Local Security Assistant, Damascus

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Country: Syria

City: Damascus

Office: UNDP Damascus

Closing date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Job Identification : 8538

Locations : Syrian Arab Republic

Posting Date : 02/21/2023, 10:40 AM

Apply Before : 03/08/2023, 04:59 AM

Job Schedule : Full time

Agency : UNDP

Grade : G5

Vacancy Type : Fixed Term

Practice Area : Crisis management / Country Management Support

Contract Duration : 1 Year with Possibility for extension

Education & Work Experience : Bachelor’s Degree - 2 year(s) experience OR High School certificate- 5 year(s) experience

Required Languages : Arabic, English

Vacancy Timeline

2 Weeks

Mobility required/no mobility

no mobility required

Job Description

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Syria is one of the most complex and dynamic humanitarian crises in the world. Since April 2011, over 400,000 Syrians have been killed and over one million have been injured. The humanitarian context has been further challenged by economic crisis. Overall, 13 million people needed some form of humanitarian assistance in 2021. This includes close to 6 million people estimated to be in acute need. 6.1 million people remain internally displaced while 5.6 million people have fled their homes, the vast majority to neighboring countries. As the crisis enters its 11th year, humanitarian and development partners have recognized the importance of scaling up resilience assistance and early recovery support. In July 2021, the Security Council passed resolution 2585 that "welcomes all efforts and initiatives to broaden the humanitarian activities in Syria, including water, sanitation, health, education, and shelter early recovery projects (...) and calls upon other international humanitarian agencies and relevant parties to support them." The resolution also calls on the Secretary-General to include in his reports, overall trends in support of early recovery projects.

Following a visit to Damascus in August, the new Emergency Relief Coordinator called for a significant and urgent scale up in early recovery assistance to adequately meet the needs of the Syrian people to "prevent greater humanitarian need and greater tension." Key priorities that govern or provide direction for the work of the position to demonstrate link between the Unit priorities and position priorities/expected outcomes of incumbent.

Under the direct supervision of the National Security Officer, the Local Security Assistant (LSA) is responsible for the execution of functional security matters. It is important to note that the LSA is a local national with vocational experience in security who must always conduct his/her functions in close cooperation with UNDSS.

The Local Security Assistant (LSA) will implement the security policy guidance which provided by NSO; additionally, support in conducting a threat and risk assessment, ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN Security Framework, oversight of UNDP personnel and equipment for SRM compliance, support mainstreaming of security costs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in implementation of Country Office Security Plan (SRMM / RSM) Compliance

Assist in gathering information about possible security threat for UNDP staff and assets, and support of developing security advisories/related information to staff in a timely and efficient manner when required;
Support practices to ensure that all UNDP facilities/operations achieve SRM compliancy targets;
Assist to maintain warden system and keep information updated regarding UNDP Staff in Syria;
Support efforts and programs to ensure that all UNDP personnel are provided with, and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment in accordance with the country-specific SRM;
Day to day security operations, including security guard management at all UNDP facilities.

Any other security related tasks as assigned.

Threat & Risk Assessment

Assist in conducting the appropriate security assessment of all UNDP premises and follow up with the implementation of the needed security masseurs;
Assist in implementation of the highest degree of access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) at all UNDP facilities, ensuring compliance with security SOPs.

Liaison

Assist to ensure appropriate professional liaison with host government agencies and local authorities, counterparts in UN and diplomatic missions, and municipal/traditional leaders, in coordination with DSS as required.

Programming

Provide operational support in preparing security documentations and leading UNDP field mission convoys as and when required.

Security Training/Briefings

Support training to all UNDP international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews in restricted and dangerous areas.

Assist in providing security orientation briefing to newly assigned staff member in Syria when required.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions. Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.

Business Management Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively. managing risks.

Security Services Security advice, planning and coordination: Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

First Level University Degree (Bachelor) or High School Certificate is required.

Formal training in security risk management is an asset (FSA/LSA certified).

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years for High School Certificate holders or 2 years for First Level University Degree holders (Bachelor) of experience in Security, Administration or any related field is required.

Finished/exempted from military service is required;
Ability to travel, valid passport is requirement;
Knowledge in various security systems such as CCTV, fire alarm and access control systems is desirable

Knowledge of VHF radio operation is desirable.

Experience in diplomatic security, protection and intelligence is desirable

Knowledge of host country safety codes is an asset

Computer literacy is an asset, including the ability to work on mapping apps such as KMZ google earth.

The primary resident address in Damascus is highly desirable

Certified LSA/FSA is an asset

Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Possession of a valid driver’s license is desirable, defensive driving certificate is preferable.

First Aid, Basic Life Support, Surveillance Certifications are highly desirable

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in Arabic and English is required.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‚Green Card‘ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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Link to the organization’s job posting: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1678051330385