Senior Field Security Adviser

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Field Security Adviser

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The post of Senior Field Security Adviser takes on the role of leading, coordinating and supervising all activities related to security issues within a country or operation.
The incumbent maintains contact with other UN agencies, NGOs, government partners and implementing partners to facilitate the operation.
The incumbent directly supervises UNHCR Field Security personnel within the operation, and reports to the Representative or the Deputy Representative.
The incumbent has a responsibility to monitor, coach, guide and support  staff within the given area of responsibility

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Country operations receive practical and well-reasoned security advice and support, helping ensure an appropriate level of safety for UNHCR's staff and operations and compliance with security guidelines and procedures.
- UNHCR benefits from effective and responsive support from host country law enforcement agencies and the UN Security Management System.
- Staff are aware of threats/risks and how to manage them, understand and comply with guidelines and procedures.
- Security management is efficient, well-coordinated and consistent with policies and procedures.

Responsibility
- Advise and support the Representative or Head of Office in managing staff safety and security of UNHCR staff, partners, operations, premises and refugees or persons of concern.
- Undertake regular travel within the country, assess current and potential risks and provide timely and proactive analysis to support managerial decision making.
- Provide specific recommendations regarding measures and procedures to ensure and improve the safety of UNHCR staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern, with specific attention to agency-specific needs such as camp security, refugee convoys and security issues related to urban refugees: provide follow-up support to ensure implementation.
- Develop plans for evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies.
- Provide regular and forward-looking analysis of the security environment, focusing on factors of risk with potential to impact UNHCR operations.
- Ensure that offices are in compliance with standards established through the Security Risk Management process; make sure that deficiencies are brought to the attention of management.

- In cooperation with senior management, ensure that humanitarian and security objectives are reconciled in the area of responsibility, and that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning (including budgetary provisions) at the earliest stages of development.
- Conduct or participate in security risk assessments for UNHCR programme activities. Advise on programme criticality processes.
- As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern by providing security assessments, analysis and advice in developing and implementing effective strategies which underpin the responsibilities of the host state.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with security-related actors including host government law enforcement authorities and other actors within the operating environment to ensure effective support and information sharing; provide regular feedback and analysis to country managers.
- Ensure UNHCR's effective participation in the UN Security Management System, by maintaining close co-operation with staff of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and security personnel of other UN agencies, ensure UNDSS understanding of agency requirements and contribute to development of policy and procedures to support these, cooperating in the development of security plans and procedures, and supporting UNHCR¿s role in security forums such as the Security Management Team. 
- Support UNHCR staff serving as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT), or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Wardens.
- Provide training and advice to staff and partners aimed at developing skills to plan and conduct operations safely within the specific security environment.
- Provide country-relevant security briefing, training and advice to UNHCR staff at all levels, and where appropriate, to staff of NGOs and implementing partners in all areas of field safety and security risk management.
- Provide security analysis and reports to UNHCR offices within the region of responsibility and the Field Security Service at Headquarters according to established procedures.
- Maintain linkages with the Staff Welfare Section, and Medical Service, referring cases as required.
- Undertake other functions or responsibilities in the interest of UNHCR as appropriate and as delegated by the supervisor.

Authority
- Provide security-related advice, in written and oral form, to the manager and other staff.
- Advise on, and upon approval, implement, needed mitigating measures.
- Participate in criticality assessments.
- Represent UNHCR in interagency working groups and attend SMT or ASMT meetings as an observer.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) with a focus on Security Management and/or related disciplines (Business Administration, Political/Social Science, International Relations) plus minimum 8 years of previous work experience relevant to the function including 5 years security risk management experience in an international capacity. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Also relevant would be military or police academy degree (at Officer level) at the equivalent of a Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) specifically successful completion of the Command and General Staff at a recognized military staff college or police equivalent.
- Strong drafting skills.
-       Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
- Proven competences in security analysis.
- Negotiating skills.
- Organisation management.
- Proven training skills.
-      Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Senior Field Security Adviser positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X008L3 - Stakeholder Management Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

The Senior FSA will lead, coordinate, supervise activities related to security issues, assess risks.  Provide specific recommendations regarding measures and procedures to ensure and improve the safety of UNHCR staff, operations, premises, partners and persons of concern, with specific attention to agency-specific needs such as camp security, refugee convoys and security issues related to urban refugees: provide follow-up support to ensure implementation.  Develop plans for evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies.  Provide regular and forward-looking analysis of the security environment, focusing on factors of risk with potential to impact UNHCR operations and ensure that offices are MOSS and MORSS compliant.  Ensure that humanitarian and security objectives are reconciled in the area of responsibility, and that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning (including budgetary provisions) at the earliest stages of development. Contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern by providing security assessments, analysis and advice in developing and implementing effective strategies which underpin the responsibilities of the host state.   Ensure UNHCR's effective participation in the UN Security Management System, by maintaining close co-operation with staff of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and security personnel of other UN agencies, ensure UNDSS understanding of agency requirements and contribute to development of policy and procedures to support these, cooperating in the development of security plans and procedures, and supporting UNHCR¿s role in security forums such as the Security Management Team.   Provide training and advice to staff and partners aimed at developing skills to plan and conduct operations safely within the specific security environment. Following militant attacks against security posts on 25 August 2017, Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya residents of Rakhine State, triggering the largest, swiftest refugee exodus in the region in decades, with over 720,000 fleeing across the border. A level 3 emergency remains in effect.

Prior to the current emergency, an estimated 300,000 Rohingya refugees were present in Cox¿s Bazar. Today, over 900,000 have sought safety in official and makeshift camps. Of those, 620,000 live in the congested Kutupalong mega camp, the largest in the world with high risks of flooding and landslides. In response, UNHCR is implementing large-scale disaster risk reduction projects and the relocation of at-risk persons, while transitioning to mid-term site planning and development. Concurrently, UNHCR is addressing strains on host communities through investments in livelihoods and infrastructure.

The Rohingya are diverse and resilient, but with acute protection needs. Restricted movement and scarcity of available land in Bangladesh results in overcrowded sites with a range of risks. Protection and gender mainstreaming are thus key, with focus on community-based empowerment and resilience. Targeted interventions are needed to address widespread trauma, legal and physical needs, GBV, and child protection.

The operation requires strong interagency coordination in a complex, politically charged environment. UNHCR is uniquely situated in Bangladesh, where the government has given IOM a lead role within a coordination structure distinct from a traditional Refugee Coordination Model. UNHCR works closely with local officials and the RRRC in Cox¿s Bazar, but Dhaka-level ministries and taskforces exert strong influence. Additionally, UNHCR manages engagement of nearly 100 international and national NGOs, a division of the Bangladesh military, and several battalions of border guards. The Office also spends considerable time on representational, external relations, and PI work. Cox¿s Bazar is a category ¿D,¿ family duty station with a 2-year of SAL.  Educational facilities are limited, and international schools from primary to secondary school are currently only available in Dhaka. Health services are limited, but better medical services are available in Dhaka/Bangkok. Malaria and dengue risks exist throughout the year.  Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and diphtheria are required.

Cox¿s Bazar is the principle tourist destination in Bangladesh, with the longest beach in the world stretching over 120km to the tip of the peninsula, with dramatic scenery and a number of high quality hotels and restaurants. Leisure and recreational facilities generally focus on beach activities (surfing, jet ski, etc.) and hotel-based activities (swimming pools, gyms, restaurant, and bars). Infrastructure and shopping options in Cox's Bazar -- a small city of just 250,000 persons -- are relatively limited, however.

Cox¿s Bazar is a comfortable duty station, but the workload in the L3 emergency setting is heavy, with staff regularly working long hours and often under stressful conditions.  The R&R cycle is every 8 weeks. There are domestic flights available from/to Dhaka on a daily basis during daylight hours. Banks/ATM machines are available in Cox's Bazar and credit/debit cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily in banks and exchange houses. UNHCR staff members who upon assignment to Bangladesh opt not to install their family (i.e. recognized dependents) in Cox¿s Bazar may be compensated for maintaining two households through a `living allowance¿.  For more details, please refer to the Administrative Instruction on Exceptional Administrative Measures for the Bangladesh Emergency operation UNHCR/AI/2017/10.¿ The security level system in Bangladesh is level 3 moderate.  Although security is generally acceptable, given the current situation in the area, no movement on highways at night is allowed.  Walking and jogging on the streets as earmarked is permitted.  Staff members may avail rickshaws and taxis within Cox's Bazaar city only.  Crowded local markets should be avoided.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October  2018 (midnight Geneva time).