Peace and Security Cluster

Background UNMAS Palestine Response

The conflict started in Gaza in October 2023 is anticipated to leave an unprecedented amount of explosive remnants of war (ERW) across the Gaza Strip. This will further exacerbate the ERW contamination that existed prior to 7 October 2023, stemming from previous escalations since 2008.

The ERW contamination poses an immediate risk to lives, hinders the delivery of humanitarian aid, restricts safe movement, and impedes recovery and development initiatives. This is an especially serious issue in the Gaza Strip as there are significant needs for humanitarian assistance, including rubble removal, reconstruction, food, water, and health, for almost the entire population.

In response, UNMAS Palestine implements multiple projects to mitigate the threat of ERW in Gaza to enhance safety for the vulnerable populations, as well as for UN and humanitarian partners, through delivery of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) response and explosive ordnance risk education (EORE). In the West Bank, UNMAS delivers EORE and develops the capacity of the national authorities, including the Palestine Mine Action Centre (PMAC) and the EOD Police of the Palestinian Authority.

The PSC Palestine Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the Palestine Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate.

In Palestine, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the Palestine mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

This position falls under the direct supervision of the Field Security Advisor and the overall guidance of the Head of Project Unit at the UNMAS Palestine Programme.

Under the direct supervision of the Field Security Advisor at UNMAS Palestine Programme, the incumbent will:

• Assist Field Security Advisor (FSA) in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists;

• Assist FSA in reporting online security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets;

• Assist FSA in ensuring residential (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards – MORSS) and office safety, and security preparedness;

• Assist FSA in preparing country Security Risk Assessment (SRA), Premise Security Surveys, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as feasible and applicable

• Maintain a database of contact details in relation to host country security authorities;

• Help to assess the security situation at the duty station and ensure adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the FSA;

• Maintain regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies, as required by FSA;

• Provide support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and provide security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conduct security briefings, as required;

• Assist FSA in organizing missions within Gaza for the UNMAS programme

• Assist FSA in managing the UNMAS Operations room and monitor mission in the field and UNMAS facilities;

• Assist FSA in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country/region of assignment;

• Assist FSA in compiling the required security advices for the Programme’s management and operations;

• Provide support to FSA in conducting security evaluations and provide advice on security measures for the residences in assessment of the SRM, Security Risk Management of UN Staff, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security;

• Assist FSA in ensuring Residential Security Measures (RSM) and office safety, and security preparedness;

• Provide support to FSA in conducting security evaluations;

• Assist FSA in establishment and maintaining the warden system and keeps updated information related to UN offices and residences.

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, OR;

• First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with 1 year of relevant experience, OR;

• A Professional/Technical diploma in specific areas such as Police Foundations, law enforcement or Security Administration and Management with 3 years of relevant experience.

• Relevant experience is define as experience in security and safety field;

• Experience in using MS Office Suite is required;

• Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation is desired;

• Experience in diplomatic security and protection is desired;

• Experience in SRM is desired;

• Intermediate in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required

• Fluency in Arabic (speaking, reading and writing) is required

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level: ICS 05 / LICA 05
3. Contract duration: 3 months - (with possibility of extension, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance)

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.