Job Description
This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the safety and security of UNOPS operations in Syria, supporting critical projects that enhance resilience and sustainable development. The position offers exposure to a challenging and dynamic security environment, providing valuable experience in security management within the UN system. The role involves close collaboration with the project management team and external security providers, contributing to the effective delivery of humanitarian and development assistance in the project assigned areas of Aleppo and Homs governorates.
This position operates within a complex and challenging security environment in Syria, supporting the Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) programme in the project assigned areas of Aleppo and Homs governorates. The Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) is a flagship EU-funded initiative managed by UNOPS under the DG MENA (The Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf) framework. NRM will contribute to resilience and sustainable development in Syria through linking immediate humanitarian relief with long-term socio-economic development.The role is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of UNOPS personnel, premises, and operations, contributing to the effective delivery of projects aimed at enhancing resilience and sustainable development in conflict-affected communities. The Security Assistant will work under the guidance of the Senior Programme Manager in coordination with the Syria Security Officer, providing essential support in managing security operations and maintaining a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies.
The Security Assistant provides a comprehensive range of specialized and administrative support services for managing security and safety operations in Syria. S/he is responsible for promptly resolving security-related issues and exchanging information, promoting a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies.
1. Technical Support Services
- Assists in collecting, updating, and communicating information regarding the security situation in the project assigned areas of Aleppo and Homs governorates, Syria.
- Provides operational support in conducting routine security assessments for UNOPS project sites and assists in drafting safety summaries and recommendations to facilitate secure project delivery.
- Assists in gathering, researching, verifying, and updating security information and data required for proper analysis of the security situation, including preparedness and risks.
- Supports the development of the Security Plan and the Self-Assessment Programme for the mandatory mitigation measures.
- Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required; and assists with the monitoring of the security measures implementation as recommended in the Security Risks Management (SRM) process.
- Disseminates, relays, exchanges, and communicates information regarding the security situation in the project assigned areas of Aleppo and Homs governorates.
- Reports security incidents affecting UNOPS personnel, premises, assets, and operations, and assist in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report and other Security Assessments.
- Provides security orientation to newly assigned UNOPS personnel and conducts security briefings as assigned.
- Provides guidance and advice to personnel on routine security procedures, communication channels, and focal points.
- Administratively supports the organization of training courses on security awareness and preparedness.
- Liaises with private companies used for UNOPS security at premises to facilitate the effective and efficient use of the guard force.
- Administers field missions Mission Security Clearance Requests (MSCRs) and Host Government clearance processes.
- Coordinates and tracks UNOPS field missions to facilitate movement within the country and provides guidance to mission participants in coordination with UNDSS.
- Liaise with UNDSS and other UN agency security personnel on routine security matters.
- Support operations as a Convoy Leader during UNOPS field missions, ensuring compliance with security and safety protocols and procedures.
- Act as the primary security focal point during emergencies in the assigned area, ensuring timely coordination of response actions and clear communication between UNOPS personnel, UNDSS, and relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure that UNOPS personnel adhere to established security procedures and protocols.
- Maintain accurate logs of security-related assets (e.g., VHF radios, Thuraya phones, ETBs, IFAKs, armored vehicle security equipment).
- Participate in security-related meetings (Area Security Cell, Area Security Management as an observer, Ad Hoc Security Cell meetings) and support documentation and follow-up decisions and required actions.
2. Office Administration
- Provides general administrative services for the security function.
- Maintains a database of contact details of host country security authorities.
- Organizes meetings and briefings, arranges appointments, receives visitors, and takes minutes and/or notes at meetings.
- Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents, ensuring data security and other sensitive information.
- Maintains an updated security shared drive and staff lists.
Maintain records of complete security training for UNOPS staff in the assigned area.
Support documentation and follow-up of decisions and required actions from security-related meetings.
Facilitates the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services for the team, supervised through effective work planning and performance management.
Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by office personnel with existing security policies, procedures, and best practices.
4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Assists in organizing, facilitating, and/or delivering training and learning initiatives for UNOPS personnel on security.
- Provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learned and dissemination of best practices in security.
- Perform other security-related tasks assigned to support the security and operational effectiveness of UNOPS missions in the assigned area.
