Overview
The Security Officer provides technical, operational, and advisory support to ensure the safety and security of UNOPS personnel, assets, and operations within the framework of the United Nations Security Management System.
Key Responsibilities
- Reinforce security risk management as a core component of all UNOPS operations and projects.
- Support the Field Security Advisor in conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and preparing corresponding mitigation plans.
- Ensure security considerations are integrated into project planning, budgeting, and implementation phases.
- Advise project teams on local threats, vulnerabilities, and appropriate protective measures.
- Support the development, implementation, and periodic review of office and project-specific Security Plans, Residential Security Measures (RSMs), and contingency arrangements.
- Contribute to the business continuity plan (BCP) from a security and safety perspective and assist in conducting regular BCP drills.
- Review project proposals from a security perspective, conduct field assessments as needed, and recommend improvements.
- Coordinate with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and other UN agencies to ensure effective information-sharing, compliance, and crisis response.
- Implement UNOPS and UNSMS security policies, procedures, and protocols, ensuring they are adapted to the local operating context.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee security operations for official missions, site visits, and high-level events.
- Manage security clearances, road missions, and ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained, stocked, and ready for deployment.
- Oversee the incident reporting mechanism, ensuring timely documentation, analysis, and follow-up on all security incidents affecting UNOPS personnel, premises, and assets.
- Maintain accurate, multi-source records of security assessments, plans, and advisories for reference and decision-making.
- Liaise with local law enforcement, military, and government security entities to exchange information and coordinate preventive measures.
- Attend Security Management Team (SMT) and other coordination meetings as required.
- Ensure compliance with Residential Security Measures (RSMs) and mandatory mitigation measures across UNOPS premises and residences.
- Coordinate and deliver security briefings and induction sessions for all newly arrived personnel, contractors, and visitors.
- Develop and conduct security awareness and emergency preparedness training for personnel, in coordination with UNDSS.
- Ensure personnel receive mandatory security training (BSITF, SSAFE, etc.) and are informed of any changes in security procedures.
- Maintain and update personnel contact lists, warden systems, and emergency communication protocols.
- Provide tailored guidance to personnel on travel safety, communication procedures, and local security dynamics.
- Support the conduct of fire safety drills, evacuation exercises, and emergency response simulations.
- Prepare security reports, assessments, and analytical summaries for submission to management and the Field Security Advisor.
- Maintain confidential correspondence and sensitive records in compliance with UNOPS information security standards.
- Assist in budget preparation for security operations, monitoring expenditures and resource utilization.
- Manage the inventory and accountability of security and communication equipment, ensuring readiness and maintenance.
- Facilitate emergency communications by operating or coordinating specialized data-communication systems (HF/VHF/Satellite).
- Support the monitoring and evaluation of security mitigation measures and ensure all operations remain compliant with UNSMS standards.
- Supervise or provide guidance to assigned security personnel and guards, ensuring adherence to procedures and professional conduct.
- Facilitate effective work planning, performance monitoring, and coaching to promote high-quality results and accountability.
- Encourage professional growth through on-the-job mentoring and participation in UNOPS or UNDSS capacity-building activities.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration across project and field security personnel to ensure consistent implementation of policies and practices.
- Support the organization, facilitation, and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.
- Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from the implementation of security projects/initiatives.
- Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries, and briefing notes.
Required Experience
Relevant experience is work in security management, law enforcement, military, or related areas. Experience in security risk assessment, crisis management, and coordination with UNDSS or UN field security structures is required. Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc.) and web-based management systems is required. Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired. Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
Qualifications
Required Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 0 years of relevant experience is required. Desired Professional security certification (e.g. UNDSS SSAFE, HEAT, CPP, or equivalent) is desired.
