sometimes to multiple duty stations, to provide advice and support to the local manager as agreed in mission terms of reference.
All UNHCR personnel are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, personnel are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
– Provide practical and well-reasoned security advice, coordination and support to the designated manager(s) in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, Partners, operations, premises and refugees or other persons of concern.
– Monitor situations and events in the designated region, country or duty station, gather and analyse information with the aim of identifying emerging trends and providing early warning of any potential threats that may affect the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, premises, assets and impact programme delivery.
– Provide security analysis and reports to UNHCR managers and the Field Security Service at Headquarters (FSS) when required.
– Undertake overall contextual analysis, identify security-related priority needs, and develop an annual work plan for addressing them.
– Ensure gender considerations are included in Security Risk Management (SRM) processes including in Security Risk Assessments, security briefings, travel advisories and the Aide Memoire for Response to Gender-Based Security Incidents
– Conduct regular missions and assessments, providing gender-inclusive security advice, training and coaching, as determined by the SRM process.
– Develop operational plans for implementation of security risk management measures for areas under their responsibility, identifying resources and ensuring they are factored into budgeting planning.
– Monitor security events and intervene when and where appropriate to ensure that security-related goals are achieved.
– Advise the manager on the reconciliation of humanitarian and security objectives in the region/country/duty station of responsibility, and on integrating security measures into operational planning (including budgetary provisions) at the earliest stages of development.
– Provide regular reporting on security-related incidents and events to the manager, the Bureau and FSS at Headquarters. Provide input on security aspects of situation reports and the potential impact on the safety and security of UNHCR personnel and programme delivery.
– Maintain effective liaison and relationships with UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) to include active participation in the country or area Security Cell. Maintain active liaison with Host Government law enforcement and other actors in the region/country/duty station, to ensure effective and responsive partnership and support in support of UNHCR¿s security and other needs.
– Within their security role, proactively reinforce a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.
– Provide training and coaching to staff and, as appropriate partners, both on mission and within the duty station of assignment, aimed at developing skills to plan and conduct operations safely within the specific security environment.
– In coordination with FSS and the Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC), assist in the identification of training needs, and planning and delivery of security training organized within the region.
– Assist in maximising the capacity of national field security staff by assisting in their recruitment and selection, providing coaching, mentoring, training and other forms of advice, identifying their further training needs, and assessing their potential for undertaking greater responsibilities.
– Maintain liaison with Medical and Staff Counsellor personnel in the region/country/duty station, referring cases as required.
– Manage and support critical incidents
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degreeFor P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Security; Security Management; Business Administration;
Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management, Security Risk Management, Safety certification
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 5 years of experience in security risk management.
Proven competence in security risk management security planning and critical incident management.
Demonstrated competency in security analysis.
Training/facilitation/learning development.
Experience of implementing gender sensitive and inclusive responses and approaches.
Experience in team management.
Experience working in multi-cultural environments.
Desirable
Exposure to and experience in UN or humanitarian field operations, especially in high risk duty stations, and emergencies in an international capacity in various geographical locations.
Relevant training (first aid, WSAT, SSAFE, presentation skills, training skills).
Experience of effectively handling gender-based security incidents. Experience of delivering presentations and training
Functional Skills
*FS-Field Security Operations
*FS-Security Analysis
*FS-Security Planning
*FS-UN/UNHCR Rules, Regulations and Guidelines on Security Management
*FS-Security Risk Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
– High level of maturity and professionalism.
– Experience in high-risk environments.
– Strong sense of political and organizational awareness, reasoning and excellent communication skills, in addition to availability to staff, both individually and in groups.
– Strong analytical skills – assessment of the security situation in new areas/locations are only a few of the numerous security-related tasks that need to be conducted in connection with the expansion of UNHCR presence in new accessible operations areas.
-Experience IDPs, refugees/returns context.
– proven experience in conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) of; i.e, i) new office locations, ii) staff residential sites, and the identification and implementation of compliance measures related to Security Risk Management (SRM) and Residential Security Management (RSM).
– Experience in representing UNHCR in the inter-agency Security Cell and conduct regular revisions of the office programs criticality assessments; and
– Strong management skills, including providing oversight/technical guidance to FSOs located in multiple field locations.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
Arabic
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
Nature of Position:
The successful discharge of the functions of this post requires its incumbent to possess mature professional skills, extensive experience in high-risk environments, strong sense of political and organizational awareness, reasoning and excellent communication skills, in addition to availability to staff, both individually and in groups.
As the office is scaling up preparations for IDP and refugee returns, and with new areas becoming accessible, yet not completely safe, the tasks implied in the function of the Senior Field Security Officer have increased significantly; the conducting of Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) of new office locations and staff residential sites, and the identification and implementation of compliance measures related to Security Risk Management (SRM) and Residential Security Management (RSM), as well as assessment of the security situation in new areas/locations are only a few of the numerous security-related tasks that need to be conducted in connection with the expansion of UNHCR presence in new accessible operations areas. Apart from that, the incumbent of this position will be required, inter alia, to maintain an updated Business Continuity Plan, prepare and share with the Representative and senior management regular security analysis and reports, monitor staff compliance with the security requirements, represent the Office in the inter-agency Security Cell, and conduct regular revisions of the office programme criticality assessments.
The Senior FSO reports directly to the Country Representative and coordinates a sizeable team of international and national security personnel at the country office Damascus and in the field.
Living and Working Conditions:
Syria is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. Movement by all personnel is restricted, coordinated and monitored by the security officers. UN staff are accommodated at the Four Seasons Hotel (FSH) in Damascus, where staff are assigned single self-contained rooms for long term stay. Offices are situated outside the hotel in Abdullah Ibn Rawaha St.Kanwat Basatin, Kafarsouseh. There is a UN Joint Clinic at the FSH with basic services. There is shortage of medicines in the entire country. S/M on special prescription should travel with sufficient quantity. There are UN Cleared medial facilities in Syria where staff can seek emergency medical attention. Security situation is relatively calm for the time being, however, the situation could change instantly. Movements within Damascus city is permissible, however, there is curfew from midnight to 6 am. Radio check is conducted twice per week and is mandatory for all staff. All movements to Beirut is by road, soft skin vehicles and there are shuttles facilitated by the office. However, movement by road to Amman is strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air through Beirut. R&R cycle for Damascus is 6 weeks, staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to face situations when required to be locked down in the safe heaven or hotel for an extended period of time due to security incidents.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Military (Required), BA: Police Studies (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Security (Required), BA: Security Management (Required)
Certifications
Safety and Security – Other, Security Management Learning Program – Other, Security Risk Management – Other
Work Experience
Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit https://bit.ly/3JIvacV
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 16 February 2023 (midnight Geneva time)
