Security Senior Officer (Operation)

UNOPS; Damascus (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UNOPS in the Middle East region seeks a Security Senior Officer to manage security and safety for operations in Syria. You will coordinate Security Risk Assessments, develop local security arrangements and SOPs, and provide technical security advice to programme design and implementation to ensure continuity and protection.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree (2 years with Master’s) or equivalent, with experience in security management, crisis response, and coordination with UNDSS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred with 2 years of relevant security experience.
• Professional security certifications (e.g., UNDSS SSAFE, HEAT, CPP) are desirable.
• Experience in security risk assessment, crisis management, and coordination with UNDSS or UN field security structures.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate security risk assessments and security situation reporting.
• Develop local security management arrangements and SOPs for operations in Syria.
• Coordinate with UNDSS, host government authorities, and ensure safety compliance of compounds and staff.
• Deliver security briefings and training; support crisis response and evacuations.

Skills

Emergency Management

Incident Response

Personnel Security

Physical Security

Risk Assessment

Security Coordination

Security Risk Management

Training and Capacity Development

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Organizational context: UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) supports operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, fostering strategic partnerships to deliver sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges. The Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO) provides strategic and operational support, focusing on infrastructure, procurement, project management, and HR services to advance SDGs in fragile settings.

Job purpose: The Security Senior Officer is responsible for managing, coordinating, and advising on all security and safety matters for OPCW operations and projects in Syria. Operating within the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), the role ensures the protection of OPCW personnel, assets, and programmes through robust risk management, proactive security planning, and effective coordination with key entities like the OPCW Office of Security and Confidentiality (OCS) and the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). This position is critical for maintaining operational continuity and safety in a high-risk environment.

Responsibilities: The Security Senior Officer is accountable for comprehensive security risk management, including conducting and updating Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), developing local security management arrangements and SOPs, and providing technical security advice for programme design and implementation. This includes ensuring adequate resourcing for risk mitigation and preparing security situation reports. The role also involves leading operational security coordination for personnel movements and field missions, liaising with UNDSS and host government authorities, and ensuring compounds and facilities meet safety standards. Incident management is key, requiring focal point duties for reporting, documentation, and analysis of security incidents, as well as supporting crisis response and evacuations. Furthermore, the officer will deliver security briefings and training, promote security awareness, and ensure compliance with UNSMS and OPCW security policies, including maintaining up-to-date documentation and testing business continuity plans.

Education: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline is required, coupled with 4 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree or equivalent in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Professional security certifications (e.g., UNDSS SSAFE, HEAT, CPP) and ETB/IFAK certifications are considered desirable.

Work experience: Required experience includes security management, law enforcement, military, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on security risk assessment, crisis management, and coordination with UNDSS or UN field security structures. Proficiency in collaboration tools like MS Office/G-Suite is also necessary. Experience in multicultural or developing country settings, particularly within development or humanitarian contexts, is desirable.

Skills: Emergency Management, Incident Response, Personnel Security, Physical Security, Risk Assessment, Security Coordination, Security Risk Management, Training and Capacity Development.

Required languages: English, Arabic

Desired languages: