BACKGROUND

Following the Security Council resolution 2672 (2023) on 9 January 2023,  to extend its previous authorization to use of Bab al-Hawa border crossing for the delivery of aid into Northwest Syria until 10 July 2023 and the approval from the Syrian president to open two further crossing points with Turkiye, Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra’ee, to allow more humanitarian aid into earthquake affected areas in Northwest Syria and taking into consideration the difficulties of accessing the earthquake affected areas in Northwest Syria through Cross Line missions from Syria, the operational area under the authority of ad hoc Designated Official for Cross Border missions into Northwest Syria was established.

The ad hoc security management arrangement for cross-border missions into Northwest Syria has been created to facilitate the necessary humanitarian operations to sustain the displaced population in this inaccessible area.

The ad hoc Designated Official (DO) for cross-border missions into Northwest Syria ensures the safety and security of the United Nations personnel and facilities involved in cross-border missions into Northwest Syria with accountability to the Secretary-General through the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security. The level of approval of cross-border missions will be based on the outcome of the Security Risk Management Process and acceptable risk model.

Before 06 February 2023, UN Humanitarian Agencies based in Gaziantep, Turkiye, were limited to delivering Humanitarian assistance to NWS via trucks which crossed into Syria via the only authorized border crossing point (BCP) of Bab Al Hawa (BAH) between Hatay province of southern Turkiye and the governorate of Idlib, in NWS, as authorized by UNSCR 2762 of January 2023. The Actual delivery of humanitarian assistance to the beneficiaries was achieved through third-party (INGOs/NGOs) implementing partners.

However, following the two earthquakes that impacted Syria on 6 February 2023, the Government of Syria agreed for the UN to cross to NWS to provide lifesaving assistance and respond to the growing humanitarian needs of communities affected by the earthquakes and allowed the use of two more BCPs at Bab Al SALAMEH and AL RA’EE at the border between Turkiye and Northern Aleppo. This led to regular UN cross-border missions aimed at scaling up the humanitarian response. Since 14 February 2023, nine UN agencies, including IOM, OCHA, UNDSS, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNWOMEN, WFP, and WHO, carried out 316 missions to the 16 subdistricts most affected by the earthquake, making an average of one mission per day. For the UN cross-border humanitarian missions to be conducted safely and securely, minimizing the exposure to security risks by UNSMS personnel, UNDSS NWS has consistently carried out Ad Hoc SRMS for the various districts and locations in NWS which are to be visited by the UNSMS teams. UNDSS Damascus and UNDSS HQ have supported the assessment processes. In addition to the SRM process, UNDSS NWS developed cross-border SOPs, CONOPS, MEDEVAC & CASEVAC Protocols, and MSCRs for all border crossings. Reviewing and improving the contextual understanding of the security dynamics in NWS, and by extension, the whole of Syria and regional factors is a continuous responsibility for the UNDSS NWS team.

Additionally, UNDSS NWS launched security assessments to inform the security management approach and ensure UNSMS staff safety and security while on field missions. Through these assessments, risk mapping was undertaken and is still in progress. Similarly, liaison with de facto authorities was made to establish communication and ensure coordinated security support when necessary. In addition, UNDSS provides support to cross-border operations through convoy leadership and coordination.

The UNDSS Ad Hoc Security Advisor (SA) for NWS established, activated, and coordinated the Security cell with UNAFPs security officers and security focal points to collectively assess and evaluate the evolving security dynamics and advise the Ad Hoc DO/SMT and Agency heads on the SRM measures necessary for secure delivery of UN Humanitarian programmes in NWS.

In addition, the UNDSS NWS team has taken responsibility for security approval procedures carrying out pre-mission Security briefings for participants, and ensuring compliance with recommended security measures.

The security environment remains dynamic and volatile. The last six months have seen an increase in military hostilities between the various actors, especially between GoS and the HTS on the IDLEB frontlines.  Meanwhile, the government of Syria has on several occasions extended the permission for UNSMS cross-border missions with the current window expiring until 10 January 2024 for Bab Al Hawa and 13 February for Bab Al Salammeh and Al Ra’ee. The 2024 LCSSB for cross-border operations has been authorized by relevant authorities.

Position Purpose: 

The role of the Security Analyst (SA, NOA) is to deliver integrated, efficient, and coherent security support to the United Nations’ cross-border field operations, including through its leadership, to address safety and security needs, particularly in the case of crisis or emergency. Ensures effective security risk management for the assigned area of responsibility in northwest Syria by establishing a coordinated security threat and risk assessment mechanism within a standard system-wide methodology framework. Identifies and evaluates the security-related threats and risks faced by the United Nations civilian personnel when delivering their programmes as mandated by SC resolution 2672 authorized border crossing missions to northwest Syria. Ensures a coherent, effective, and timely response to all security-related threats and emergencies that may occur during cross-border missions. Supports the cooperation and collaboration among United Nations Security Management System entities like UNDSS Syria and UNDSS Turkey, including UNDSS Desk MENA, in planning and implementing measures to improve staff security, training, and awareness.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1.)   Provide support and guidance in security management to enable effective UNDP programme delivery throughout the country within the framework of UN and UNDP security policies and procedures while protecting and minimizing risk to UNDP personnel and operations in covered locations. 

• Conduct security risk management for UN Security Management Systems (SMS) and UNDP Programmes in designated areas. Assist in mainstreaming security and its costs into all levels of programme design, implementation, and delivery by monitoring assigned projects and programmes and providing proactive support and solutions where required, under the guidance of more senior security staff in the country or region.
• Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Security Advisor (SA) and Security management team (SMT) enabling effective programme planning, implementation, and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures. In the absence of the SA the SIA, serves as a member SMT.
• Review and analyze the possible impact of security factors and trends on UNDP planning, programme design, and delivery as well as the possible impact of programme design on stability and security. Provide recommendations on possible security needs and improvements. Provide identified security support needs.
• Conduct security risk assessment for components of operations in all UNDP areas of operation. Identify and propose appropriate risk mitigation measures within assigned areas and implement approved measures.
• Contribute to implementation of person-centered security risk management approaches to address specific threats or vulnerabilities in alignment with security assessment results and procedures.
• Contribute and provide inputs to UNDSS in preparing country security documents of country/areas where UNDP staff, dependents and equipment are present.
• Protect and minimize the risk to UN staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UN programme delivery throughout:
• Maintain a security network of international and national personnel.
• Liaise and coordinate activities of partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UN staff as the highest priority.

2.)   Contribute to collaboration with the UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS) and the country office security team to ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN security framework. 

• Contribute inputs to assist UNDSS in establishing, maintaining, and updating country-specific security and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Security Policy Manual (SPM). Provide security-related contributions to the Country office business continuity plan in concert with the UN Country Team business continuity plan and in consultation with or guidance from senior security staff in the country or region.
• Ensure that all UNDP personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective country offices being prepared by the UNDSS, which will include working in collaboration with HR and other relevant units to maintain and incorporate in those Security Plans an updated list of all UNDP personnel.
• Formulate and test UNDP-specific security and contingency plans in the country office, as needed, and the Country Office Business Continuity Plans.
• Coordinate with UNDSS in the implementation of fire safety, first aid, and radio communications training for the appropriate staff members.
• Contribute to security orientation and training for UNDP personnel on security guidelines and procedures, and security awareness.
• In coordination with HR, monitor UNDP staff security training compliance.
• Monitor security compliance of UNDP personnel and equipment. Provide advice on the selection and procurement of appropriate security equipment.

3.)   Conduct of Threat and Risk Assessment and Ensure Security Plan and Business Continuity. 

• Conduct a threat and risk assessment of operations in NWS where UN Humanitarian programmes are implemented, identify, and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Assist/provide inputs to UNDSS in preparing a comprehensive threat and risk assessment of NWS.
• Assist/provide inputs to the Security Management Team through the UNDSS SA Work closely with UN Security Cell and Heads of Agencies to ensure that UN mission procedures conform to the UN security framework.
• Provide inputs and assist the security Cell in establishing, maintaining, and updating the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Field Security Handbook (FSH).
• See that all UN personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective duty stations,
• Update the UN personnel within the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with UNDSS requirements.
• Provide security-related contributions to the cross-border Business Continuity Plan, with guidance from the SA.
• Facilitate security clearances for all UN staff traveling on NWS cross border missions.

4.)  Provide timely and accurate security advice and participate in briefings to UNDSS Management and Personnel; and maintain contact with security partners internally and externally to facilitate the flow of information on important security matters affecting UNDP/UNDSS programmes, the Country Office and its personnel. 

• Produce ongoing security reports as required by the Country Office and the Security Office in a timely and efficient manner.
• For all security-related incidents involving UNDP/UNDSS staff and eligible dependents, participate in coordinating with the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) on 24-hour response and immediately report such incidents to the UNDP Security Office (or Field Security Specialist if present in the duty station) and UNDSS in the country.
• Implement internal communication systems, including integration of UNDP communications into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System.
• Coordinate with partner organizations and counterparts to ensure the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority in planning and carrying out missions.
• Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities.

5.)  Contribute to the Security Information Management and Ensure Minimum Operating Security Standards

• Provide timely and accurate security analysis to the SA, SMT, programme managers, project managers and visiting consultants.
• Immediately report all security-related incidents involving UN staff and eligible dependents to the SA, DO/SMT for NWS cross-border operations.
• Ensure that UN cross-border staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security-related information generated by UNDSS in a timely and efficient manner.
• Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation.
• Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts
• Oversight of UN personnel and equipment for MOSS compliance.
• Ensure that SMT is briefed sufficiently on security requirements in order to take decisions and provide adequate resources so that staff members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment, and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
• Establish internal communication systems so that UN communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System.
• Provide advice on the selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.).
• Provide advice on the security of transportation and logistics.
• Provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures, and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews, and restricted and dangerous areas.
• Coordinate with the UN security cell a 24-hour response to all security-related incidents involving UN staff and eligible dependents.
• In coordination with SA, and on behalf of the DO, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions, and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.

COMPETENCIES:

• Achieve Results LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility  LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in the change process
• Act with Determination LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, consider in decision-making

Cross and Technical Competencies: 

Business Direction & Strategy    Effective Decision Making

• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

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  Communication

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Business Development  Integration within the UN

• Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations.

Business Management  Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs.
• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy.
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests.
• Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Security – Security advice, planning and Coordination    

• Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities.

Security – Security risk management

• Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including the ability to design and test security plans.

Qualifications:

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, business administration, political/social science, psychology, criminal justice, law, international relations, or a related field is required

OR

• A university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A formal multi-year education in security management, such as military or police Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full-time) with senior-level command experience.
• Formal training in security risk management is an asset.

Experience:

• Up to 2 years (with a Master´s degree) or a minimum 2 years (with a Bachelor´s degree) of experience in security, risk or disaster or emergency management in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military, or police, or in a corporate environment.
• Management experience in the public, private, or corporate sector is an asset.
• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.
• Knowledge of UNSMS security operations and programming cycle is an asset.
• Knowledge of the UNDSS Country structure; roles and responsibilities of the, DO, SMT, UNDSS, and UN Security Management System is an asset.

Language requirements 

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in the national language is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

Note:

“Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Applicant information about rosters

UNDSS 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 UNDSS at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

• UNDSS has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
• UNDSS is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

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