Security Officer

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports UNOPS operations across six countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO delivers a broad range of services and technical expertise in climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. Each country office is staffed with local technical experts and maintains strong partnerships with national governments, ensuring context-specific solutions and effective project implementation.

Since 1999, UNOPS has been a committed partner in Pakistan, supporting the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS focuses on delivering essential services, including strengthening health systems, expanding access to WASH facilities in remote areas, and improving infrastructure for schools and communities. We also support emergency response efforts, delivering critical medical supplies and essential services during times of crisis. Through close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, development partners, donors, and UN agencies, UNOPS works to build resilient, sustainable communities. Leveraging expertise in project management, procurement, human resources, and infrastructure, we provide tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and maximize development impact.

The incumbent functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under the supervision of Country Manager and the general guidance of the Regional Security Advisor for the Asia Pacific Region. S/he will be coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office in Pakistan. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe conduct of local programmes and operations in the relevant geographical locations in the country with specific focus in the high risk areas of project’s implementation. 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 the management and personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues.

For this role

• A strong understanding of police and law enforcement agency processes in Pakistan is required.
• Direct experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage.

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.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• 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. 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.