Background Information – Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

In Ukraine, UNOPS support to the partners in their reform agenda since 2017 spans the rule of law, social protection, demining, emergency response and security. The projects are funded by the EU, the Governments of Japan and Canada.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualized within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.

Following the increased militarisation around Ukraine’s borders as well as the recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics by the Russian Federation, the security situation in Ukraine deteriorated rapidly, with the launch of a military offensive by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022. Armed violence escalated in at least eight oblasts (regions), including Kyivska oblast and the capital city of Kyiv, as well as in the eastern oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk which were already affected by conflict. The towns of Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpin were strongly affected, so resident civilians fled their homes en masse.

Martial law and a state of war were introduced in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the general mobilization of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old was ordered, while the Ukrainian airspace was closed to civilian users.

The UNOPS immediately launched its Emergency Procurement Procedure (EPP) to enable a faster response to requirements related to the crisis. The EPP provided flexibility in procurement procedures while still ensuring adherence to essential public procurement principles.

The Security Officer works under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Field Security Advisor, within the Support Services team and in close coordination with the Programme Managers and the office management team. S/he provides a comprehensive range of specialized and administrative support services for the management of security and safety operations. The Security Officer promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies. S/he is responsible for resolving security related issues and information exchange in a timely fashion.

Maintaining the highest degree of personal and professional ethics, the Security Officer maintains a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Business Unit.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Technical Support Services

• Supports the Senior Field Security Advisor in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in Ukraine;
• Supports the team with security field assessments and field visits;
• Reports online security incidents affecting the project personnel, offices and assets in coordination with the supervisor;
• Provides support in conducting security assessment and provides advice on security measures as well as on latest trends and threats to personnel;
• Monitors the compliance with the Security Risk Management measures and Standard Operating Procedures established in Ukraine Country Office and alerts on changes;
• Maintains regular contacts with UNDSS and Security Focal Points of UN agencies in coordination with the respective Head of Units;
• Represents UNOPS in Security Coordination meetings in the absence of the supervisor;
• Supports the Senior Field Security Advisor and Country Director in implementing decisions taken at the SMT;
• Identifies the needs and facilitates the procurement for necessary security equipment in line with the recommended preventive and mitigation measures based on the security risk management process;
• Liaises and coordinates with the local government security structures;
• Assists in all security related requirements when requested;
• Provides security-related inputs and support in the implementation of Business continuity Plans in the country;

2. Security Related Administration

• Prepares security reports, tables, databases, charts
• Facilitates emergency communications by operating specialized data-communication equipment.
• Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files / documents, ensuring the security of data and other sensitive information.

3. Team Management

• Facilitates the engagement and provision of high quality results and services of the team supervised through effective work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.
• Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

4. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on Security-related topics.
• Contribute to Security knowledge networks and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources management.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.

Impact of Results:

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Security Officer affects the overall efficiency of the relevant business unit in relation to security matters, compliance with the UN Security Management System policies, guidelines and advisories, and the effective delivery of programmes and projects. Timely and accountable delivery of services, contributes to improved safety and security for UNOPS personnel and assets. This promotes the image of the office and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in social or political science, law, public administration, business management or security management is required;
• Knowledge of UN Security Rules and Regulations is distinct advantage.

Work Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in the Security Department in an international, public or corporate organization is required.
• Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages is required.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.