Senior Field Security Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff. This Senior Field Security Officer role, based in Lebanon, reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs and receives technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management. The position is crucial for ensuring the safety of UNRWA personnel.

Job Purpose

The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) is responsible for advising on and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA's security and risk management, crisis readiness, and preparedness within the Field. This role focuses on the security of all UNRWA personnel, with a particular emphasis on frontline Area staff, especially in conflict-affected areas. The SFSO acts as a principal advisor to the Front Office, ensuring the security and risk management system is context-specific and tailored to frontline needs. They support the implementation of best practices, ensure participation in the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), and maintain cooperation with UNDSS, other UN entities, host government security agencies, and local communities. The SFSO also oversees security for installations and may supervise close protection teams and the Field Security Risk & Management team.

Responsibilities

The Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO) advises on and operationalizes security and risk management, crisis readiness, and preparedness for all UNRWA personnel, focusing on frontline staff in conflict zones. Key duties include leading security risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring security initiatives align with agency policy. The SFSO oversees threat analysis, manages security assessments, and enhances the security and risk management system for frontline staff. They are responsible for planning and overseeing the UNRWA Security Plan, developing contingency and evacuation plans, and ensuring staff receive security briefings and training. The role involves managing staff warden systems, ensuring compliance with UNSMS and UNRWA policies, and overseeing staff travel security procedures. Additionally, the SFSO manages office security, conducts premises assessments, and ensures emergency preparedness. They advise on security components in programs, prepare security-related budgets, and liaise with UN, host government, and local authorities. The SFSO also manages the Field Security Risk Management section, oversees incident reporting and investigation, and implements Residential Security Measures.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in security analysis and risk management within the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) or an International Organization (IO) is required. At least two years of continuous international experience outside UNRWA and the candidate's home country is necessary for international posts. Practical field/country-level experience in moderate to high-risk security environments is essential. Additional desirable experience includes technical certifications in security/risk management, management/program/project management, UN field security operations, and experience in conflict settings.

Skills

Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity. Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Applying Technical Expertise, Relating and Networking, Deciding and Initiating Action. Leadership Competencies: Delivering Results, Managing Complexity and Change. Other Competencies: Leading and Supervising.

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