Security Assistant

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. 

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has caused significant disruptions to the supply chain and to the overall availability of services.

In light of the reduced or even absent provision of public services, communities have adopted various coping strategies, including using alternate water and energy sources, relying on alternate service providers and community-based service delivery initiatives to address the shortfall.

Physical damage to infrastructure and the lack of functionality in one sector often spills over into other sectors with significant consequences on both the access to, and quality of services, that are often interrelated. For example, in cities such as Aden, the lack of functionality in the water sector is tied most directly to the lack of electricity rather than to physical damage to water infrastructure. As a result, wastewater continues to overflow into Aden’s streets, which in turn has significant implications for the health and transport sectors. Similarly, the absence of electricity across many cities in Yemen is not solely tied to infrastructure damage of energy facilities but rather to the lack of fuel, amongst others due to severe transport limitations and access constraints. These cross-sectoral linkages demonstrate the need for an integrated, multi-sectoral approach that provides synergies and responds to the multi-faceted needs on the ground.

UNOPS is undertaking a multi-sectoral engagement aimed at restoring urban services mainly in energy, urban roads, WASH and municipal services in targeted cities in Yemen using an integrated approach.

Under the overall direction of the Programme Manager and the supervision of the Field Security Advisor (FSA), the Security Assistant will perform the following specific duties and responsibilities but not limited to:

·         Ensure full compliance with UNOPS and the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) rules and regulations with respect to safety and security;

·         Maintain close contact and liaise with UNDSS and other UN offices to obtain up-to-date information on the security situation and liaise with the FSA on the latest trends and threats to staff and personnel safety and security;

·         Establish lines of communication with local security forces and “de facto” authorities with regard to the security of UNOPS staff and assets in Yemen.

·         Assist in arranging all security aspects of field visits conducted by the office staff in Yemen as necessary and ensure continuous mission tracking, whereas he/she is directly involved or by remotely monitoring the movement of mission staff.

·         Assist in the preparation of the country security plan in accordance with the guidelines contained in the UN Security Policy Manual  including updating national and international staff and personnel lists;

·         Conduct periodic security assessments in various regions or provinces as may be assigned;

·         Assist and follow up on incident/accident and investigation reports as well as security-related matters affecting UNOPS personnel, assets and operation;

·         Maintain an accurate and detailed record of all security incidents including vehicle accidents and prepare security reports (Security Incidents, Security Assessments and Quarterly Incident Reports). 

·         Assist the FSA in analyzing security matters, and the level of risks related to UNOPS Programme/Project design, implementation and evaluation taking into account that coordination with project personnel is paramount;

·         Ensure that all security administration (travel clearances, staff lists) is processed in a thorough and timely manner and archived for future access if required;

·         Disseminate relevant security information in a timely manner to staff and personnel;

·         Manage the warden system for all national/international UNOPS personnel;

·         Update security related documents and maintain a set of SOP’s;

·         Ensure all mandatory training is carried out in a timely manner

·         Conduct regular security drills and maintain a log;

·         Ensure that UHF/VHF radios and other emergency communications equipment are functioned, well maintained, programmed and tracked and personnel are trained on usage and radio procedures;

·         Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of Security Risk Management Measures (SRM) and Residential Security Measures Standards (RSM) compliance;

·         Support watchmen/guards on security administration related issues;

·         Prepare outgoing memos, internal security circulars and security advisories and disseminate these documents to proper channels;

·         Make sure that office drivers engaged in driving UNOPS vehicles are aware of UN Safe driving techniques and security reporting procedures.

·         Perform other duties as may be assigned.

·         A First Level University Degree (Bachelor's) in Security, Military Science, Law Enforcement or a relevant field is required. A Secondary Diploma (High School) with an additional 4 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Bachelor's Degree requirement. Relevant certificates in security management and operations a distinct advantage

·         Minimum of 5 year of relevant experience in security, law enforcement or military service either in the national or international level;

·         Proven experience in dealing with security-related issues

·         Knowledge in the usage of computers and office software packages and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;

·         Previous experience within a conflict and post-conflict/conflict zone setting a distinct advantage;

·         Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is an advantage;

·         Fluency in both written and oral English is essential.

·         Previous UN Security experience is an advantage

• 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.