Regional Security Adviser, Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC), Arab States Regional Office (ASRO), Cairo, Egypt, P-5

Organizational Context

The Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) leads UNFPA's global safety and security response, providing technical advice and support to ensure the safety of personnel, property, and assets. Regional Security Advisers (RSAs) are key members of the OSC team, embedded in regional offices. The RSA in the Arab States Regional Office (ASRO) reports to the Chief of OSC and collaborates with the Regional Director, offering strategic and technical advice to regional and country leadership on security risk management.

Job Purpose

The Regional Security Adviser (RSA) is responsible for the effective implementation of Security Risk Management (SRM) and Business Continuity Management (BCM) within UNFPA's regional activities and operations. This role strengthens crisis preparedness and management across regional and country offices, ensuring continued program efficiency and delivery through situational analysis and updated contingency plans. The RSA also ensures that safety and security considerations are mainstreamed into programmatic activities, promotes gender mainstreaming in security and crisis management, and fosters enhanced collaboration with internal and external partners to achieve common objectives.

Responsibilities

The Regional Security Adviser (RSA) provides strategic and technical advice to regional and country leadership, programme managers, UN agencies, and external partners to support informed risk decisions and effective security risk management. This includes advising on multi-country or regional security challenges, providing feedback on the geo-security environment, and updating the Chief of OSC on regional security and political developments. The RSA leads and coordinates business continuity management (BCM) plan validation, monitors security developments, and conducts security assistance missions to assess preparedness and guide mitigation measures. They also assist in preparing and reviewing Security Risk Management (SRM) processes, monitor emerging threats, and provide analytical updates on the geo-security environment. The role involves supporting the mainstreaming of security into program and emergency preparedness plans, serving as a resource person during security-induced crises, and assisting with security planning, crisis preparedness, and BCM. The RSA monitors compliance with security procedures, reviews security risk management measures, and provides training and capacity-building initiatives for UNFPA staff and partners, while also supervising security specialists.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional work experience with an advanced degree (at least five years in a UNSMS position with proven crisis management) or 12 years with a first-level degree (at least six years in a UNSMS position with proven crisis management). Security Certification Program (SCP) certification is required. Experience in crisis/humanitarian response locations is an asset. Knowledge of the UN Security Management System is required.

Skills

Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, cultural diversity, change management, accountability, and developing professional expertise. Key skills involve analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, organizational leadership, operational effectiveness, results-based management, information management, planning, multitasking, and ensuring safety and security. Behavioral competencies include coping with pressure, networking, strategic formulation, influence, organizational awareness, innovation, client orientation, and building partnerships. Managerial competencies include strategic focus, stakeholder engagement, and developing people.

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