Job Description
Drive impactful security operations by providing essential administrative and specialized support to ensure a safe and secure environment.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects worldwide. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. UNOPS Congo Multi-country Office (CDMCO) is based in Kinshasa and covers 15 countries. The Multi-country Office is responsible for managing the strategic and operational risks associated with part of the regional portfolio of commitments, while developing and delivering financially efficient services that contribute to sustainable results for partners and to the achievement of UNOPS managerial results.
UNOPS has been selected as the main implementing partner on an ongoing peace project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The bilateral programme “Fund for Peacebuilding - FCP “, which has been supported by the German Government through the KfW Development Bank since 2007, is intended to continue to help promote lasting peace, particularly in Kinshasa with PVJ activities and in the eastern DR with FCP. The project rationale is centered around supporting the peace efforts and initiatives in Eastern DRC through social infrastructures to: 1. Facilitate access to social services and economic opportunities for the beneficiaries, and 2. Use the infrastructure as a way to build and/or reinforce peace and social cohesion within communities and regions, which will ultimately provide further economic and social opportunities for the targeted regions. For the Prevention of Juvenile Violence component in Kinshasa, the focus is on preventing youth violence and strengthening social cohesion through improved youth infrastructure, vocational training, support for entrepreneurship, and access to social services and community activities.
The Security Associate provides a broad range of administrative and specialized support services to ensure the effective management of safety and security operations. The incumbent assists in promoting a proactive client-oriented approach in line with UNOPS’ policies and procedures and United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) standards. The role helps to facilitate timely information exchange and supports the resolution of security-related issues to ensure a safe and secure operating environment.
Security Operations Support
- Gather, verify and update security information and data to support the analysis of security situations, including preparedness levels, risk assessments, and the development of security plans and self-assessment programmes for mandatory mitigation measures.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel lists and information related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, security focal points, and the warden system to support implementation of the office security plan.
- Disseminate relevant information and updates on the security situation within the country or designated areas of responsibility.
- Compile and tabulate data and survey results to support the monitoring and reporting of compliance with required security mitigation measures at the duty station.
- Document and assist in the reporting of security incidents affecting personnel, offices and assets.
- Represent UNOPS, when required and authorized, at Security Cell meetings to record discussions and share routine information with relevant stakeholders.
- Follow up on routine security-related actions on behalf of the supervisor and provide updates on progress and outcomes.
- Provide administrative support for the organization of security awareness and preparedness training, and assist as a resource person when required.
- Conduct basic security briefings for newly arrived personnel, as assigned.
- Offer guidance and information to personnel on routine security procedures, communication protocols, and designated focal points.
- Administer security clearance processes, including requests for access to UNOPS compounds and facilities.
- In the absence of the Field Security Advisor, Security Senior Associate, or functional supervisor, coordinate closely with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office to provide information and support related to UNOPS security matters.
Operations
- Provide general administrative and logistical support for the work area, ensuring effective information flow and timely follow-up on correspondence, initiatives, and queries with internal and external stakeholders, including Security Focal Points of UN agencies and UNDSS.
- Organize meetings and briefings; arrange appointments; receive visitors; handle and screen telephone calls; respond to routine queries with discretion; and take minutes or notes at meetings as directed by supervisors.
- Prepare a variety of documents, reports, tables, databases, and charts, applying appropriate technical and formatting skills.
- Facilitate emergency communications by operating specialized data and communication equipment, including satellite phones, VHF, and HF radios.
- Maintain organized and secure files and records, including routine and confidential correspondence, ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive information.
Knowledge Building and Sharing
- Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.
- Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from the implementation of security projects/ initiatives.
- Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.
