Senior Security Officer (National)

**1. General Background

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 logistics, 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.

Background Information – 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 PSC 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 Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

Background Information – UNMAS

Established in 1997, UNMAS leads, coordinates and implements mine action under United Nations legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, which include explicit references to remnant IEDs. UNMAS supports the UN’s vision of “a world free of the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development, and where mine survivors are fully integrated into their societies.”

UNMAS is a unit within the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) within the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, or at the request of the UN Secretary-General or his designated official. When instructed by the Security Council or called upon by Member States, UNMAS deploys under humanitarian, peace and security mandates. UNMAS main headquarters is in the UN Secretariat, New York with a sub-office in Geneva. UNMAS provides direct support and assistance in the areas of explosive hazard threat mitigation to 18 countries/territories/missions, has a standby rapid response capacity and global technical advisors in the field of IEDs and Weapons and Ammunition Management. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.

Background – UNMAS Iraq

The UNMAS Iraq programme was formally established in June 2015, at the request of the UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq, to lead the UN efforts to mitigate explosive threats in the country, as well as to support the enhancement of national and regional mine action capacities. UNMAS is supporting multiple layers of operations under the UNMAS Iraq Strategic Plan which focuses on three main components: 1. Explosive Hazard Management; 2. Capacity Enhancement, and 3. Risk Education. UNMAS Iraq has offices in both Baghdad and Erbil.

1. Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Field Security Advisor, the Senior Security Officer is responsible for the following assigned tasks:

• Support in providing guidance to the Chief Mine Action Programme (CMAP) on safety and security related matters and the possible impact on staff safety, UNOPS equipment, project design, implementation and funding.

• Assist in preparing comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the country to include all locations where UNOPS staff and dependents are present.

• Work 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.

• Prepare an annual security work plan including budget for all aspects of security including full Minimum Operating Security Standards and Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MOSS / MORSS) compliance and training needs.

• Conduct periodic (or when the security situation dictates) office security surveys, with recommendations on necessary physical security upgrades communicated to the Country Director (CD), Head of Programs and concerned Project Managers.

• Establish and maintain contact with the UN Department of Safety and Security, other UN Agencies, NGO and national security agencies where and when appropriate.

• Assist in developing security risk assessments outlining potential risks and recommended mitigation strategies regarding project implementation taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments.

• Support in constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment and improvements of operations, including providing guidance on legal considerations and risk assessment;

• Analyze and identify potential issues related to security operations, and support in proposing strategies and options to be reviewed by management.

• Build and share knowledge with regards to the management of operations in the country office

• Ensure all UNOPS 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.

• Assist in establishing and managing UNOPS warden systems for both International and National staff, prepare travel and other security advisories for all staff and advise and assist in the implementation of MOSS and MORSS compliance.

• Ensure that fire safety arrangements (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors etc.) are present and functioning in all UNOPS premises.

• Oversee the preparation of fire/building evacuation plans, whilst ensuring that periodical practice drills are carried out.

• Monitor that Administrative Instructions are correctly followed in relation to the establishment of UNOPS office and residential premises, whilst ensuring that security surveys and all recommended physical security measures are implemented prior to occupancy.

• Ensure by monitoring the process, that timely submissions of staff security clearance requests are carried out.

• Ensure that security training with synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices is provided to Wardens and all staff in the mission area.

• Follow up on arrests and detentions of staff members and eligible dependents.

• Coordinate appropriate UNOPS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving staff and eligible dependents.

• Ensure staff adherence and compliance to the various UNSMS advisories, in particular: compliance with directions related to warden systems; minimum operating security standards (MOSS); minimum operating residential security standards (MORSS), etc.

• Assist in managing the work assignments and schedules of all staff assigned to the office of the FSA.

• Provide oversight and take responsibility for the delegated assignments of personnel and assets under supervision.

• Define, manage, and account for the use of security equipment including communications equipment.

• Immediate reporting of all security related incidents involving UN staff and eligible dependents to the Country Director, UNDSS and the UNOPS Chief of Security where appropriate.

• Support the identification and building of relationships with national institutions, respective regional/governmental authorities, donors, and international partners, including UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, NGOs and commercial companies engaged in addressing the issue of Mine Action and its impact on local communities.

• Coordinate, organize and accompany donor visits to UNMAS field operations, including visits to high-risk governorates.

• Conduct detailed pre-visit communication, planning/preparations, liaison with the relevant Peshmerga/Iraqi Security Forces (ISF)/Fedpol Commanders for access, the submission of required documents including Mission Security Clearance Requests, security movement letters to the Kurdistan Joint Coordination Center and National Operations Center, liaison with relevant UN agencies including UNDSS.

• Plan and conduct field visits in coordination and cooperation with the relevant contractors and Implementing partners.

• Competencies

Strategic Perspective – Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Integrity & Inclusion – Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Leading Self and Others – Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as a positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Partnering – Demonstrates understanding of the impact of one’s own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role)

Result Orientation – Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understanding that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Agility – Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies one’s own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused – Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Effective Communication – Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

1. Education/Experience/Language

Education and Minimum Years of Experience:

• Advanced university degree (master or equivalent); with two (2) years of relevant experience

• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with four (4) years of relevant experience

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as progressive experience in security guard management, military operations, policing (law enforcement), humanitarian emergency management, security of information, or personnel security

Language:

• Fluency in Arabic (speaking, reading and writing) is required

• Fluency in Kurdish (speaking, reading and writing) is required

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required

Additional Consideration

• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• 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.

• 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.**