Central africans (1) Who are residing outside of Central African Republic at the time of application (2) Who have been living there for five years or more (3) Who are fulfilling the requirement's stated on this job advert are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a highly fragile country with a history of recurrent conflict, the most recent of which took place in 2013 between multiple armed groups. The violence that followed the 2013 crisis greatly damaged public assets and infrastructure, disrupted service delivery, further weakened the social fabric, and exacerbated people’s poverty and vulnerability to shocks. As a result, roughly one-quarter of the population was internally displaced or had to flee as refugees to neighboring countries. Forced displacement has disrupted livelihoods, depleted the assets of the poor, and put an additional strain on service delivery in areas of displacement.
Improvements in the security situation have resulted in the voluntary return of displaced populations, primarily in the northwest and southwest of the country. It is estimated that about 15 to 20 percent of the displaced population has returned spontaneously. However, the return of the displaced to the areas of origin remains fragile and dependent on the overall security situation. The reintegration of displaced populations and provision of social safety nets is a short-term priority and essential to the stabilization and economic revitalization of the country.
The incumbent functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under general guidance of the UNOPS Chief of Security, coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe implementation of local programs and operations in the relevant geographical business unit/s. The incumbent promotes a compliance and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies. He/she works closely with and advises Program Management and personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues. This position is located in Bangui, Central African Republic ( Non Family Duty Station).
Background information - DR Congo
Located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) the UNOPS Hub in Central Africa covers eleven countries, including in the Central African Republic (CAR), and has an active portfolio of over $200m, mostly related to infrastructure projects. The office has developed strong working relations with the international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments across Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors; procurement, project management and sectoral advisory services; peace and security, environmental preservation and protection among others.
II. Functional Responsibilities
Summary of key results:
1. Advisory and Technical
● Advise the office management team 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 programs at the duty station and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.
2. Operations
Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed. Conduct field assessments when necessary.
Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.
Develop, adapt, and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.
Propose and control budgets for security operations and monitor expenses.
Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology)
Prepare an annual security work plan including budget for all aspects of office security including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines;
Revise and update the office Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective
Maintain up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, information and related to UNOPS 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 instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties;
If necessary, ensure the smooth and efficient evacuation of UNOPS staff members, designated personnel, and dependents, managing the implementation of UNDSS and UNOPS evacuation and extrication policies, and assuming leadership in the case of declaration of evacuation.
Coordinate personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.
Develop mechanism for reporting all security related incidents that may have an impact on UNOPS projects or programs.
Liaise with and update regularly the UNOPS Chief of Security on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.
Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.
Brief all new project managers on security concerns specific to their projects;
Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for staff traveling across the area of operation.
Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.
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;
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.
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.
Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and other regional security services to facilitate 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 UNOPS personnel and programs located in various areas in the country and provide analysis of security related information obtained.
Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including security communications equipment
3. Staff Development
● Develop and deliver staff development and training programs for UNOPS personnel and security focal points, including on Security Risk Assessments within the area of operation.
● Ensure that 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;
● Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, 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
● Facilitate the engagement and 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
● Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Security related topics.
● Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for Security personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
● 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
Impact of Results
The effective and successful achievement of results by the Field Security Adviser directly impact on the security, safety and performance of UNOPS’ personnel, local programmes, projects and operations and therefore the organization’s credibility as an effective service provider in project services and management. This promotes the image of the office and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.
III. Education
IV. Experience
V. Languages
Full working knowledge of French and English is essential.
This vacancy is archived.