Senior Advisor - Counter-Terrorism - Retainer

Organizational Context

UNOPS supports partners in building a better future through project management, procurement, and infrastructure services. The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) specifically assists UN Secretariat and other New York-based organizations. This role supports the EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility, a joint initiative with UNOCT to enhance Member States' counter-terrorism capacities.

Job Purpose

This Senior Advisor role provides high-level strategic, operational, and advisory support to strengthen Member States' counter-terrorism capabilities within their national law enforcement structures. Working in coordination with the Head of the EU-UN Global Terrorism Threats Facility, the incumbent will collaborate closely with national authorities. The primary objective is to enhance the effectiveness, professionalism, and operational coordination of national law enforcement responses to evolving terrorism threats, ensuring alignment with international law and human rights standards.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments of national law enforcement capacities related to counter-terrorism, identifying gaps, and prioritizing interventions. The role involves designing and implementing targeted technical assistance and capacity-building programs to enhance operational readiness and institutional resilience. Providing strategic advice and mentorship to senior law enforcement officials on organizational structures and operational practices is crucial. This includes supporting the development of policies, standard operating procedures, and guidelines for counter-terrorism operations. The role also entails delivering advanced training and mentoring to senior officers and specialized units, promoting human rights, accountability, and gender-sensitive approaches, and preparing high-quality analytical and reporting outputs.

Work Experience

Required experience includes holding senior command positions (e.g., Police Superintendent/Colonel or above) in operational roles within law enforcement contributing to counter-terrorism efforts. A minimum of five years of experience in counter-terrorism, preferably in an international policing context, is necessary. Expertise in building operational law enforcement capacity, ensuring compliance with international laws and human rights standards, is essential. Experience working internationally with law enforcement/security organizations and designing technical assistance is desired.

Skills

Capacity Building, Counterterrorism, Policy Analysis, Technical Assistance, Strategic Advice, Mentorship, Training Delivery, Human Rights Integration.

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