Background

The Security Supervisor is to be based in Damascus, Syria, as a member of the UNDP Syria Security Office and directly reports to the NSO. The NSO is responsible to the Deputy Regional Security Advisor (DRSA), and ultimately to the Country Director, for the safety and security of UNDP staff, resources, assets, facilities, programmes, and projects ensuring compliance with all United Nations security policies, procedures and regulations as part of the United Nations Security Management System.

In the context of a large and rapidly evolving office, under the guidance and direct supervision of the NSO, the primary function of the Security Supervisor is to assist the NSO in ensuring the safety and security of UNDP-Syria staff, resources, facilities and assets based in, or temporarily located in Syria.

The Security Supervisor is responsible for the following range of tasks:

  • Supervision of the private security guard-force at the Damascus office;
  • Supervision of facility (building) safety and security in accordance with Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) at the Damascus Office;
  • Supervision of access control and the control and issuing of Identification Cards to Staff Members at the Damascus Office;
  • Support the NSO in the implementation and supervision of the UNDP Warden System;
  • Execution and supervision of emergency plans in the absence of the NSO and the DRSA;
  • Any other duties on premises management and contractor supervision as required by supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

The specific duties and responsibilities of the Security Supervisor are:

Responsible for the day-to-day performance of the security guard-force (UNDP and private contracted) employed to secure the UNDP/UN office facility in Mezzeh suburb of Damascus:

  • Check all registers on a daily basis;
  • Ensure that a proper Daily Occurrence Book (DOB) is kept and maintained;
  • Ensure that all personnel of the security guard-force are properly dressed and equipped for duty;
  • Ensure that all personnel of the security guard-force execute their duties in compliance with UNDP security policies and plans;
  • Ensure that the private security guard contractor provides security personnel who are properly trained and vetted;
  • Ensure that all personnel of the security guard-force have proper duty sheets and that they are properly trained to execute their duties;
  • Ensure that personnel of the security guard-force report for duty on time;
  • Ensure that the correct numbers of personnel of the security guard-force are present on duty at all times;
  • Ensure that personnel of the security guard-force are properly trained on their roles in the event of an emergency, i.e. medical emergency, fire, bomb scare, etc.;
  • Ensure that the security office, guardhouse, checkpoints and all guard posts are kept clean, neat and tidy at all times;
  • Ensure a proper reporting structure between the guard-force and the NSO;
  • Report any deficiencies in the performance of the guard-force to the NSO;
  • Report any incidents to the NSO as quickly as possible after the incident has occurred;
  • Ensure that proper incident reports are submitted to the NSO;
  • Arrange a monthly meeting between the NSO and the private security contractor;
  • Ensure that all necessary and required security equipment is in place and is properly maintained and kept in proper working order.

Responsibilities regarding access control policies and procedures at UNDP-Syria facilities in Damascus:

  • Ensure familiarity with the access control policy of UNDP and make recommendations to amend or improve the policy as required;
  • Ensure that the access control policy is fully complied with and report any deficiencies and non-compliance with regard to policy and procedures to the NSO immediately;
  • Manage the UNDP building access control system;
  • Ensure that the access control equipment is fully functional and properly maintained and report unserviceable equipment to the NSO;
  • Ensure that the UNDP security staff and the contracted security guards understand their duties, and execute these duties diligently, with regard to access control procedures;
  • Ensure the proper control and management of Visitors;
  • Ensure the proper control and management of Contractors and Deliveries;
  • Ensure the proper control of vehicles onto the premises;
  • Ensure that each UNDP staff member based in Damascus is issued with an access control proximity card;
  • Ensure that a proper register is maintained of all access control cards issued and that cards are renewed on expiry and that access cards are retrieved from staff leaving the mission.

Responsibilities regarding facility (building) safety and security in Damascus:

  • Ensure that the smoke and fire alarm equipment is fully functional and properly maintained and report unserviceable equipment to the NSO;
  • Ensure that all fire extinguishers are fully functional and properly maintained and report unserviceable equipment to the NSO;
  • Ensure that the correct number of Fire Wardens and First Aiders are maintained. If not, assist the NSO in appointing and training new members;
  • Assist the NSO in the holding of regular emergency drills;
  • Conduct regular inspections of the facilities to ensure that fire and other dangerous hazards are identified, reported and corrected;
  • Ensure that all escape routes are kept clear and accessible and that escape door locks are maintained;
  • Ensure that all first aiders have first aid kits and that these are replenished on a regular basis;
  • Ensure that all emergency equipment, such as stretchers, loudhailers, etc are properly maintained and are accessible in the event of an emergency;
  • Ensure that all access doors and gates are kept locked when required;
  • Ensure the security of the buildings both during and after working hours.

Responsibilities with regard to MOSS and MORSS Policies in Damascus:

  • Assist the NSO with the implementation and compliance of MOSS and MORSS policies in Damascus;
  • In conjunction with the HR Unit, ensure Staff Lists are maintained and regularly provided to UNDSS and to the NSO;
  • Assist the NSO with the implementation and maintenance of an effective Warden System in Damascus;
  • Arrange with the NSO to conduct regular Warden Training Sessions;
  • Ensure that the Warden Register is updated and maintained;
  • Report any deficiencies and non-compliance with policy and procedures to the NSO immediately.

General responsibilities:

  • Maintain an effective hardcopy filing system for all work-related documentation and reports;
  • Continually review and recommend updates and amendments to the Office Emergency Plan and Office Emergency and Security Procedures;
  • Assist the NSO with the supervision and safekeeping of all security equipment and assets;
  • Assist the NSO in the execution of his duties;
  • Execute any additional tasks and duties that may be delegated by the NSO from time to time;
  • Report any security and safety related incidents, problems and deficiencies to the NSO immediately.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the HCO;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

  • Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions;
  • Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data and resolve operational problems;
  • Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
  • Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations Leadership and Self-Management;
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Completion of secondary school education with confirmed diploma/certificate.

Experience:

  • Two years progressive experience, or preparatory school with 7 years progressive experience, in security management, risk management, security supervision and/or security operations;
  • Previous military, police or security services experience in a supervisory position and a graduate of a recognized military or police training academy;
  • Previous experience working for a United Nations organization is highly desirable;
  • Proficiency in MS computer software applications (word, excel, access and power point).

Language:

  • A high standard of both oral and written English and Arabic languages is required.