Senior Security Associate

Reporting to the Project Manager and with a secondary reporting line to the Regional Security Advisor, the Senior Security Associate promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies.  They are responsible for resolving security-related issues and information exchange in a timely fashion. 

The Senior Security Associate  will perform the following duties:

• Conducts routine security assessments and prepares summaries and recommendation;

• Gather, research, verify, and update security information and data required for: 

  • Proper analysis of the security situation, including preparedness and risks; 

  • The development of the Security Plan and the Self-Assessment Programme for the mandatory mitigation measures.

• Maintains staff lists, and information related to UNOPS office in Cotabato, residences, project sites, focal points, and the warden system for implementation of the Office/Operations Security Plan; 

• Disseminate, relay, exchange, and communicate information regarding the security situation in the areas of responsibility;

• Support in reporting online security incidents affecting UN staff, offices, and assets;

• Provide support in conducting security evaluations and provide advice on security measures for the residences of UN staff (RSM)/personnel, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff/personnel safety and security;

• Support  in reporting security incidents affecting UNOPS personnel, premises and assets, and assist in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report (SSIR), survey reports and security assessments;

• Support in the monitoring compliance with the Security Risk Management measures and Standard Operating Procedures established for the duty station;

• Contribute to the compilation of data required for the programme's self-assessments;

• Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

• Maintain regular contacts with UNDSS and Security Focal Points Of UN agencies;

• Provide support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and provide security orientation to newly assigned staff/personnel members;

• Undertakes routine follow up action on security issues on behalf of the supervisor and informs supervisor of status.

• Administratively supports the organization of training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and may participate as a resource.

• Conducts basic elements of security briefings to newly arrived staff, as required.

• Provides guidance and advice to personnel on routine security procedures, communication channels, and focal points.

• Administers security-clearance processes including requests for compound access. 

• Maintain routine and confidential correspondence files/documents.

• Works closely with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS; 

• Responsible for reviewing/updating the business continuity plan BCP; 

• Conduct and oversee annual BCP tests to ensure UNOPS is prepared for likely scenarios.

• Actively represent UNOPS Cotabato office in UN/UNDSS security meetings. 

• Provide security updates and briefings to project staff as needed.

• Completion of secondary education required. 

• First-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in security management, business administration, political/social science or international relations, police/military science or other relevant field with a focus on security and security management is an advantage and can substitute for some of the required years of experience.

• Relevant certification in security-related studies is desired.

• A minimum seven (7) years of relevant working experience in the areas of security or operations services in national or international, public or corporate organizations, including in the following areas: incident reporting, security administration support, security communication, telecommunication and warden system is required with a secondary school diploma. Three (3) years of relevant experience is required in combination with a Bachelor degree.

• Experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage.

• Prior experience with the UN system or international NGOs is an asset

• Knowledge of Telecommunication (including HF and VHF) is desirable.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.

• Full working knowledge of English is required.