Regional Security Adviser

The Regional Security Adviser (RSA) provides strategic and technical advice on security risk management and business continuity management within the Arab States region. The RSA supports crisis preparedness and management, mainstreams safety and security in programs, and collaborates with internal and external partners to ensure effective security measures and business continuity for UNFPA operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and assistance to the Regional Director, the Regional Humanitarian Advisor, and the CO Representatives to enable them to carry out their safety and security functions throughout the region.
• Advise senior management on multi-country or regional security challenges and provide feedback on geo-security environment and political dynamics impacting program delivery.
• Lead and coordinate business continuity management plans validation for the region and support offices in reviews, testing, and implementation of business continuity plans.
• Monitor developments related to security of UNFPA personnel and programme delivery and update relevant leadership accordingly.
• Establish and maintain collaboration with UNDSS CSAs/SAs, Field Security Country Officers, UNFPA CO Representatives, Security Focal Points, and other partners.
• Conduct security assistance missions to assess preparedness, identify gaps, and guide implementation of security mitigation measures.
• Assist in preparation and review of Security Risk Management processes and ensure gender and disability inclusiveness.
• Provide regular analytical updates on geo-security environment and political dynamics.
• Support mainstreaming of security considerations into program and emergency preparedness plans.
• Serve as subject matter expert in security-induced crises and establish regional crisis response teams.
• Monitor compliance with security procedures and guidelines and review security risk mitigation measures proposals.
• Provide briefings and training to UNFPA staff and coordinate nominations for security training courses.
• Supervise Security Specialists and provide technical advice and guidance to UNFPA security practitioners in the region.

Requirements

• An Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social or Political Science, law, or public administration, or a discipline related to Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, or equivalent formal training in security and risk management, such as military and/or police senior command staff college.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) with additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Advanced university degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional work experience (with at least five years’ field experience in a position within the UNSMS, proven crisis management) or First-level degree with 12 years of relevant professional experience (with at least six years’ field experience in a position within the UNSMS, proven crisis management).
• Security Certification Program (SCP) certification required.
• Experience in working in crisis /humanitarian response locations, enabling program delivery, is an asset.
• Analysis/information capabilities from police/military, or humanitarian contexts would be considered an important asset.
• Knowledge of the UN Security Management System, policies, practices, and procedures is required.
• A strong background in political and security analysis, ideally in a regional context, is desirable.
• Fluency in English required; Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

Skills

• Security Risk Management
• Business Continuity
• Crisis Management
• UN Security Management System
• Security Certification Programme
• Political Analysis
• Security Analysis
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Humanitarian Response
• Program Delivery
• Police/Military Information Analysis
• Security Policies and Procedures
• Crisis Preparedness
• Strategic Security Advice
• Security Coordination
• Security Training
• Security Operations
• Security Incident Management

Languages

English, Arabic