Senior Security Associate

The Senior Security Associate provides specialized support to ensure the safety and security of UNOPS personnel, assets, and operations in Syria. The role involves conducting security risk assessments, managing security information, coordinating with local authorities, and supporting emergency preparedness in line with UNOPS and UNSMS standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and ad hoc security risk assessments of UNOPS offices, project sites and personnel residences, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending 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 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 measures and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Contribute to the business continuity plan and conduct periodic drills to ensure readiness for emergency activation.
• 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, preparing Security Incident Reports 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.
• 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 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.
• Support the implementation of UNSMS policies and UNOPS’ internal security directives at the country level.
• Coordinate and lead emergency preparedness drills, including evacuation, lockdown, and fire safety exercises.
• Facilitate the maintenance and readiness of security communications equipment 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, ensuring awareness of safety protocols, assembly points, and reporting procedures.
• Assist in reviewing and updating residential security measures for personnel residences, ensuring compliance with UNDSS standards.
• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice, contributing insights and lessons learned from security projects and initiatives.
• Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute to drafting reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Requirements

• 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.
• Relevant experience in security operations, including incident reporting, security administration support, security communications, warden system, 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.
• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
• Fluent proficiency in English is required.
• Fluent proficiency in Arabic is required.

Skills

• Security Operations
• Incident Reporting
• Security Administration
• Security Communication Systems
• Warden Systems
• Security Risk Assessment
• Emergency Preparedness
• Collaboration Tools
• Productivity Tools
• Web-based Management Systems

Languages

English, Arabic