Back Field Security Advisor

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information — UNOPS

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 sustainably and efficiently.

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 logistical, technical, and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means we can quickly respond to our partners' needs while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information — Yemen

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has caused significant disruptions to the supply chain and the overall availability of services.

In light of the reduced or absent provision of public services, communities have adopted various coping strategies, including using alternate water and energy sources, relying on alternate service providers, and community-based service delivery initiatives to address the shortfall.

Physical damage to infrastructure and the lack of functionality in one sector often spill over into other sectors with significant consequences on the access to and quality of services, which are often interrelated. For example, in cities such as Aden, the lack of functionality in the water sector is tied most directly to the lack of electricity rather than to physical damage to water infrastructure. As a result, wastewater continues to overflow into Aden's streets, which has significant implications for the health and transport sectors. Similarly, the absence of electricity across many cities in Yemen is not solely tied to infrastructure damage of energy facilities but rather to the lack of fuel due to severe transport limitations and access constraints. These cross-sectoral linkages demonstrate the need for an integrated, a multi-sectoral approach that provides synergies and responds to the multi-faceted needs on the ground.

Under the supervision of the Country Manager (CM), the Country Field Security Adviser (CFSA) will perform the following duties:

Act as the Single Agency Security Professional, operate within the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) framework and its policies and coordinate directly with the Yemen UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office.

Advise the CM on their security duties and responsibilities under the UNSMS;

Advise the UNOPS personnel on all security-related matters and their impact on project design, implementation, and funding;

In line with the UNSMS methodology and cooperation with the UNDSS, develop as required security risk assessments outlining potential risks and recommended mitigation strategies regarding project implementation, considering relevant and existing assessments;

In addition to liaising with UNDSS, the CFSA will ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security staff and other regional security services to enhance coordination and implementation of the security arrangements across the office's respective operational areas;

Review security arrangements for all field offices in the region and maintain copies of all relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans;

Ensure staff adherence and compliance to the various UNSMS advisories and policies, particularly compliance with warden systems, Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM), etc.

Ensuring all personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival and local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment and being kept informed of matters affecting their security;

Provide security awareness training for staff beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary;

Maintaining up-to-date instructions for personnel on the precautions they should take concerning the implementation of the security plan, including guidance on action taken during emergencies, natural disasters, and political crises;

Report all security incidents involving personnel and submit required reports on such cases to the CM, Yemen UNDSS, UNOPS Regional Security Adviser (RSA), and UNOPS Chief of Security (CoS);

Make substantive security recommendations in line with modern and effective security measures where they affect cost-effectiveness, policy or procedure, workflow, staffing, and structure;

Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal security standards are in place for staff in the office as well as staff traveling to and from Yemen;

Define, manage, and account for security equipment, including communications equipment.

Be in regular contact with UNOPS RSA and CoS and keep them updated on the security situation in Yemen;

Act as a YCO Senior Management Team member, providing expert advice to the CM and office PMs on security management matters;

As tasked by the CM and requested by the respective PMs, draft the Security Management Plan (SMP) for projects, aligning with the UNSMS policies and procedures and donor expectations during the proposal phase to ensure comprehensive security protocols that protect project integrity and meet compliance requirements.

As tasked by the CM and requested by the respective PMs, participate in progress update meetings with the respective PMs and donors to deliver security briefings, ensuring stakeholders are informed about the current security environment and any implications for project continuity and security;

As tasked by the CM and requested by the respective PMs, attend kick-off meetings with contractors to provide expert security advice, assisting them in developing and implementing effective security arrangements to ensure the safety and continuity of project operations;

As tasked by the CM and requested by the respective PMs, accompany field missions to assess the security environment, engage with local stakeholders, and gather on-the-ground insights to be able to guide project planning and enhance risk management strategies when needed;

Provide comprehensive guidance to the CM on implementing robust security measures for transportation, encompassing developing and enforcing safety protocols, risk assessment procedures, and crisis response strategies to ensure the secure transit of personnel and assets.; and review and advise the CM on all aspects of convoy procedures and medical evacuations across the country;

Advise the CM on security matters related to accommodations in UNCAF, coordinating closely with the UNCAF Security Management Team and the UNDSS to ensure compliance with security protocols and standards;

Provide guidance to the CM on planning office seating arrangements, ensuring they align with security best practices to enhance the security and well-being of all personnel;

Carry out other assigned security-related tasks as directed by the CM

Computer skills Requirement Computer and typing skills, including mastery of Google Workplace and MS Word processing, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is highly desired.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English is essential; knowledge of Arabic is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff (Fixed Term Appointment)
Contract level: P3
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

This position is stationed in Sana'a, Yemen which is NOT a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.