Senior Field Security Officer

The Senior Field Security Officer is responsible for advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA security and risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness in the Field, focusing on frontline Area staff security in conflict-impacted areas. The role involves leading security risk assessments, managing security plans, overseeing office security management, reporting and liaison with various stakeholders, and managing the Field Security Risk Management section.

Responsibilities

• Advise on and operationalize all aspects of UNRWA security and risk management, crisis readiness and preparedness in the Field for all UNRWA personnel.
• Serve as principal Advisor and assist the Front Office in execution of security responsibilities in the Field.
• Ensure UNRWA's Security and Risk Management system is context specific and tailored to frontline personnel needs.
• Support identification and implementation of security and risk management best practices and Standard Operation Procedures.
• Ensure UNRWA's participation in the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and compliance with security requirements.
• Maintain cooperation with UNDSS, Agency Funds and Programmes Security Officers, Host Government security agencies, local community, and beneficiaries.
• Provide direct supervision to the Close Protection Team and Field Security Risk & Management team as applicable.
• Lead development of security risk management processes and recommend prevention and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate security initiatives with Front Office and Department and Programme Heads.
• Oversee comprehensive threat analysis and security risk assessments for all staff and locations.
• Manage security assessments to ensure prevention and mitigation measures.
• Review and recommend improvements in security and risk management system implementation and monitoring.
• Manage UNRWA security incidents system and ensure proper reporting and upgrading of Security Incident Management System (SIMS).
• Plan and oversee Security Risk Management process for all offices and maintain security, contingency, emergency and evacuation plans.
• Support implementation and adherence to Area Security Plan and coordinate capacity building for frontline staff.
• Develop and update Field specific security contingency plans and coordinate emergency medical evacuation and convoy security procedures.
• Ensure all new staff receive security briefings and training.
• Manage staff warden/information systems and ensure compliance with UNSMS and UNRWA policies.
• Ensure staff tracking and compliance with Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) and security clearance.
• Oversee adherence to security plans and advisories such as warden systems and Residential Security Measures (RSM).
• Assist Field Director in assessing and implementing security risk management measures and chair Field Office advisory sub-committee on Security and Risk Management.
• Oversee reporting of security incidents, guarding schedules, radio checks and logistics support.
• Lead security assessments of UNRWA premises and advise on security preparedness improvements.
• Ensure due security arrangements in UNRWA premises and conduct periodic drills.
• Develop plans to engage frontline staff, beneficiaries and community to safeguard installations.
• Advise on security and risk management components in programmes and prepare security related budget proposals.
• Update Front Office, DSRM HQ and UNDSS on security developments and participate in inter-agency security cells and Security Management Team meetings.
• Establish and maintain contacts with Area and Programme staff, national security agencies, diplomatic missions and international organizations.
• Coordinate with other UN entities on humanitarian notification systems for convoys.
• Ensure accurate and timely security information flow to management and staff.
• Develop security strategy for engagement with beneficiaries, local community and host governments.
• Support implementation of security reporting lines and communication channels between HQ, Field-Area, Sub-Area, Camp/Installation levels.
• Manage Field Security Risk Management section budget, monitoring, evaluation and donor reporting.
• Ensure reporting and follow-up of security incidents involving UNRWA personnel.
• Implement Residential Security Measures based on security surveys and recommend physical security measures to Area staff.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in risk management, military or police intelligence, international relations or related area, or a university degree from an accredited educational institution in the same specializations with two additional years of relevant work experience.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in security analysis and risk management with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or International Organization (IO).
• At least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country(s) of nationality or citizenship, unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.
• Progressively responsible practical experience at the Field/country level in moderate to high-risk security environments within UNSMS, IO security management, INGO Security Management.
• Additional technical certification in relation to security and risk management such as security management, community security, civilian-military coordination, human rights & protection, counterterrorism, intelligence management, hostage management, operational planning and investigation, crisis management and emergency or disaster planning is desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of security related analytical processes is desirable.
• Additional management, programme and project management qualifications is desirable.
• Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience, UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security, humanitarian operations, humanitarian, human rights, and/or international refugee law is desirable.
• In possession of UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) certificate is desirable.
• Experience working in conflict settings and in high-risk environment is desirable.
• English is required at UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Arabic is desirable at UN Level I proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Skills

• Security Analysis
• Risk Management
• UN Security Management System
• Field Security Operations
• Security Risk Assessment
• Security Planning
• Office Security Management
• Crisis Management
• Emergency Planning
• Conflict Zone Security
• Hostage Incident Management
• Civilian-Military Coordination
• Counter Terrorism
• Intelligence Management
• Investigation
• Human Rights Protection
• International Refugee Law
• UN Security Certification
• Programme Management
• Project Management

Languages

English, Arabic