ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Senior Liaison and Policy Officer (Security) will report to the Head, Field Safety Service and will provide sound guidance on UN Security Management Policy to UNHCR Bureaux, Services and the Field in addition to appropriately representing UNHCR on IASMN forums. S/he will have extensive contact with a wide variety of internal and external audiences ranging from NATO, EU, academic, national military forces, IASC and other representatives in the context of dissemination of information briefing presentations. UNHCR and gathering support for our activities. The incumbent will supervise the output of one FSA providing analytic support, and one JPO.
Given the degree of professionalization that has occurred within the humanitarian security risk management field, and due to the specialization of this function, this is an expert post.
FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Organizational priorities are reflected in interagency security policies and practices developed for the UN Security Management System.
- Security Issues are properly reflected in strategic and operational management decisions.
- Executive management is fully supported through technical expertise and analysis.
- UNHCR country operations are consistent with policies and procedures of the UNSMS and UNHCRs global strategic objectives on security.
- Resources for security are appropriately reviewed and monitored.
- UNHCRs credibility and authority are maintained through representation and linkages with military actors and other external forums.
Responsibility
- Address queries from HQ and the Field on security policy and management
- Draft guidelines on security-related issues for all UNHCR offices and ensures timely dissemination of UNHCR and UNSMS policies and guidelines.
- Participate in IASMN, ensuring UNHCRs operational perspectives are clearly articulated while ensuring sound risk management practices are developed.
- Maintain overview of UNHCRs operations, review lessons learned to enable development and or revision of security management policies, ensure these are also shared with GLC Security Training Section.
- Determine analytic products required to enable strategic operational focus based on current security operations and country operational planning, monitors and supervises development.
- Affirm that operations are consistent with UN security policies, identify polices that are inconsistent and address these through appropriate channels.
- Receive analyses and determine allocation of funding from the FSS Security ABOD, review allocation and expenditure of security resource allocation for operations.
- Participate in Interagency missions to determine appropriate security risk management practices and review/ contrast UNHCRs own procedures/ address shortfalls if they exist.
- Support and review other UNHCR guidance to ensure security for both staff and persons of concern are adequately addressed in line with current policies.
- Lead on Civil Military Coordination for UNHCR thus providing briefings, representing UNHCR at various forums International and National Military/ Civilian forums.
- Coordinate with OCHA, CMCS and represent UNHCR on IASC WG on Civil Military Relations to develop guidance.
- Provide guidance and support to UNHCR offices on CMCOORD, Mine Action and other related matters.
- Represent and co-ordinate UNHCRs participation in Civil Military Exercises.
Authority
- Represent UNHCR in the IASMN and other inter-agency forums.
- Represent UNHCR on matters pertaining to Civil Military and develops UNHCR policy on same.
- Confirm UNHCRs security management priorities are accurately reported and reflected in official document.
- Assess security related resources and financial needs of country operations and advise on budgetary allocation.
- Design products/projects to enhance UNHCRs policies and practices.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced degree in security management, international relations, business administration and/or a related field.
- Minimum 15 years work experience of which 5 should be in a function directly relevant to the position.
- At least 3 years of successful management of multicultural teams.
- Operational experience related to UNHCRs mandate, its principles and policies regarding persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Applied knowledge in UNHCRs activities, policies and priorities, particularly from a security risk management perspective.
- Excellent communications, presentation and drafting skills.
- Fluency in English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Certification and/or advanced qualifications in relevant areas including Security Risk Management and CMCoord.
- Training and proven skills in emergency management, communications, protection, analysis, planning, and critical incident management, CMCoord, Mine Action, financial management.
- Knowledge of French or another UN language.
- Understanding of organizational policies, procedures, structures and methods.
- Project design and management skills.
- Training and facilitation experience an asset.