Within delegated authority, the Senior Security Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Analysis of the context in which the next election(s) will take place in Iraq (i.e. social, political, inter-ethnic, security, economic risk factors).

• Identification of historical conflict factors, tactics and types of incidents and locations and intensity of the conflict, with special focus on violence in the coming elections.

• Assist in capacity building of IHEC counterparts to undertake continuous election security risk assessments and promote appropriate risk mitigation strategies in partnership with relevant stakeholders. 

• Advise IHEC counterparts on the development of risk assessments and security contingency plans; taking in board specific needs and requirements of vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities and marginalized communities.

• Support IHEC counterparts to develop and implement security procedures and operating structures on elections, including information and reporting systems.

• Based on good global practices, design an electoral security curriculum and support the training of trainers and cascade training on electoral security to national counterparts and other relevant security stakeholders. 

• Assist IHEC in development of electoral security incident database;

• Undertake analyses on regular basis to support IHEC counterparts early warning capabilities and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies. 

• Support IHEC counterparts to develop effective partnerships with other relevant stakeholders including also the UNDSS to ensure information sharing.

• Assist the IHEC Security Coordinator and team to prepare documentation and reports pertaining to this function, including but not limited to, IHEC Security Concept of Operations; IHEC Security Plan; Weekly Security Reports; Topic Security Reports as needed.

• Advice on security needs for IHEC employees. 

• In close consultation with Field Operations and Logistics Departments, and in conjunction with the IHEC Security Coordinator, ensure that security requirements are met according to the needs of the National Movement Plan and the existing security situation.

• Ensure escorts are coordinated for each road movement;

• Liaise with internal and external actors, including UNDSS and other security entities, to ensure comparison and integrity of security reports and incidents

• Prepare regular election security briefings for sharing with UNAMI and UNDP. 

• Support UN efforts to counter violence against women in elections.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

The OEA Director, the Deputy Director and other members of the UN electoral assistance office; senior staff and officers of electoral management bodies and other national institutions involved in the electoral process; other staff and officers working at the UNAMI office in Baghdad.

Results Expected:

• The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimising violence and maximising the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability;

• The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organisation;

• The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) with a focus on Security Studies, Political Sciences, Law, or International Relations.

• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven years experience of international exposure in a security advisory function and/or electoral support; 

• At least seven years in an international setting within high risk security environments; 

• At least five years working in support of, preferably embedded within, an Election Management Body; 

• Knowledge of Iraq’s security environment, operations and programme cycle a significant advantage; 

• Experience of governance and democracy programming essential; 

• Project management and management of risk qualifications/certifications desired; 

• In-depth knowledge of security risk analysis. Familiarity  with UN funded development projects; 

• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is preferable;  

• Former military (Commissioned Officer) or police (Inspector or above) experience desired; 

• Capacity to handle political sensitivity with diplomacy and in responsible and flexible manner; 

• Knowledge and experience of UN security processes is desirable.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply; the candidate should be able to work in hardship conditions; the post requires considerable cultural and political sensitivity.

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of Arabic language is an advantage.