Field Security Officer

Vacancy Notice No: EMRO/14/TA4 Title: Field Security Officer (PD 358748) Grade: P4 Contract type: Temporary appointment Duration of contract:  Temporary position for one year	Date: 23 January 2014 Application Deadline: 6 February 2014 (12 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic   Organization unit: EMCO Countries (EM_ACO) / EM_SYR WHO Representative's Office, Syrian Arab Republic (EM_SYR) Division of Administration and Finance (DAF)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The objectives of WHO's emergency programme in Syria are to design and implement programmes that assist health sector in coping with the emergency situation in the country, including the improvement of public health delivery during the crises and help prepare for the transition to stability. This involves WHO staff having to operate country wide in difficult security circumstances. These operations are to be overseen by the post holder in collaboration with the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Syria.
Description of duties: Purpose of the Post: To design and implement appropriate guidelines and measures in line with WHO Security Policy and the UN Security Management System in order to best safeguard the security and safety of WHO personnel and their recognized dependants. Organizational Context: Under the direct supervision of the WHO Representative (WR) and the overall guidance of the Regional Field Security Officer, the director of the Division of Administration and Finance (DAF) and HQ Security Coordinator SEC, the incumbent will provide technical guidance and advice to ensure integration of staff safety and security into WHO operations. Summary of Assigned Duties: The incumbent will perform the following duties: 1. Provide security coverage for WHO personnel in Syria and enable implementation of WHO and UN field security policies and procedures. 2. Provide security advice on WHO operations in Syria, notably with regard to access to unsafe areas, security situation, precautionary measures and action to be taken in case of security incidents. 3. Play an active role in the UN Security Cell and attend Security Management Team (SMT) meetings and provide advice and briefing to the WR. 4. Increase security awareness by conducting training for all WHO in accordance with WHO policies and UNDSS standards. 5. Enhance communications capability for all WHO staff in all field locations and ensure their integration in the common UN communication network. 6. Brief staff on radio communication procedures, convoy procedures, security and evacuation procedures and other security issues and precautions to be taken in accordance with the current measures prescribed by the Designated Official for Security in the country. 7. Maintain close liaison with UN security officers, security authorities and NGOs in the field, assisting when required. 8. Report regularly on security issues to the WR of Syria and DAF/EMRO and recommend remedial measures and/or solutions to problems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: Advanced university degree supplemented by the relevant training/formal education in security or a Master's degree, or equivalent, from a military or police academy.
Skills:  Competencies: 1. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences; 2. Communicating in a credible and effective way; 3. Moving forward in a changing environment; 4. Fostering integration and teamwork; 5. Creating an empowering and motivating environment Functional Skills and Knowledge: - Demonstrated knowledge of security/risk management methods combined with a background of military or other security specialization. - Good technical skills to understand and consolidate varying security specializations. - Ability to conceptualize and implement innovative strategies and promote their implementation. - Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure. - Proven ability to communicate effectively. - Tact, discretion and ability to promote consensus. Other Skills: Proficiency in MS Office.
Experience: Essential: At least 7 years of combined relevant experience at the national and international levels in security management. And security management experience with UN agencies.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic. Knowledge of another WHO language would be an asset.
Additional Information: - Applicants are kindly requested to pay attention to the screening questions as they will be used to screen out unqualified candidates. - Only qualified applicants with the relevant experience will be considered. - A written test/presentation and interviews will be used as a form of screening. The written test might be used as an eliminatory tool. - Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice (this could be the base for rosters). - Interviews will include competency-based questions. Note: In view of the current security situation, Syria has been declared a non-family duty station; i.e. dependents are not allowed to visit or reside with the staff member at the duty station. The entitlements will be determined as applicable at the time of recruitment.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 67483.00 at single rate USD 72467.00 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 46.6 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.