Field Security Adviser

Background Information - Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as the fund manager for some of the largest development programmes in the country. In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards the elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure, and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Field Security Advisor functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under the supervision of the Country Director & Representative, the APR Regional Security Advisor and general guidance of the UNOPS Chief of Security, coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe conduct of local programmes and operations in Myanmar. The incumbent promotes a compliance and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System regulations. He/she works closely with and advises all UNOPS MMCO personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Advisory and technical

2. Operations

3. Staff Development

4. Team management

5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing 1. Advisory and Technical
   

   • Provide risk analysis, including security, geo-political, political, legal and financial risks and actionable risk mitigation measures to ensure timely adaptation of operations

   • Advise the office management team and all Project Managers on all safety and security related matters including the planning and implementation of projects.

   • In line with the UN Security Management System methodology, policies, and procedures, develop, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential threats, risks levels and recommended mitigation/prevention strategies for office and project operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments;

   • Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security is a core component of all programmes at the duty station and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.

     2. Operations

     • Review all new project proposals from a security perspective and provide comments and proposals to ensure security concerns are addressed. Conduct field assessments if deemed necessary.

     • Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS.

     • Develop, adapt, and implement security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.

       • Propose and control budgets for security operations and monitor expenses.

       • Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology)

       • Prepare an annual security work plan including budgeting for all aspects of office security ensuring full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines; including:

         • Fire Safety

         • Security Plan

         • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation/prevention measures

         • Residential Security Measures

           • Revise and update the office Business Continuity Plan from a Security and Safety perspective

           • Maintain up-to-date database of personnel and their dependents, information and related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for the implementation of the office/operation’s security plan;

           • Review security arrangements for all operations, maintaining relevant instructions, such as security and evacuation plans for ready access by all parties;

           • Ensure the smooth and efficient evacuation of UNOPS personnel and or dependants, managing the implementation of UNDSS and UNOPS evacuation and extrication policies, and assuming leadership in the case of declaration of evacuation.

           • Coordinate personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.

           • Develop mechanisms for reporting all security related incidents that may have an impact on UNOPS projects or programmes.

             • Deliver bi-weekly security briefing presentations and provide latest security and political updates that have a potential to impact UNOPS MMCO staff, assets and operations.

             • Liaise with and update regularly the UNOPS Chief of Security and/or Regional Security Adviser on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.

             • Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.

               📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

               ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

             • Brief all new project managers on security concerns specific to their projects;

             • Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for personnel traveling across the area of operation.

             • Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.

             • Maintain accurate multi-sourced country records on current and projected security issues (assessments, security plans, etc.) and brief necessary staff across the region when required;

             • Monitor and facilitate personnel adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories, in particular: directions related to warden systems; mandatory mitigation/prevention measures and mandatory security training);

             • Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and other regional security services to facilitate seamless implementation of the security arrangements across the respective business unit/office.

             • Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including security communications equipment.

               3. Staff Development

               • In Coordination with UNDSS, develop and deliver staff development and training programmes for UNOPS personnel and security focal points, including on Security Risk Assessments within the area of operation.

               • Ensure that all UNOPS personnel receive briefings upon initial arrival, local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;

               • Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, comprehensive listing of emergency supplies, and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises

               • In Coordination with UNDSS, provide heightened security awareness training to personnel, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

                 4. Team Management

                 • Facilitate the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

                 • Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices. 5. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing
                   

                   • Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for Business Unit personnel on Security related topics.

                   • Lead and conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for Security personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.

                   • Oversee team’s contributions to Security knowledge networks and communities of practice including collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in Security.

                   • Guide team’s collection of feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively

                     Impact of Results
                     
                     The effective and successful achievement of results by the Field Security Adviser directly impact on the security, safety and performance of UNOPS’ personnel, local programmes, projects and operations and therefore the organization’s credibility as an effective service provider in project services and management. This promotes the image of the office and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.
                     
                     
                     
                     Education/Experience/Language requirements

                     Education

                   • Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in social or political science, law, public administration, business management, security management or related field with 5 (five) years of relevant experience is required; OR
                 • A first-level university degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) in social or political science, law, public administration, business management, security management or related field with 7 (seven) years of relevant experience is required; OR
               • Secondary School Diploma (High school or equivalent) with a minimum of eleven (11) years of relevant experience is required;

                 Work Experience

               • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in security management, with at least 1-2 years in a senior command or leadership role.
             • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Myanmar context is desired.
           • Direct experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage;
         • Demonstrated experience in producing Standing Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset;
       • Experience in Myanmar is desired Languages
       • Fluency in English is Required.
     • Knowledge of a local language is desired Competencies
       Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
       Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration

       Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (Staff)
       
       Contract level: P3 (ICS10)
       
       Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

       For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx
       Additional Information
       

     • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

   • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

6. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. This position is part-time, equivalent to 80% of a full-time workload. This translates to working 4 days per week. Entitlements such as benefits and leave are prorated based on this percentage of effort.