Field Security Officer

Job Description

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST

UNRWA

UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for the protection, care and human development of a population of some 5 millionPalestinerefugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank,Jordan,Lebanonand theSyrianArabRepublic. UNRWA is committed to assistingPalestinerefugees in maintaining a decent standard of living, acquiring appropriate knowledge and skills, enjoying the fullest possible extent of human rights, and leading a long and healthy life. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in theMiddle Eastwith more than 29,000 staff. Most of these staff are refugees themselves, working directly to benefit their communities - as teachers, doctors, nurses or social workers. For its international team, UNRWA is seeking to employ a qualified:

Field Security Officer

Vacancy Announcement Number

12-FO-SA-03

Grade

P-3

Deadline for Applications

26 January 2012

Duty Station

Damascus

In accordance with the established Agency and applicable United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and procedures and under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director of UNRWA Affairs/SAR, and technical guidance from the Agency Head of Safety and Security Office (HSSO), HQ (Amman), the incumbent will advise on all safety and security related issues and ensure that senior management is kept informed of developments and is in a position to take appropriate action when required. In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Field Security Officer (FSO) is responsible for advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA operations risk management and risk response. The FSO serves as a principal advisor and assists the Field Director in the execution of his/her responsibility to promote the safety of staff in all circumstances. The FSO ensures UNRWA’s participation in the UN Security Management System and supports UNRWA’s compliance with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS) requirements. The FSO also maintains close co-operation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officer(s). In this context the Field Security Officer performs the following tasks:

• Risk Assessment:

- In line with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) methodology, develop, as required, operations risk assessments outlining potential risks and recommend mitigation strategies of UNRWA’s Field operations inSyria;

- Report on security incidents as required and ensure that the Agency Security Incident Management System (SIMS);

- Participate in and provide inputs to operational processes and planning documents such as the Field Implementation Plan as required.

• Minimum OperatingSecurityStandards (MOSS):

- Assist the Field Director in assessing and implementing MOSS with a view towards MOSS compliance for International staff and develop polices and standards for Area staff risk management;

- Review security arrangements for Syria Field and ensure that relevant instructions and plans are updated and implemented accordingly;

- Prepare, maintain and update contingency plans in accordance with the United Nations FieldSecurityHandbook/Security Policy Manual that governs International staff and the UNRWA risk management system for Area staff; coordinate and organize emergency medical evacuation and convoy operational procedures;

- Ensure that all new International staff personnel receive relevant briefings and training upon arrival;

- Support the International staff warden/ information systems as required;

- Ensure that UNRWA Field Office procedures conform to the UNSMS and UNRWA policy and standards;

- Develop and implement office operational requirements in UNRWA installations; oversee access control mechanism (visitors/vehicle screening) in UNRWA premises;

- Ensure due fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, etc.) in UNRWA premises; prepare fire/building evacuation plans and conduct periodical drills;

- Ensure that communications equipment is functioning and in good condition including radio communications;

- Participate as a member of the country/area security cell; attend the UN Security Management Team (SMT) meetings in support of the Field Director as required;

- Establish and maintain contacts with UN and other agencies, as appropriate, to ensure updated information and best practice in operations risk management;

• Implement Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS), conduct residential surveys and make recommendations accordingly; prepare justification for residential security measures as required.

Professional Knowledge and Experience

• A university degree preferably in political/social science, international relations, law enforcement and/or business management with a focus on security management;
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in security management with the UN, or other similar governmental or non-governmental international organization;
• Excellent command in written and spoken English.

Competencies

• Demonstrated competence in management, problem solving skills and excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills;
• Knowledge of planning for operations risk management, combined with good technical skills in safety matters and communication equipment;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a team environment and with people of diverse backgrounds, culture and nationalities;
• A high level of written and verbal communication skills and practical report and proposal writing experience;
• Judgment and decision-making skills;
• Ability to promote a positive learning environment in the work place, to provide constructive coaching, motivation and feedback to others;
• Good command of MS Office applications.

Desirable Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations, conflict studies, international law with a focus on security and risk management;
• Additional management, programme and project management qualifications;
• Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience;
• Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security;
• Knowledge of Arabic Language.

Equivalency

When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Human Resources Department may substitute part of the unmet requirements under UNRWA’s equivalency determination guidelines with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and/or progressive relevant work experience. Note: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered sufficient for an equivalency determination.

Additional Information

The incumbent may be required to travel to other locations within UNRWA area of operations.

Conditions of Service

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $60,091 net tax free with dependants or $56,091 single, plus post adjustment of 42.9% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks annual leave. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza) are family duty stations. Initial contract is for one year, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post. Note: Given the changing security situation in theSyrianArabRepublic, family members of staff based inDamascus have been temporarily evacuated. WhileDamascus is still officially classified as a family duty-station, its classification may differ at the time of appointment or thereafter, in which case staff based inDamascus would be entitled to additional benefits accordingly, including the possibility of setting up a second household in a nearby location to have their family members nearby.

How to Apply

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in the recruitment process.

General Information

UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced women.

UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights, for diversity, and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.