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General Information

Position Title
Security Associate
Job Category
Security
Duty Station(s)
Gaza
Seniority Level
Associate
ICS Level
ICS 06
Contract Type
ICA - LICA - Support - Regular
Contract Level
LICA 6
Posting Start Date
20-Jan-2026
Posting End Date
31-Jan-2026
Duration
Open ended contract subject to availability of funds and satisfactory of performance

Job Highlight

Drive impactful security operations by providing essential administrative and specialized support to ensure a safe and secure environment

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Project Office

UNOPS supports both humanitarian response and early recovery in Gaza. Currently, UNOPS support in Gaza focuses on key humanitarian enablers, including on access, via the Security Council-mandated UN 2720 Mechanism and the Access Support Unit (ASU), humanitarian fuel and energy, and mine action. Operations are envisaged to continue in the coming period with a focus in line with the UNOPS mandate: (i) infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, (ii) procurement and (iii) project management.

Job Specific Context

The Security Associate works under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Security Officer, within the  Jerusalem Security Unit and Gaza sub-office 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 Associate 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. 

Role Purpose

The Security Associate provides a broad range of administrative and specialized support services to ensure the effective management of safety and security operations. The incumbent assists in promoting a proactive client-oriented approach in line with UNOPS’ policies and procedures and United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) standards. The role helps to facilitate timely information exchange and supports the resolution of security-related issues to ensure a safe and secure operating environment.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  1. Security Operations Support


  • Gather, verify and update security information and data to support the analysis of security situations, including preparedness levels, risk assessments, and the development of security plans and self-assessment programmes for mandatory mitigation measures.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel lists and information related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites, security focal points, and the warden system to support implementation of the office security plan.

  • Undertakes routine follow up action on security issues on behalf of the supervisor and informs supervisor of status.

  • Administratively supports the organization of training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and may participate as a resource.

  • Conducts basic elements of security briefings to newly arrived staff, as required.

  • Disseminate relevant information and updates on the security situation within the country or designated areas of responsibility.

  • Compile and tabulate data and survey results to support the monitoring and reporting of compliance with required security mitigation measures at the duty station.

  • Document and assist in the reporting of security incidents affecting personnel, offices and assets.

  • Represent UNOPS, when required and authorized, at Security Cell meetings to record discussions and share routine information with relevant stakeholders.

  • Follow up on routine security-related actions on behalf of the supervisor and provide updates on progress and outcomes.

  • Provide administrative support for the organization of security awareness and preparedness training, and assist as a resource person when required and advise Gaza personnel on routine security procedures, communication channels and focal points, as required in Ad-hoc situations after consulting with FSA as guided and advised by Senior Security Officer and as needed independently in emergencies and during poor communications or disconnection with FSA, Jerusalem office or local UNDSS office. 

  • Conduct basic security briefings for newly arrived personnel, as assigned.

  • Offer guidance and information to personnel on routine security procedures, communication protocols, and designated focal points.

  • Administer security clearance processes, including requests for access to UNOPS compounds and facilities.

  • In the absence of the Field Security Advisor, Security Senior Associate, or functional supervisor, coordinate closely with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office to provide information and support related to UNOPS security matters.

  • Plan missions and act as Convoy Commander as requested by SSO based on office need and absence of Field Security Advisor( FSA ) or based on urgent request by the last.


  1. Operations


  • Provide general administrative and logistical support for the work area, ensuring effective information flow and timely follow-up on correspondence, initiatives, and queries with internal and external stakeholders, including Security Focal Points of UN agencies and UNDSS.

  • Organize meetings and briefings; arrange appointments; receive visitors; handle and screen telephone calls; respond to routine queries with discretion; and take minutes or notes at meetings as directed by supervisors.

  • Prepare a variety of documents, reports, tables, databases, and charts, applying appropriate technical and formatting skills.

  • Facilitate emergency communications by operating specialized data and communication equipment, including satellite phones, VHF radios, Vehicle GPS tracking systems, etc…

  • Support mission planning and submissions as directed by supervisor and office management..

  • Maintain organized and secure files and records, including routine and confidential correspondence, ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive information.


  1. Knowledge Building and Sharing


  • Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on security topics.

  • Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from the implementation of security projects/ initiatives.

  • Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes


  1. 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.

  • Liaise and follow up with 3rd Party contractors security focal point and required support for maintaining on an approved level of safety and security by 3rd party entity that serves UNOPS office in Gaza. 

  • Follow up security team or 3rd party contracted security team services and manage all administrative requirements including the rostering, attendance and leave plans of the security guards.

Skills

Emergency Management, Incident Response, Personnel Security, Physical Security, Risk Assessment
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR


Desired

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is desired.

  • A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in security related studies is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

  • Relevant experience in security operations, including incident reporting, security administration support, security communications, warden system, etc., or related areas.

  • Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.


Desired

  • Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

  • Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired

  • Prior experience in the Field Security Management, including missions preparations and convoys, SUNO missions with the UN system or international NGOs 

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired
ArabicNativeRequired

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click 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.