Field Security Advisor

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, the UNOPS Afghanistan office supports national reconstruction and development efforts by providing projects with goods and services - from stand-alone, one-off solutions to long-term management and capacity development support.  Based in Kabul, UNOPS Afghanistan has regional offices in most parts of the country. The team implements projects in support of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, in a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, education, environment and agriculture, and governance and rule of law.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

• Advise the Director and Representative, Programme/Project Managers and personnel on all safety and security related matters and the possible impact on staff safety, UNOPS equipment, project design, implementation and funding
• Work to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all programmes at AFOH and conduct periodic office security surveys that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs
• Prepare an annual security work plan including budget for all aspects of security including full MOSS/MORSS compliance and training needs
• Conduct periodic (or when the security situation dictates) office security surveys, with recommendations on necessary physical security upgrades communicated to the CD, Head of Programs and concerned Project Manager/s;
• Establish and maintain contact with UNDSS, other UN Agencies, NGO and national security agencies where and when appropriate;
• In line with UN Security Management System (UNSMS) methodology, develop as required security risk assessments outlining potential risks and recommended mitigation strategies regards project implementation taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments;
• Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment and improvements of operations, including advice on legal considerations and risk assessment;
• Analysis and identification of potential issues related to security operations. Proposal of strategies and options to be reviewed by management;
• Build and share knowledge with regards to the management of operations in the Country Office;
• Ensuring all UNOPS personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
• Establish and manage UNOPS warden systems for both International and National staff, prepare travel and other security advisories for all staff and advise and assist in the implementation of MOSS and MORSS compliancy;
• Ensure that fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors etc.) are present and functioning in all UNOPS premises;
• Oversee the preparation of fire/building evacuation plans, whilst ensuring that periodical practice drills are carried out;
• Monitor that Administrative Instructions are correctly followed in relation to the establishment of UNOPS office and residential premises, whilst ensuring that security surveys and all recommended physical security measures are implemented prior to occupancy;
• Ensure by monitoring the process, that timely submissions of staff security clearance requests are carried out;
• Ensure that security training with synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices is provided to Wardens and all staff in the mission area;
• Follow up on arrests and detentions of staff members and eligible dependants;
• Coordination of an appropriate UNOPS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving staff and eligible dependants;
• Ensure staff adherence and compliance to the various UNSMS advisories, in particular: compliance with directions related to warden systems; minimum operating security standards (MOSS); minimum operating residential security standards (MORSS), etc.;
• Manage the work assignments and schedules of all staff assigned to the office of the FSA;
• Provide oversight and take responsibility for the delegated assignments of personnel and assets under supervision;
• Serve as the first reporting officer on performance evaluations of all staff assigned to the office of the FSA;
• Define, manage and account for the use of security equipment including communications equipment;
• Immediate reporting of all security related incidents involving UN staff and eligible dependants to the Country Director, UNDSS and the UNOPS Chief of Security where appropriate, and
• Perform any other relevant duties as required and tasked by the supervisor.

• An advance university degree in Security Management with 5 years of relevant work experience, a Bachelor’s degree with seven years of experience, or High/secondary school degree/diploma with 11 years of relevant work experience in management or supervisory role.
• Excellent verbal and written English skills are required for this position.   

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.