SECURITY COORDINATION OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located at OHCHR Syria Country Office in Damascus. The security coordination officer reports directly to the OHCHR country representative for Syria, and to the Chief Security officer in Geneva Headquarters. Functional responsibility for security rests with the OHCHR Head of Office supported by the OHCHR Safety and Security Section. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Security Coordination Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Advises the Head of Syria Country Office about all security and related matters and develops tactics, techniques and procedures in accordance with the provisions of the UN Security Management System for the safe conduct of OHCHR operations in the country of assignment. • Whereas required, accompanies staff members to the field as a part of special activity such as monitoring missions, Commissions of Inquiry and Investigation missions as a risk management-based security solution. • Maintains an ongoing evaluation of air, land and sea evacuation routes and resources for use in emergencies, in coordination with UNDSS, considering the availability of vehicles, aircraft, vessels, fuel supply and accessible roads and Ensures availability of emergency communications system by making periodic checks to determine if system is functioning properly; arranges for necessary repairs or adjustments in line with the assessed prevailing the local security conditions. • Investigates security-related incidents and accidents involving OHCHR personnel and properties and prepares report of findings. • Supports the development of risk management strategies and drives planning using situational awareness, critical thinking, and logic to detect and interpret early signals, emerging trends and analysis of multi-dimensional threats that may impact security. Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. • Prepares, reviews, implements, and supports security planning, security risk management documents and risk management-based security solutions through innovation and creativity. Provides written analysis of security trends and reporting of incidents. Participates in meetings, committees, and task forces, prepares papers on security issues, delivers briefings provides responses, as needed. • Advises on, and supports, the inclusion of security in all stages of United Nations activities and programmes. Provides advice and support to line managers responsible for security. Enables the delivery of mandates and programmes through direct operational assistance. Supports and collaborates with relevant parties, building consensus to ensure alignment and support for security operations and initiatives to best enable UN activities. • Supports the management of security-related projects, prioritizing work to meet deadlines and following defined processes, policies, procedures and guidance, fostering alignment with colleagues and across organizations. • Monitors and contributes to activities that relate to the implementation and evaluation of security preparedness and compliance; drives results that help support efficiency and effectiveness of operations. • Enhances communication and trust through active collaboration, consultation and exchanges with agencies, funds, and programmes and other stakeholders, for information sharing, coordination of responses, provision of security briefings, taking into account operational activities and risks. • Collaborates closely with peers and colleagues, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, and Host Government representatives with a view to understanding what the UN is trying to achieve, obtaining the best security support, and staying abreast of existing and emerging threats and how they may impact United Nations System activities, personnel, dependents, premises, residences, and property. • Strengthens awareness and capacity of relevant personnel by supporting the development, updates and delivery of contextually relevant security training and advice. • Conducts security surveys and assessments, creatively leveraging tools and processes, identifying and recommending the most simple, reasonable, effective and efficient security measures, including when there is incomplete, contradictory and/or fluid information. • Prepares draft of security plan for the Country Office and operations in the designated country, including all aspects related to elaboration, development, implementation and updating of the plan. • Supports organizational resilience and contingency planning, crisis decision-making, and the development of disaster recovery and business continuity plans, by providing information and analysis including situational monitoring and updates. Assists with internally relocating personnel and assets in a conflict zone or supporting the development and implementation of evacuation plans from a country. • Provides support to establishing and maintaining a functioning Security Communication System. • Liaise Security entities as needed including but not limited to OHCHR Security Section at the HQ, SIOC in Beirut, UNDSS in Syria, etc • Actively implements departmental approaches to mainstreaming gender, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the work as well as ensuring the implementation of people-centred security risk management approaches considering specific threats or vulnerabilities of personnel and adapting practices and measures in support of diversity and inclusion. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Liaise with local security companies when needed. • Maintains all OHCHR offices security by conducting physical security inspections of facilities, issuance of identity cards, if possible, background checks, and entry control. • Conducts security training in such subjects as the security management system, responsibilities of Area Coordinators and Wardens and personal security awareness. • Performs other functions as directed by the HoO. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of security management combined with solid background of military or other security specialization and some political and social knowledge of country of assignment. Ability to deal effectively with stress factor when encountered in security management. Ability to apply technical skills to understand and consolidate the varying specializations such as electronics, communications, mechanics, explosives and other sophisticated devices encountered in security system management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, political/social science, psychology, criminal justice, law, international relations, security management or a related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationA police or military degree is desirable. Security Certificate Program (SCP) is required. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk or disaster or emergency management and preparedness in the public or private sector areas responsible for responding to emergency situations that directly impact security is required Experience in planning, design, implementation, or review of risk mitigation measures related to operations impacted by insecurity is desirable. Working experience in field operations is desirable. Experience conducting security operations for Human Rights programs is desirable. Out of the five (5) years, at least three (3) years of experience working with the UNSMS is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).