The Position:

The Security Specialist (Temporary Appointment) will be based in Gaza and is responsible for advising the UNFPA Gaza Head of Office on their security duties and responsibilities in accordance with the UN and UNFPA Security Management Systems. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Office, the Security Specialist will coordinate the day-to-day security activities and maintains a technical reporting line with the Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) through the Arab States
Regional Security Adviser. The incumbent will assist the Head of Office in the implementation of the security related functions and provides leadership and advice to the Gaza Field Office personnel on all aspects related to planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Field Office security activities. The Security Specialist maintains close cooperation with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and other UN Security Management System organizations.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

In response to the escalation of war in the Gaza Strip, State of Palestine that started in October 2023, UNFPA has rapidly scaled up its programming and personnel in Gaza. In response, UNFPA is staying and delivering and has already mobilized organization-wide support. UNFPA continues to maintain personnel in Gaza to coordinate the humanitarian response. UNFPA continues to adapt its activities across Gaza to focus on life-saving humanitarian response in the face of acute needs with the active
participation and involvement of affected populations. UNFPA’s response plan is built on established inter-agency partnerships and sustained residual presence of partners. In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the urgency and scale of needs, a temporary Security Specialist is required to support personnel and programme implementation. Reporting to the Gaza Head of Office, the Security Specialist (TA) will advise the Head of Office on their security duties and responsibilities in
accordance with the UN and UNFPA Security Management Systems. The Security Specialist will also contribute to the UNFPA mandate through strong security risk analysis, and relevant security risk management advice.

You would be responsible for:

Security Risk Management and Planning

•  Advise the Head of Office in the execution of their duties with regards to the security of UNFPA personnel and their eligible family members, assets including premises, and UNFPA programmes as per the UN and UNFPA Security Management Systems.
• Attend as an observer, all (Area) Security Management Team meetings, assist the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) as appropriate and participate as a member of the security coordination cell established by UNDSS.
• Provide advice on and manage technical security elements contained in the UN Security Plan, Security Risk Management reports, and other relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and assess and monitor their implementation. Provide technical oversight for contracted security providers and security measures at UNFPA premises, including access control measures.
•  Plan, coordinate and participate in inter-agency security assessment missions and UNFPA missions.
• Prepare, maintain, and update UNFPA security documentation including security contingency plans, and provide the Head of Office and the Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) through the Arab States Regional Security Adviser with mandatory security reports, and ad hoc security reports. This includes monitoring and reporting on security compliance and the submission of all Security Incident Reports.
•  Establish a flow of accurate and timely security related information to Country Office management and staff. Update the Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) through the Arab States Regional Security Adviser.
• Actively participate in the design and revision of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) of the Gaza field office and support management in leading its implementation. Provide security related input to the BCP.
• Contribute to mainstreaming security into all levels of the programme cycle including design, implementation, and delivery, ensuring that human and financial resources are allocated to the implementation of security measures.
• When required, prepare and submit necessary documentation under the Humanitarian Notification System including notifying static humanitarian locations, notifying movements, drafting ConOps and requisite documentation for coordination missions and convoys.

Security Services:

• Monitor the security situation and provide an independent and comprehensive analysis identify trends that may impact the security of UNFPA personnel and their eligible family members, assets including premises, and UNFPA programmes.
• Supervise, evaluate, and review security activities in support of UNFPA operations and participate, coordinate, and/or undertake security risk assessment for all locations where UNFPA personnel and programmes are present.
• Ensure that UNFPA personnel are kept informed of matters affecting their security and actions to take in the event of an emergency including those identified in the Security Plan as it relates to UNFPA.
• Oversee the establishment of an effective and functioning communications system forsecurity management within UNFPA that is fully integrated into the UN Emergency Communications System.
• Coordinate with UNDSS to ensure that all UNFPA personnel undertake mandatory learning events including security briefings and participate in all security-related contingency exercises. Assist UNDSS with mandatory training ensuring participation of UNFPA personnel.
• Provide technical advice on the selection and procurement of security equipment identified as security risk management measures or as part of the Business ContinuityPlan, such as telecommunication equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and armored vehicles.
•  Serve as convoy commander on very high-risk missions from time to time.

Security Networking and Partnership Building ?:

▪ Establish contact and maintain networks with all UN Security Management System and NGO/INGO security advisors and relevant authorities as appropriate. Ensure that
security collaboration with NGO/INGOs working as UNFPA implementing partners is undertaken, in coordination with UNDSS, and using the Saving Lives Together (SLT)
framework.

Any Other Duties
▪ Perform any other duties as required by the Head of Office, the Representative, or the Office of the Security Coordinator.
▪ Establish contact and maintain networks with all UN Security Management System and NGO/INGO security advisors and relevant authorities as appropriate. Ensure that
security collaboration with NGO/INGOs working as UNFPA implementing partners is undertaken, in coordination with UNDSS, and using the Saving Lives Together (SLT)
framework.
 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  An advanced university degree in one of the following fields: Security Risk Management, International Relations, Business Administration, Political/Social Science, Psychology, Military Science, Law Enforcement, or similar fields.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 5 years of experience in a relevant field. Demonstrated ability to work closely with UN counterparts, government officials, Implementing Partners, NGOs and any other multi-lateral institutions.
• Demonstrated international security management experience and understanding of the United Nations Security Management System is highly desirable.
• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.
• Ability to drive an armored vehicle. Possession of an international driver’s license will be added advantage

Languages: 

▪ Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is a strong advantage.

Required 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,

Managerial Competencies (if applicable):

• Engage internal/external partners.
• Lead, develop and empower people,
• create impact a culture of performance.
•  Making decisions and exercising judgment
   

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
 

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.