Field Security Adviser

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

• Country operations receive practical and well-reasoned security advice and support toward helping ensure an appropriate level of safety for UNHCR¿s staff and operations and compliance with security guidelines and procedures.
• UNHCR benefits from effective relationships with host country law enforcement agencies and the UN Security Management System. 
• Staff are aware of threats/risks and how to respond to them, understand and comply with guidelines and procedures.
• Security management is efficient, well-coordinated and consistent with policies and procedures. 
  
  

Responsibility

• Advise and support the Representative or Head of Office in managing staff safety and security of UNHCR staff, partners, operations, premises and refugees or persons of concern.
• Undertake periodic security assessments in close co-operation with UNHCR senior staff members and interagency partners, analysing security factors and levels of risk related to UNHCR activities and programmes.
• Evaluate existing security measures to determine their appropriateness and identify areas needing improvement.  Follow up with actions to oversee or implement those improvements.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with standards established through the Security Risk Management process.
• Assist in the development of plans for evacuation, medical evacuation and other contingencies.  
• In cooperation with UNHCR senior staff members, ensure that security measures are fully integrated into operational planning, including budgetary provisions, at the earliest stages of development.
• Participate and support in activities to advise on programme criticality assessment process.
• As a member of a multi-functional team, contribute to efforts to ensure the physical protection and security of refugees and other persons of concern by providing security assessments, analysis and advice in developing and implementing effective strategies which underpin the responsibilities of the host state.
• Develop and maintain relationships with security-related actors, including host government law enforcement authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective information sharing; provide regular feedback and analysis to country managers.
• Maintain close co-operation with staff of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), ensuring UNHCR's understanding of applicable requirements, cooperating in security assessments and planning and supporting UNDSS understanding of agency requirements.
• Support UNHCR staff serving as members of the country Security Management Team (SMT), or Area Security Management Team (ASMT), Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Wardens.
• Provide country-relevant security advice and training to UNHCR staff, and where appropriate, to staff of NGOs and implementing partners in areas including, inter alia, preparation for and conduct of  road  missions, radio telecommunications  and  responding to specific threats within the environment. 
• Conduct rehearsals and practical exercises to ensure that staff are familiar with contingency plans and can implement them confidently in an emergency.
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• Prepare periodic analytical reports on security in accordance with UN and UNHCR standard operating procedures, sharing with managers in the country of assignment and FSS.
• Maintain linkages with the Staff Welfare Section, and the Medical Service, referring cases as required.
• Undertake other security-related functions or responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.
  
  

Authority

• Provide security-related advice, in written and oral form, to the manager and other staff.
• Advise on, and upon approval, implement, needed mitigating measures.
• Participate in criticality assessments.
• Represent UNHCR in interagency working groups and attend SMT or ASMT meetings as an observer.
  
  

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Undergraduate degree (the equivalent of a BA/BS) with a focus on Security Management and/or related disciplines (Business Administration, Political/Social Science, International Relations) plus minimum 6 years of previous work experience relevant to the function including 2 years security risk management experience in an international capacity. Graduate degree (an equivalent of a Master's) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (an equivalent of a Ph.D.) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
• Also relevant would be military or police academy degree (at Officer level). 
• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
  
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Proven competences in security analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
• Negotiating skills.
• Relevant training an asset.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages.
  
  

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Field Security Adviser positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.