Background

The on-going instability in oPt is proving to be a decisive period for the UN including UNDP. The situation could possibly drag oPt’s neighbours into a wider conflict, which would affect the stability within the Middle East Region.
The security and humanitarian challenges and possible threat against the UNDP staff and operation, underlines the need for a dedicated UNDP/PAPP Field Security Advisor (FSA) to supplement the existing UNDSS (United Nations Department of Safety and Security) capacity in the country. Of particular importance is the continuous security support and assessment for operation outside of Jerusalem that require field assessment visits and missions in  support of humanitarian / development  and NGO projects.
 
OBJECTIVE
 
The primary objective of the deployment of the UNDP/PAPP Field Security Specialist is the protection of and minimizing the risk to UNDP staff, eligible dependants, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP/PAPP programme delivery throughout oPt. This will be achieved through:
 
Ensuring that UNDP/PAPP security support feature in the programming process at country office level as well as in the case of each individual project, from project identification, planning, budgeting, implementation and right through to monitoring and evaluation;
Strengthening and maintaining the security arrangements of UNDP/PAPP sub-offices in Gaza and Ramallah;
Maintaining a security network of international and national security personnel.
 
MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
 
At Headquarters level the UNDP BOM Security Team (ST) will, through the Regional Security Advisor for the Arab States, provide policy and technical advice to the UNDP/PAPP FSA regarding the safety and security of UNDP staff, eligible dependants, property and operations within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting DSS’s mandate and role, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.
 
At the field level, the FSA is accountable to the UNDP/PAPP Special Representative (SR) for UNDP security support and implementation, which will be facilitated through the Deputy Special Representative (DSR-P) with regards to programming matters and with the Deputy Special Representative (DSR-O) for the implementation of UNDP security support. The FSA works in cooperation with the DSS Chief Security Advisor (CSA) for the UN in oPt regarding the implementation of UN security policy and the country specific security plan.
 
The supervisory responsibilities with the accompanying managerial accountability on the one hand and corporate policy directives, guidance and support on the other rest with the UNDP/PAPP Special Representative (SR) as the primary supervisor and the Deputy Special Representative (O) as the secondary supervisor.
 
The FSA will be sharing reports and security related documents and issues with the RSA.

Duties and Responsibilities

The FSA performs the following in support of and on behalf of the UNDP/PAPP Special Representative:
 
Threat and Risk Assessment

  •  Conduct a threat and risk assessment of operations in the districts and regions where UNDP projects are implemented, identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
  • Assist/provide inputs with the DSS CSA, in preparing a comprehensive threat and risk assessment of the country to include all locations where UNDP staff, dependants and equipment is present.

Formulation of the Security Plan

  • Provide inputs and assist the CSA in establishing, maintaining and updating the country specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Field Security Handbook (FSH).
  • Ensure all UNDP/PAPP personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective duty stations, (including UNDP/PAPP sub offices) being prepared by the DSS CSA.
  • Update the UNDP/PAPP component within the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with UNDSS.

Programming

  • Advising the DSR-P regarding the inclusion of security as a factor in the Country Programme Document.
  • Advising the DSR-P, programme managers and chief technical adviser’s (CTA) to mainstream security in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • To review the impact of security factors on UNDP/PAPP programme designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that programmes might have on stability and security (both positive and negative), making recommendations, including to BOM and RBAS regarding possible UNDP support needs and improvements.

Security Plan and Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS)

  • Work closely with DSS CSA, to ensure that UNDP/PAPP procedures conform to the UN security framework.
  • Train UNDP/PAPP wardens and follow up on their specific needs accordingly for both international and national staff.
  • Participate in the development of a functional emergency business continuity plan for the CO, in accordance with the UN CT business continuity plan.
  • Ensure all staff are aware of the security clearance request procedure for travel both internal within the oPt/Israel and for all external travel.
  • Ensure that UNDP/PAPP personnel and assets are MOSS compliant.
  • Ensure that staff members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
  • Establish internal communication systems and ensure UNDP/PAPP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Communications System.
  • Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.).
  • Provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews, restricted and dangerous areas.
  • Coordinate with DSS CSA 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP/PAPP staff and eligible dependents.  

Sharing of Information

  •  Provide timely and accurate security advice to the UNDP/PAPP Management, CTA’s, project managers and visiting consultants.
  • Immediately report all security – related incidents involving UNDP/PAPP staff and eligible dependents to the Special Representative, DSR (P), DSR (O), CSA and RSA.
  • Ensure that UNDP/PAPP programme staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security related information generated by DSS.
  • Maintain updated UNDP/PAPP staff lists, including details of visiting missions and consultants.
  • Establish and maintain good relationships with national law enforcement, military and civil intelligence authorities, counterparts in the Diplomatic Missions and municipal/civic/traditional leaders.
  • Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP/PAPP programme implementation.
  • In coordination with the CSA, conduct investigations of death of a staff/family member under suspicious and unclear circumstances.
  • Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.

Office and Residential Security

  • Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP/PAPP premises and equipment and advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions.
  • Assist UNDP/PAPP in developing and implementing office security requirements for the country office and offices of UNDP/PAPP-implemented projects.
  • Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for UNDP/PAPP main offices, sub-offices and project offices based on the security phase.
  • Represent UNDP/PAPP security interests in any common premises that UNDP/PAPP occupies ensuring that staff safety and security are primary considerations.
  • Ensure that UNDP/PAPP premises and international staff residences are MOSS and MORSS (minimum operating residential security standards) compliant.

Resource Mobilization:

The UNDP/PAPP FSA is expected to provide the following inputs:

  • Ensure that the security cost of doing business is included in all appeals and project descriptions.
  • Participate in the drafting of the CAP (consolidated appeals process), to be presented to donors for the continuation of security support.
  • Coordinate with programme staff, to inter-act with donors in their programme development activities.
  • Provide inputs to donor reports if required.
  • Manage and maintain the UN Mandated Security Measures financial portal to secure budget for security related items.

Corporate Tasks

Provide necessary back-up assistance to DRR/O in his day-to-day management of the CO Operations Team,
Contribute to the Country Office through any other corporate services and tasks assigned by the CO management, including focal point responsibilities
General
 
Manage the security team consisting of the National Security Officers in Jerusalem and Gaza and through the NSO’s, the security guard team in all office locations.
In terms of functional matters related to UNDP/PAPP security, the FSA will report to the UNDP Security Unit through the RBAS Regional Security Advisor.
The FSA will, in consultation with the SR and the DSR (O), responds to all requests from the DO (Designated Official)/CSA, to perform UN system related security tasks.
Any other security related tasks assigned by the UNDP/PAPP Special Representative.

Competencies

Core Values & Ethics:

  • Demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
  • Supports the Organization’s corporate goal.
  • Complies with UNDP rules, regulations and code of conduct.
  • Demonstrates integrity.

Teamwork:

  • Builds effective client relationships and partnerships.
  • Interacts at all levels of staff/organization.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Building and Sharing knowledge:
  • Provides guidance and support to others.
  • Applies existing knowledge to work.
  • Makes valuable practice contributions.

Communication:

  • Excellent oral and written skills.
  • Listens actively and responds effectively.  

Task Management:

  • Plans, prioritizes and delivers a variety of tasks on time.
  • Exercises sound judgment/analysis.
  • Develops creative solutions.

Learning:

  • Promotes learning environment in the office.
  • Provides constructive coaching and feedback for others.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic background:
A Masters Degree in international politics, business administration, security management or equivalent or a Bachelors degree and formal senior management training in security and risk management (such as military or police senior command and staff courses).
 
Relevant Work Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of appropriate security and development-related experience, of which at least 6 years at a senior management level.
 
Technical expertise:

  • In-depth knowledge of security and risk management.
  • Knowledge of UNDP business, operations and programming processes.
  • Knowledge of UNDP Country Office structure; roles and responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator, RR, DO,  Security Management Team, DSS and UN Security Management System.

Languages:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. 
  • Working knowledge of Arabic will be an asset.