UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR4
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
- Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Target Start Date
2024-01-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Senior Field Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Field Security Officer reports to the manager, who may be, according to context, the Representative/Chief of Mission or Head of Office within a country operation; the Bureau Director in a Regional Directorate; or the Chief, Security Operations Section at Headquarters.
The incumbent acts as an adviser to the manager on field security, providing sound, well-reasoned advice followed by support in implementation of agreed measures or steps.
The incumbent supervises and or supports management in supervising security personnel at the international or national level. The incumbent will monitor, coach, guide and support security personnel.
The incumbent is expected to travel on mission, sometimes to multiple duty stations, to provide advice and support to the local manager as agreed in mission terms of reference.
All UNHCR personnel are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, personnel are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Provide practical and well-reasoned security advice, coordination and support to the designated manager(s) in managing the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, Partners, operations, premises and refugees or other persons of concern.
- Monitor situations and events in the designated region, country or duty station, gather and analyse information with the aim of identifying emerging trends and providing early warning of any potential threats that may affect the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, premises, assets and impact programme delivery.
- Provide security analysis and reports to UNHCR managers and the Field Security Service at Headquarters (FSS) when required.
- Undertake overall contextual analysis, identify security-related priority needs, and develop an annual work plan for addressing them.
- Ensure gender considerations are included in Security Risk Management (SRM) processes including in Security Risk Assessments, security briefings, travel advisories and the Aide Memoire for Response to Gender-Based Security Incidents
- Conduct regular missions and assessments, providing gender-inclusive security advice, training and coaching, as determined by the SRM process.
- Develop operational plans for implementation of security risk management measures for areas under their responsibility, identifying resources and ensuring they are factored into budgeting planning.
- Monitor security events and intervene when and where appropriate to ensure that security-related goals are achieved.
- Advise the manager on the reconciliation of humanitarian and security objectives in the region/country/duty station of responsibility, and on integrating security measures into operational planning (including budgetary provisions) at the earliest stages of development.
- Provide regular reporting on security-related incidents and events to the manager, the Bureau and FSS at Headquarters. Provide input on security aspects of situation reports and the potential impact on the safety and security of UNHCR personnel and programme delivery.
- Maintain effective liaison and relationships with UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) to include active participation in the country or area Security Cell. Maintain active liaison with Host Government law enforcement and other actors in the region/country/duty station, to ensure effective and responsive partnership and support in support of UNHCR¿s security and other needs.
- Within their security role, proactively reinforce a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.
- Provide training and coaching to staff and, as appropriate partners, both on mission and within the duty station of assignment, aimed at developing skills to plan and conduct operations safely within the specific security environment.
- In coordination with FSS and the Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC), assist in the identification of training needs, and planning and delivery of security training organized within the region.
- Assist in maximising the capacity of national field security staff by assisting in their recruitment and selection, providing coaching, mentoring, training and other forms of advice, identifying their further training needs, and assessing their potential for undertaking greater responsibilities.
- Maintain liaison with Medical and Staff Counsellor personnel in the region/country/duty station, referring cases as required.
- Manage and support critical incidents.
- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degreeFor P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Security; Security Management; Business Administration;
Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Security Management, Security Risk Management, Safety certification
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 5 years of experience in security risk management.
Proven competence in security risk management security planning and critical incident management.
Demonstrated competency in security analysis.
Training/facilitation/learning development.
Experience of implementing gender sensitive and inclusive responses and approaches.
Experience in team management.
Experience working in multi-cultural environments.
Desirable
Exposure to and experience in UN or humanitarian field operations, especially in high risk duty stations, and emergencies in an international capacity in various geographical locations.
Relevant training (first aid, WSAT, SSAFE, presentation skills, training skills).
Experience of effectively handling gender-based security incidents. Experience of delivering presentations and training
Functional Skills
- FS-Field Security Operations
- FS-Security Analysis
- FS-Security Planning
- FS-UN/UNHCR Rules, Regulations and Guidelines on Security Management
- FS-Security Risk Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. 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.
Desired Candidate Profile
Considering the challenging and the expansion of UNHCR programme across the continent, the position of Senior Field Security Officer requires the incumbent to be results-oriented, to have shown capacity to lead effectively in an inter-disciplinary context and to have demonstrated sound communication and training skills coupled with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. The incumbent should have demonstrated ability to think critically, problem solve and analytical and drafting skills are essential for this post. Excellent command of the English and Spanish language, both written and oral with the understanding Spanish language is essential for this regional function.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Spanish
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
The regional Snr Security Officer position is based at the RB for the Americas in Panama City. The incumbent proactively monitors situations and events in the region, gathers and analyzes information with the aim of identifying emerging trends and provides early warning of any potential threats that may affect the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, premises, assets and impact programme delivery. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Strategic Planning and Management Service. The incumbent will draft contextual quality security-related political analyses, identify security-related priority needs and develop an annual work plan for addressing them. S/he will provide regular analysis and advise the director, situational coordinators / heads of pillar on key developments in relation to security threats and risks, monitoring the strict compliance of Security Risk Management Measures (SRMMs) in close coordination with bureau relevant Units identifying implementation gaps and suggest timely corrective course of action. The incumbent will keep a close link with the Senior Medical Officer and Senior Staff Counselor to provide safe work environment and fulfill UNHCR duty of care responsibilities.
He/she provides operational support and advice to all country operations and undertakes regular regional missions, providing security advice including Security Risk Assessments, advice on PWS and partner security issues and security related administrative issues, including support for Inter-agency security matters. He/she will develop the regional security training and coaching plan and be responsible for its implementation. S/he will ensure the capacity development, learning opportunities and relevant security training to 5 National Officers and 15 GS staff fully dedicated to security matters in field operations mostly in Colombia (6), Venezuela (4) and Mexico (3), as well as Ecuador (1), Guatemala (1), El Salvador (1), Honduras (1) and Brazil (1) providing regular coaching and advice in all security related matters. In coordination with FSS and the GLDC he/she will assist in the identification of training needs and planning and delivery of security training organized within the region.
Living and Working Conditions:
Panama City is classified ‘A’ Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. -In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level ‘1 minimal’ whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level ‘2 low’. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. -UNHCR offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called ‘Ciudad del Saber’ where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. -The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. -In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighbouring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common week end activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Military, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Police Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Security, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Security Management
Certifications
Safety and Security – Other, Security Management Learning Program – Other, Security Risk Management – Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add. 2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position requires Functional Clearance
To apply for this job please visit unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.