Security Officer

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

Background: UNMAS Syria

UNMAS Syria, with its office based in Damascus, plays a central role in coordinating humanitarian mine action across Syria. UNMAS also actively supports the broader United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by enabling safe access for humanitarian and development operations. UNMAS also works closely with the Syrian Government which has designated the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) as the national focal point for mine action. As part of its strategic support, UNMAS is actively coordinating advising on the establishment of a national mine action authority and mine action centre, by providing strategic and technical advice and developing a comprehensive roadmap for institutional development and technical capacity. In addition, UNMAS serves as the lead agency for the NA AoR in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarian framework.

Background: UNMAS Syria

UNMAS Syria, with its office based in Damascus, plays a central role in coordinating humanitarian mine action across Syria. UNMAS also actively supports the broader United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by enabling safe access for humanitarian and development operations. UNMAS also works closely with the Syrian Government which has designated the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) as the national focal point for mine action. As part of its strategic support, UNMAS is actively coordinating advising on the establishment of a national mine action authority and mine action centre, by providing strategic and technical advice and developing a comprehensive roadmap for institutional development and technical capacity. In addition, UNMAS serves as the lead agency for the NA AoR in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarian framework.

The Security Officer provides technical, operational and advisory support to ensure the safety and security of UNOPS personnel, assets and operations. The incumbent functions within the framework of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS), ensuring that all UNOPS activities are planned and executed in line with global security standards, local regulations, and organizational policies. The Security Officer plays a key role in security risk management, incident response, and personnel safety awareness contributing towards the secure and effective delivery of UNOPS projects and operations.

Advisory and Technical Support

• Reinforce security risk management as a core component of all UNOPS operations and projects.
• Support the Field Security Advisor in conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and preparing corresponding mitigation plans.
• Ensure the security considerations are integrated into project planning, budgeting and implementation phases.
• Advise project teams on local threats, vulnerabilities, and appropriate protective measures.
• Support the development, implementation and periodic review of office and project-specific Security Plans, Residential Security Measures (RSMs) and contingency arrangements.
• Contribute to the business continuity plan (BCP) from a security and safety perspective and assist in conducting regular BCP drills.

Security Operations and Coordination

• Review project proposals from a security perspective, conduct field assessments as needed and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and other UN agencies to ensure effective information-sharing, compliance and crisis response.
• Implement UNIOPS and UNSMS security policies, procedures and protocols, ensuring they are adapted to the local operating context.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee security operations for official missions, site visits and high-level events.
• Manage security clearances, road missions, and ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained, stocked and ready for deployment.
• Oversee the incident reporting mechanism, ensuring timely documentation, analysis and follow-up on all security incidents affecting UNOPS personnel, premises and assets.
• Maintain accurate, multi-source records of security assessments, plans and advisories for reference and decision-making.
• Liaise with local law enforcement, military and government security entities to exchange information and coordinate preventive measures.
• Attend Security Management Team (SMT) and other coordination meetings as required.
• Ensure compliance with Residential Security Measures (RSMs) and mandatory mitigation measures across UNOPS premises and residences.

Personnel Safety, Development and Awareness

• Coordinate and deliver security briefings and induction sessions for all newly arrived personnel, contractors and visitors.
• Develop and conduct security awareness and emergency preparedness training for personnel, in coordination with UNDSS.
• Ensure personnel receive mandatory security training (BSITF, SSAFE, etc) and are informed of any changes in security procedures.
• Maintain and update personnel contact lists, warden systems, and emergency communication protocols.
• Provide tailored guidance to personnel on travel safety, communication procedures, and local security dynamics.
• Support the conduct of fire safety drills, evacuation exercises, and emergency response simulations.

Security Administration and Compliance

• Prepare security reports, assessments and analytical summaries for submission to management and the Field Security Advisor.
• Maintain confidential correspondence and sensitive records in compliance with UNOPS information security standards.
• Assist in budget preparation for security operations, monitoring expenditures and resource utilization.
• Manage the inventory and accountability of security and communication equipment, ensuring readiness and maintenance.
• Facilitate emergency communications by operating or coordinating specialized data-communication systems (HF/VHF/Satellite).
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of security mitigation measures and ensure all operations remain compliant with UNSMS standards.

Team Management and Capacity Development

• Supervise or provide guidance to assigned security personnel and guards, ensuring adherence to procedures and professional conduct.
• Facilitate effective work planning, performance monitoring and coaching to promote high-quality results and accountability.
• Encourage professional growth through on-the-job mentoring and participation in UNOPS or UNDSS capacity-building activities.
• Promote teamwork and collaboration across project and field security personnel to ensure consistent implementation of policies and practices.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from the implementation of security projects/ initiatives.
• Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 0 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• Professional security certification (e.g. UNDSS SSAFE, HEAT, CPP, or equivalent) is desired.

Required

• Relevant experience is work in security management, law enforcement, military or related areas.
• Experience in security risk assessment, crisis management, and coordination with UNDSS or UN field security structures is required.
• Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
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• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
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• 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.