Senior Field Security Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to support Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates across five areas of operation, focusing on providing education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to Palestine refugees. The agency is committed to helping these vulnerable communities achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to ensure that Palestine refugees can live with dignity and have access to essential services, thereby contributing to their overall well-being and development. For more details about UNRWA, you can visit their official website at https://www.unrwa.org/.

Job Overview:
The Senior security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Field Security Officer (SFSO) plays a crucial role in advising and operationalizing all aspects of UNRWA's security and risk management, crisis readiness, and preparedness in the field. This position is vital for ensuring the safety of all UNRWA personnel, particularly frontline Area staff, in regions heavily impacted by conflict. The SFSO reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs and receives technical guidance from the Director of Security and Risk Management at HQ in Amman. The SFSO is responsible for developing security risk management processes, conducting security assessments, and ensuring compliance with the UN Security Management System. This role requires close cooperation with various stakeholders, including local security agencies and community members, to enhance the security framework for UNRWA operations. The SFSO also supervises the Close Protection Team and manages the Field Security Risk Management section, ensuring that all security measures are context-specific and tailored to the needs of frontline personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Security Risk Assessment: Lead the development of security risk management processes, conduct comprehensive threat analyses, and manage security assessments to ensure optimal prevention and mitigation measures are in place.
• UNRWA Security Plan: Oversee the implementation of security risk management processes, develop and update security contingency plans, and ensure that all staff receive necessary security briefings and training.
• Office Security Management: Direct the reporting of security incidents, conduct security assessments of UNRWA premises, and ensure compliance with security preparedness measures.
• Reporting and Liaison: Advise on security components in program planning, maintain communication with security personnel from other organizations, and establish contacts with national security agencies.
• Manage the Field Security Risk Management section, ensuring proper budget monitoring and evaluation, and reporting of security incidents as per agency guidelines.
• Implement Residential Security Measures based on surveys and recommend physical security measures as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in risk management, military or police intelligence, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree in the same specializations with two additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Additional technical certifications in security and risk management are desirable, as well as knowledge of UN field security operations and policies.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in risk management, military or police intelligence, international relations, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in security analysis and risk management within the UN Security Management System or an International Organization is required. Candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship. Experience in moderate to high-risk security environments is essential, along with a demonstrated understanding of security-related analytical processes.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for detailed language requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of one year, with the possibility of extension. The incumbent may be required to travel throughout UNRWA's five fields of operation based on operational needs. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to maintaining a non-smoking work environment.