Senior Field Security Officer

Org. Setting And Reporting
The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) is responsible to the Director of UNRWA Affairs
(DUA) and receives technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management
(DSRM) – HQ (Amman).
Responsibilities
In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the SFSO is responsible for
advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA security and risk management, crisis
readiness and preparedness in the Field, for all UNRWA personnel both International and
local Area staff with focus on frontline Area staff security, particularly in those areas heavily
impacted by the current conflict.
The SFSO serves as a principal Advisor and assists the Director of UNRWA Affairs and
Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Operations) in the execution of their security
responsibilities in the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA’s Security and Risk Management
system is context specific and tailored to the needs of frontline personnel. S/he supports the
identification, implementation of security and risk management best practices and other
Standard Operation Procedures across the Field. The SFSO ensures UNRWA’s participation
in the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and supports UNRWA’s compliance with
safety and security requirements, as appropriate. The SFSO also maintains close cooperation
with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Agency Funds and Programmes
Security Officer(s), as well as with the Host Government security agencies, local community
and beneficiaries.
The SFSO is responsible to the Director of UNRWA Affairs and receives technical guidance
from the Director of Security and Risk Management (DSRM) at HQ Amman.
The SFSO manages the Field Security Risk and Management (FSRM) team that includes
professional and support staff.Security Risk Assessment:
In line with UNSMS methodology, leads the development of security risk management
processes, outlining potential risks and recommends prevention and mitigation strategies
towards improving the safety and security of both the internationally recruited and the
frontline Area staff, as well as the installations with a particular emphasis on the Camp level;
In close cooperation with the DUA and DDUA-(Operations) and Departments’ Heads, ensures
that security initiatives are fully coordinated, approved and integrated into appropriate
Agency-wide policy;
Oversees the process of comprehensive threat analysis and security risk assessments to
include all area staff, locations, installations and activities in the assigned Field;
Manages the processes of various security assessments, both routine and adhoc, as required,
to ensure optimal prevention and mitigation measures are in place;
Reviews inputs and recommends improvements in coordination with DSRM, HQ (Amman) in
the implementation, further development and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the
security and risk management system for all staff with the objective to minimize risk in the
contextual, programmatic and professional work place-risk categories for frontline Area staff;
Manages the UNRWA security incidents system as required and ensures that the Agency
Security Incident Management System (SIMS) is fully implemented, kept up-to-date and
reports filed properly;
Oversees the upgrading of the SIMS to provide critical information for security analysis;
encourages incident reporting at the Camp and Area level.
UNRWA Security Plan, Security Risk Management processes and UNSMS Security Risk
Management (SRM) Measures:
Plans and oversees Security Risk Management process for all offices and maintains guidance
such as security, contingency, emergency and evacuation plans as required;
Supports and supervises the implementation and adherence to the Camp Security Plan and
coordinates capacity building efforts for relevant frontline staff with the support of the
available security resources on the ground (Mobile Security Officers);
Is responsible for developing and updating the Field specific safety and security contingency
plans in accordance with the United Nations Security Policy Manual that governs
International staff and UNRWA risk management system for Area staff; coordinates and
organizes emergency medical evacuation and convoy security procedures;
Ensures and manages that all new International and Area staff personnel receive briefings
upon arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in security environment, and
are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
Ensures implementation of the frontline staff capacity-building plan, including SSAFE
training programme for frontline staff and professional work-place risk trainings;
Manages the International staff warden/ information systems as required;
Ensures that UNRWA Field Office procedures conform to the UNSMS and UNRWA policy
and standards as appropriate, and that UNRWA personnel is included in the Security Plan
comprising International staff with eligible dependents and the Area staff;
Ensures that appropriate staff tracking procedures are in place for all UNRWA staff travel;
ensures compliance of International staff with Travel Request Information Process (TRIP)
including the security clearance process;
Oversees staff’s adherence and compliance to various (UNDSS and UNRWA specific)
security plans and advisories, such as warden systems, and Residential Security Measures
(RSM);
Assists the Field Director in assessing and implementing security risk management measures
with a view towards SRM compliance for International staff and supports the development
and implementation of operational procedures and standards with regard to contextual,
programmatic and professional work-place risk categories for frontline Area staff based on
best practices in the Field.
Office Security Management:
Oversees and directs the operation of the 24/7 security operations rooms (when present)
which supports all UNRWA operational movements, including: recording and reporting of
area safety and security incidents and information; monitoring of guarding schedules;
conducting radio checks and providing logistics support.
Leads periodic appropriate security assessments of UNRWA premises, equipment and advises
on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions;
Reviews office security surveys and recommends physical security measures to the Field
Director;
Ensures due safety arrangements (fire, hazards etc.) in UNRWA premises, makes
recommendations to responsible units and conducts periodic drills;
Leads the development of a plan to engage frontline Area Staff, beneficiaries and community
further into the UNRWA installations’ security;
Reporting and liaison:
Advises the Field Director and Programme Managers on security and risk management
components in programmes and ensures that these components are included in all appeals and
in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; prepares security
related budget proposals and follows up security related procurement and construction with
relevant departments;
Updates the DUA, DDUA (Operations) and DSRM at HQ(A) and UNDSS country offices on
relevant security developments; participates as a member of the country security cell; attends
the Security Management Team (SMT) meetings in support of her/his supervisor as required;
Establishes and maintains contacts with Area and Programme staff, Chiefs of Area Offices,
Camp Service Officers and programmatic frontline Area staff as appropriate; establishes and
maintains contacts with national security agencies and authorities, and security officials of
diplomatic missions and international organizations to obtain/share the best information
pertaining to protection for UNRWA staff and operations;
Establishes and maintains communication links with the Designated Official, Security
Management Team, Area Security Coordinators and other UN Field Security personnel;
Establishes a flow of accurate and timely security related information to management and all
staff;
Develops a security strategy of further engagement with beneficiaries, local community and
host governments to increase coordination, collaboration and acceptance;
Supports the implementation of clear security reporting lines and communication channels
between the HQ, Field-Area, Sub-Area, Camp/Installation levels.
Manages Field Security Risk Management section and assets in terms of budget, monitoring
and evaluation, and donor reporting obligations.
Ensures reporting of all security related incidents involving UNRWA personnel as per
Agency guidelines and makes certain they are entered into the Security Information
Management System; assesses, investigates and follows up on these incidents as needed.
Implements Residential Security Measures (RSM) based on residential security surveys of
UNRWA International staff in conjunction with UNDSS and recommends physical security
measures to Area staff members; prepares justification for residential security measures as
required.
Close Protection Operations’ management, when Close Protection Officers are assigned to the
UNRWA duty station:
Provides leadership, technical and operational guidance to the assigned Field Office’s Close
Protection Team, to include administration, operations and Human Resources;
Coordinates UNRWA Senior United Nations Officials (SUNO) visits;
Manages Close Protection training; coordinates with training providers to ensure compliance
with Close Protection Manual of Guidance; ensures all CPOs are qualified and authorized to
conduct Close Protection;
Ensures that all Close Protection equipment and vehicles are in accordance with the Close
Protection Manual of Guidance, operational and maintained properly.
Competencies
UN Core Values of Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity and Core
Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by
default. Default managerial competencies may apply.
Demonstrated competence in management, problem solving skills and excellent interpersonal
and supervisory skills.
Understanding and demonstrated application of security planning, security risk management
as related to staff, installations and programmes.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a team
environment and with people of diverse backgrounds, culture and nationalities.
A high level of written and verbal communication skills and practical report and proposal
writing experience.
Basic paramedic knowledge/skills.
Judgment and decision-making skills.
Promotes learning environment in the office/field; provides constructive coaching and
feedback to others.
Creates an empowering and motivating environment.
Good command of MS Office applications.
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.
org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational
institution in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations,
humanitarian law, human rights, conflict studies, social sciences, or international law with a
focus on security and risk management.
Work Experience
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in security
and risk management with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or International
Organization (IO) Security Management or International Non-Governmental Organization
(INGO) Security Management and/or experience in police or military.
A minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and
outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a
national identity number.
Progressively responsible practical experience at the Field/country level in moderate to high
risk security environments within UNSMS, IO security management, INGO Security
Management.
A minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and
outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a
national identity number.
Senior Staff College (military or police) training (desirable).
Knowledge of UN field security operations/ UN Field Security Officer/Adviser experience
(desirable).
In possession of UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) certificate (desirable).
Additional management, programme and project management qualifications (desirable).
Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security (desirable). .
Familiarity with UNRWA, its mandate, programmes and delivery modality (desirable).
Additional technical certification in relation to security and risk management such as security
management, community security, civilian-military coordination, human rights & protection, ,
counter-terrorism, intelligence management, hostage management, operational planning and
investigation, crisis management and emergency or disaster planning (desirable).
Languages
Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Knowledge of spoken and written Arabic (desirable).
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be
followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states,
regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA
is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the
difficult circumstances in which they live.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
Type of Contract and Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension
The Senior Field Security Officer may be required to travel to other locations within UNRWA
area of operations.
United Nations Considerations
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to
assignment by him or her.
UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current
UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from
under-represented groups.
At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the
necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due
regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of
qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and
inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with
disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when
requested and indicated in the application.
UNRWA Considerations
UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence,
neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human
rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who
fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs.
Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed
violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law,
sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to
believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who
have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for
employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of
misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear
on the UN Sanctions List.
UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment
platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the
Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side
of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in
the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable
internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations,
resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative
issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information
pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in
inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion,
revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates
under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the
information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time)
on the deadline date.