Regional Security Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Coordinator (OSC) at UNFPA Headquarters, New York, is responsible for coordinating and leading the organization's global response to safety and security. The OSC provides technical advice, guidance, and support in implementing security policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of UNFPA personnel, property, and assets. The OSC also leads the organization's Business Continuity Management (BCM) preparation, validation, and testing of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). UNFPA, established in 1969, is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.

Job Overview:
The Regional Security Adviser (RSA) plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of Security Risk Management (SRM) and Business Continuity Management (BCM) in UNFPA activities and operations. The RSA is responsible for strengthening crisis preparedness and management at regional and country offices, ensuring program efficiency and delivery through situational analysis, and updating contingency response plans. The RSA will also ensure that safety and security considerations are integrated into programmatic activities and will enhance collaboration with internal and external partners to support common goals and objectives. This position requires a proactive approach to security risk management, including the development and improvement of processes related to security and crisis management throughout the designated region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RSA will be accountable for a range of duties including: providing advice and assistance to the Regional Director and senior management on safety and security functions; advising on multi-country or regional security challenges; updating the UNFPA Chief, OSC on security and political developments; participating in the selection of security personnel; leading and coordinating BCM plans validation; monitoring developments related to the security of UNFPA personnel; establishing a favorable working environment with security professionals; conducting security assistance missions; collaborating with OSC to ensure regional context in security policies; assisting in preparing and reviewing Security Risk Management processes; monitoring situations and events in the region; providing regular analytical updates; supporting the mainstreaming of security considerations into program and emergency preparedness plans; establishing a regional crisis response team; monitoring compliance of Security Risk Mitigation Measures; providing training and capacity building; and supervising Security Specialists.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social or Political Science, law, public administration, or a discipline related to Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, or equivalent formal training in security and risk management. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) with additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional work experience, including at least five years’ field experience in a position within the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and proven crisis management experience. Security Certification Program (SCP) certification is required, and experience in crisis/humanitarian response locations is an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) may be accepted with additional relevant experience. Candidates should have formal training in security and risk management, such as military or police senior command staff college.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional work experience, with at least five years’ field experience in a position within the UNSMS and proven crisis management. Alternatively, a first-level degree with 12 years of relevant professional experience, including at least six years’ field experience in a position within the UNSMS, is acceptable. Experience in crisis/humanitarian response locations is considered an asset, as is knowledge of the UN Security Management System and its policies and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where UNFPA operates.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.