Senior Security Associate

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 Programme

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 Mine Action Area of Responsibility ( MA AoR) in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarian framework.

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed to Syria at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Sector under the Protection Sector to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. UNMAS acted as the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub sector for Syria. Established in Damascus since 2018, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mine action in Syria, with the aim of responding to high humanitarian needs. This includes humanitarian mine action activities prioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: risk education, victim assistance, survey and clearance.

The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensive use of explosive weapons, which resulted in large-scale explosive hazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types of ordnances. According to the Syrian Arab Republic Humanitarian Needs Response Plan(HNRP) 2026, over 14.3 million Syrians are estimated to be at risk of explosive ordnance (EO) contamination; men, women, and children are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and death on a daily basis.

Mitigating EO risks and supporting survivors are a key priority given the scale of EO contamination with 2335 civilian casualties recorded between December 2024 and June 2026.

UNMAS play a central role in reducing harm through non-technical survey, EO disposal and clearance, inclusive risk education integrated with critical services such as education, agriculture, and cash/livelihoods, and sensitive community engagement, while facilitating referrals to survey and clearance actors where feasible.

The Security Senior Associate provides a broad range of administrative and specialized support services to ensure the effective management of safety and security of UNOPS personnel, assets and operations. The incumbent assists in promoting a proactive client-oriented approach in line with UNOPS’ policies and procedures and United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) standards. The role helps to facilitate timely information exchange and supports the resolution of security-related issues to ensure a safe and secure operating environment.

Security Risk Management and Technical Oversight

• Conduct routine and ad hoc security risk assessments of UNOPS offices, project sites and personnel residences. Identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation measures.
• Collect, verify and analyze security-related information for inclusion in local security updates, citation reports and the Security Plan.
• Support the development and implementation of Security Plans, contingency plans, and mandatory risk mitigation measures in alignment with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) guidance.
• Maintain up-to-date personnel lists, warden system data, and contact information for emergency response coordination.
• Monitor and report compliance with Security Risk Management (SRM) measures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Contribute to the business continuity plan (BCP). Conduct periodic BCP drills and ensure readiness for emergency activation.
• Provide recommendations to improve operational resilience and continuity in high-risk environments.

Security Information Management and Incident Reporting

• Gather, consolidate and disseminate timely security information and advisories to UNOPS personnel and relevant stakeholders.
• Document and report all security incidents involving UNOPS personnel, property or operations. Prepare and submit Security Incident Reports (SIRs) and related documentation.
• Maintain a database of incidents, risk trends, and mitigation measures for periodic analysis and management review.
• Support UNDSS and local law enforcement agencies in the investigation and follow-up of security incidents affecting UNOPS.
• Ensure strict confidentiality and secure record-keeping of all security-related information, communications, and reports.

Coordination and Liaison

• Establish and maintain relationships with local law enforcement authorities, government security agencies, and community stakeholders to facilitate safe project implementation.
• Coordinate with UNDSS and other UN agencies to organize joint drills, security briefings, and inter-agency security coordination meetings.
• Facilitate the issuance of security clearances, compound access permits, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for personnel, visitors and suppliers.
• Represent UNOPS in security coordination fora and UNDSS Security Cell meetings, providing updates on local developments and operational needs.
• Liaise with police departments and government offices to secure diplomatic enclave entry passes and ensure compliance with host country security regulations.

Security Operations and Emergency Preparedness

• Support the implementation of UNSMS policies and UNOPS’ internal security directives at the country level.
• Coordinate and, when required, lead emergency preparedness drills, including evacuation, lockdown, and fire safety exercises.
• Facilitate the maintenance and readiness of security communications equipment (HF/VF radios, satellite phones) and ensure proper use by authorized personnel.
• Monitor and support the effective functioning of access control systems, alarm monitoring, and other physical security measures in UNOPS premises.
• Provide security briefings to newly deployed personnel, consultants and visitors. Ensure all personnel are aware of safety protocols, assembly points, and reporting procedures.
• Assist in reviewing and updating residential security measures (RSM) for personnel residences, ensuring compliance with UNDSS standards.

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

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 3 years of relevant experience is required.

Required

• Relevant experience is work in security operations, including incident reporting, security administration support, security communications, warden system, etc., or related areas.
• 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.

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• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
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