Security Specialist

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Head of Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Head of Cluster who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.

UNMAS

United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to AMISOM as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis is delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each AMISOM Sector Headquarters and at AMISOM Force Headquarters, who support AMISOM planning and operations. UNMAS support includes both enabling (“operate in spite of IEDs”) and response (“defeat the device”). As a component of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali Police Force, Somali Explosive Management Authority and National Security Advisor. 

Somalia Mine Action supports mine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance activities, awareness programming, contamination survey and coordination for mine action activities throughout Somalia. Somalia Mine Action works closely with other UN Agencies, local communities and humanitarian and development actors to ensure a sustainable and effective response to explosive contamination in Somalia, with priority on improving the lives of people living in affected communities, and ensuring national capacity development for a long-term solution to the problem.

Summary of Key Functions 

1. Advisory and technical
2. Operations
3. Staff Development
4. Team management
5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

1.   Advisory and Technical

• Advise the Head of Office, Operations Manager and all Project Managers on all safety and security related matters including the planning and implementation of projects.
• In line with the UN Security Management System methodology, policies, and procedures develop, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential threats, risks levels and recommended mitigation strategies for office and project operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments;
• Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all programmes at the duty station and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.

2. Operations

• Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNMAS.
• Together with the Head of Security, develop, adapt, and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.
• Support the Head of Security in the prepare an annual security work plan including the budget for all aspects of office security including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:
  • Security plan
  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation measures
  • RSM
  • Security Safety
• Revise and update the office Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, information and related to UNMAS offices, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for the implementation of the office/operation’s security plan.
• Review security arrangements for all operations, maintaining relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties.
• Ensure the smooth and efficient evacuation of UNMAS staff members, designated personnel, and dependants, managing the implementation of UNDSS and UNMAS evacuation and extrication policies, and assuming leadership in the case of declaration of evacuation.
• Coordinate personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.
• Develop a mechanism for reporting all security-related incidents that may have an impact on UNMAS projects or programmes.
• Liaise with and update regularly the UNMAS Chief of Security on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.
• Brief all-new project managers on security concern specific to their projects.
• Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for staff travelling across the area of operation.
• Maintain accurate multi-sourced country records on current and projected security issues (assessments, security plans, etc.) and brief necessary staff across the region when required.
• Monitor and facilitate staff adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation measures); residential security management (RSM), etc.
• Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including secure communications equipment.
• Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. the implementation of new technology);
• Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.
• Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.
• Manage the inspection of the main office, facilities, residential compounds, as well as field offices and compounds, providing guidance and procedures for achieving full compliance with the mandatory mitigation measures and RSM compliance.
• Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security personnel and other regional security services to facilitate the seamless implementation of the security arrangements across the respective business unit/office.
• Liaise with the local government security organizations to gather and assess information on security and safety matters that might affect UNMAS personnel and programmes located in various areas in the country and provide analysis of security-related information obtained.
• Escort UNMAS staff during field mission as and when required.

3.   Staff Development

• Support in the delivery staff development and training programs for UNMAS and other agency personnel, including presentations as part of the UNDSS Somalia SSAFE training.
• Ensure that all UNMAS 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;
• Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, a comprehensive listing of emergency supplies, and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises;
• Provide heightened security awareness training to staff, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

4.  Team Management

•  Support in the provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

5.  Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing

• Together with the Head of Security, oversee team’s contributions to Security knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in Security.
• Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in social or political science, law, public administration, business management, security management or related field with 5 (five) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) in social or political science, law, public administration, business management, security management or related field with 7 (seven) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• Secondary School Diploma (High school or equivalent) with a minimum of eleven (11) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• Military experience with a minimum of eleven (11) years of relevant experience in civilian police/military or private security may be accepted in lieu of formal education.

• Fluency in English (Reading, writing and Speaking) is required;
• Fluency in another UN working language desired.

1. Contract type: (staff) Fixed Term Appointment
2. Contract level: P3 (ICS10)
3. Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

• 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.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.

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.