Background

The Local Security Assistant (LSA) is located at the UNFPA Syria Country Office and directly supports the UNFPA Security Specialist (SS) in Syria in the performance of his/her security related duties /functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in implementation of Country Office Security Plan:

• Provide assistance to the CO in the implementation of the Country Security Plan, Contingency Plans and the UN Security Framework, including ensuring that all UNFPA personnel are covered by relevant Security Plans;
• In conjunction with the HR Unit, ensure Staff Lists are maintained and regularly provided to UNDSS and to the Regional Security Advisor;
• Assist to administer and test the UNFPA CO Warden Plan; 
• Participate and coordinate for the field missions to facilitate movement within Damascus and between Damascus and other parts of the country and provide guidance to the team leader of field mission as well as keep coordination with the UNDSS and Radio Room. Ensure timely preparation of CONOPS, Mission Requests and Security Clearances;
• Facilitate security clearances for travelling UNFPA staff and missions arriving in Syria;
• Assist to prepare and administer documentation related to travel arrangements, both local and international, including Travel Authorizations;
• Assist to take overall responsibility for coordination of vehicle requests and drivers to provide missions outside Damascus as well as movements within Damascus city;
• Administer staff IDs (issuance and renewal);
• Assist in coordination with UNDSS, ensure availability of updated and adequate procedures for dealing with emergencies involving UNFPA staff in all project locations/offices;
• Assist in preparation and implementation of UNFPA Business Continuity Plan;
• In coordination with UNDSS be prepared for 24-hour response to all security and safety related incidents involving UNFPA staff;
• Provide assistance to UNFPA Security Specialist in implementation recommendations of the UNFPA Regional Security Advisor and UNFPA Office of Security Coordinator;
• Disseminate UN/UNFPA Security directives / guidelines, instructions and advisories as per SS direction.

MOSS/RSMs Compliance:

• Assist in the maintenance and monitoring of the MOSS and RSM compliance of UNFPA staff, offices, equipment and other areas. Identify the Emergency Communication Equipment needs;
• Assist in the preparation of UNFPA security reports including reports for Significant Security Incident Reporting System (SSIRS);
• Assist the SS in the conducting MOSS self-assessment on regularly basis;
• Ensure that all staff members posted to UNFPA have completed the Basic and Advanced Security in The Field Training (BSITF II and ASITF), Safe and Secure Approach in Field Environments (SSAFE) and that records of certificates are maintained with the HR Unit;
• Assist in selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc). Monitors the procurement, deployment and functionality of the same;
• Take responsibilities for maintenance of office vehicles in respect of security requirement, equipment, and vehicle logs;
• Assist SS and coordinate with UNDSS to conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNFPA premises and equipment and provides advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions;
• Assist CO SS and coordinate with UNDSS in implementing UNFPA office security measures and procedures.

Security Risk Assessment:

• Assist SS and coordinate with UNDSS security risk assessments, evaluations and surveys of UNFPA CO and project offices, as appropriate. Coordinate on the office emergency and security preparedness in coordination with different stake holders.

Liaison/Coordination:

• If so requested and in close cooperation with CO SS and UNDSS, maintains close contact and liaise with host government agencies and other UN offices to obtain latest information regarding the security situation in the country.

General assistance to the CO SS/SFP:

• Provides general administrative assistance to the CO SS/SFP and assist him/her in relation to security expenditure and budgeting;
• Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents related to security issues;
• Provides substantive support to the CO SS/SFP in collecting and updating information with regards to security issues and communicating them to the RSA and CO SFP;
• Takes minutes and/or notes at security meetings, when necessary.

Security Training/Briefings:

• In close cooperation with CO SS and UNDSS, provide support in organizing and conducting training briefings and courses on security issues/awareness and preparedness and giving orientation to newly assigned staff members.

Other Tasks & Activities:

• Provide assistance in the conduct and follow up of investigations and incidents affecting UNFPA staff and offices;
• Represent UNFPA at the local Security Cell meetings, as appropriate, in the absence of CO SS/SFP;
• Provide briefing to staff and other associated personnel on UN Security Management System and other relevant security matters;
• Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the CO SS/SFP.

Competencies

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results
• Being accountable
• Developing and applying professional expertise/ business acumen
• Thinking analytically and strategically
• Working in teams/ managing ourselves and our relationships
• Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set:

• Enabling the safety and security of UNFPA personnel and operations;
• Client orientation
• Organizational awareness
• Job knowledge/technical expertise.
• Providing a technical support system
• Strengthening the capacity of country office
• Planning, organizing and multi-tasking

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education;
• University Degree desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• 6 years experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work;
• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Other Skills and Requirements:

• Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation;
• Experience in diplomatic security, protection and intelligence considered an asset;
• Knowledge of host country safety codes;
• Solid computers skills (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Ability to travel
• Physically fit