Field Security Advisor

Job Highlight

Ensure safe and effective UNOPS operations by providing expert security advice, risk management, and incident response.

About The Project Office

Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support.

Role Purpose

The Field Security Advisor is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of security services which enable the safe implementation of UNOPS operations and projects within the assigned geographical area. The role receives overall guidance from UNOPS’ Chief of Security, operates within the framework of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS), and coordinates closely with the in-country United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office, where applicable. The Field Security Advisor promotes a proactive, compliance-based and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS’ rules and regulations and UNSMS standards. Working in close collaboration with country leadership and personnel, the incumbent provides expert advice, guidance and support on all matters related to safety and security planning, risk management, and incident response, ensuring that organizational goals are achieved within a secure and enabling environment.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Advisory and Technical

• Advise the office management team and project managers on all safety- and security-related matters, including the planning and implementation of projects.
• In line with the UNSMS methodology, policies and procedures, develop (as required) security risk assessments outlining potential threats and risk levels. Recommend mitigation strategies for office and project operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments.
• Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security are core components of all operations and projects across duty stations, and appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.
  
  

• Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed. Conduct field assessments if deemed necessary.
• Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing its overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.
• Develop, adapt and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.
• Propose and control budgets for security operations and monitor expenses.
• Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology).
• Prepare an annual security work plan including a budget for all aspects of office security, including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines, including fire safety, security plan, implementation of mandatory security mitigation measures, and security risk management (SRM).
• Revise and update security and safety aspects of the office’s business continuity plan.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, as well as information related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, security focal points, and the warden system, to support the effective implementation of the office or operation’s security plan.
• Review and maintain security arrangements for all operations, ensuring that relevant instructions such as security and evacuation plans are up to date and readily accessible to all personnel.
• Ensure the orderly and efficient evacuation of UNOPS staff members, designated personnel, and their dependents in accordance with UNDSS and UNOPS evacuation and extrication policies, assuming leadership and coordination responsibilities in the event of an evacuation.
• Coordinate personnel in response to security emergencies and alarms.
• Develop mechanisms for reporting all security-related incidents that may have an impact on UNOPS operations and projects.
• Liaise regularly with and update the Chief of Security regularly on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.
• Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.
• Brief all new project managers on security concerns specific to their projects.
• Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for personnel travelling across areas of operation.
• Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.
• Maintain accurate multi-sourced country records on current and projected security issues (assessments, security plans, etc) and brief designated personnel across the region when required.
• Manage the inspection of main offices, facilities, residential compounds, and field offices and compounds, providing guidance and procedures for achieving full compliance with mandatory mitigation measures and residential security management (RSM) compliance.
• Monitor and facilitate personnel adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems, mandatory mitigation measures, RSM, etc.
• Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and regional security services to facilitate seamless implementation of security arrangements across respective offices.
• Liaise with local/ national government security organizations to gather and assess information on security and safety matters which may impact UNOPS personnel, assets and projects, and provide timely analysis and updates to office management.
• Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment, including security communications equipment.
  
  

• Develop and deliver personnel training and development programmes for UNOPS security focal points, including on security risk assessments within areas of operation.
• Ensure that all UNOPS personnel receive security briefings upon initial arrival and local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security.
• Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, a comprehensive listing of emergency supplies, and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises.
• Provide heightened security awareness training to personnel, beyond the required security and emergency procedures if necessary.
  
  

• 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.
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
  
  

• Professional security certification (e.g. UNDSS SSAFE, HEAT, CPP, or equivalent) is desired.
  
  

• Relevant experience is work in national or international security arrangements at senior command or leadership levels.
• Experience in cross-border and international security is required.
• Experience in producing standard operating procedures (SOPs), security risk assessment (SRMs), and security plans 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.