Senior Security Assistant, Aleppo, Syria

General Information

Position Title: Senior Security Assistant

Job Category: Security

Duty Station(s): Aleppo, Qamishli

Seniority Level: Entry Level

ICS Level: ICS 05

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Support - Regular

Contract Level: LICA 5

Posting Start Date: 16-Jul-2026

Posting End Date: 01-Aug-2026

Duration: 12 months

Job Highlight

Facilitate safety and security operations with proactivesupport, ensuring a secure environment through timely informationand adherence to standards.

About the Region

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The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverseexpertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs inNew York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally,GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainabledevelopment, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in someof the world's most challenging environments. By leveraging ourcollective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS'strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals acrossmore than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners- including governments, international financial institutions, andUN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as projectmanagement, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' NewYork-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management,procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, fromthe UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positionsUNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achievegrowth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design andimplementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda,primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UNentities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace andSecurity Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management,and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverseoperational support to the UN system in New York.

About the Group

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

UNMAS Syria, with its office based in Damascus, plays a centralrole in coordinating humanitarian mine action across Syria. UNMASalso actively supports the broader United Nations Country Team(UNCT) by enabling safe access for humanitarian and developmentoperations. UNMAS also works closely with the Syrian Governmentwhich has designated the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) as the national focal point for mine action. Aspart of its strategic support, UNMAS is actively coordinatingadvising on the establishment of a national mine action authorityand mine action centre, by providing strategic and technical adviceand developing a comprehensive roadmap for institutionaldevelopment and technical capacity. In addition, UNMAS serves asthe lead agency for the Mine Action Area of Responsibility ( MAAoR) in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarianframework.

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Job Specific Context

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165(renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed to Syria at therequest of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Sector underthe Protection Sector to address the impact of explosive hazardswithin Syria. UNMAS acted as the lead agency for the Mine ActionSub sector for Syria. Established in Damascus since 2018, followingthe signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with theSyrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mineaction in Syria, with the aim of responding to high humanitarianneeds. This includes humanitarian mine action activitiesprioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: riskeducation, victim assistance, survey and clearance.

The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensiveuse of explosive weapons, which resulted in large-scale explosivehazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types ofordnances. According to the Syrian Arab Republic Humanitarian NeedsResponse Plan(HNRP) 2026, over 14.3 million Syrians are estimatedto be at risk of explosive ordnance (EO) contamination; men, women,and children are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and deathon a daily basis.

Mitigating EO risks and supporting survivors are a key prioritygiven the scale of EO contamination with 2335 civilian casualtiesrecorded between December 2024 and June 2026.

UNMAS play a central role in reducing harm through non-technicalsurvey, EO disposal and clearance, inclusive risk educationintegrated with critical services such as education, agriculture,and cash/livelihoods, and sensitive community engagement, whilefacilitating referrals to survey and clearance actors wherefeasible.

Role Purpose

The Security Senior Assistant provides a broad range ofadministrative and specialized support services to ensure theeffective management of safety and security operations. Theincumbent assists in promoting a proactive client-oriented approachin line with UNOPS' policies and procedures and United NationsSecurity Management System (UNSMS) standards. The role helps tofacilitate timely information exchange and supports the resolutionof security-related issues to ensure a safe and secure operatingenvironment.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Security Operations Support

• Gather, verify and update security information and data tosupport the analysis of security situations, including preparednesslevels, risk assessments, and the development of security plans andself-assessment programmes for mandatory mitigation measures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel lists andinformation related to UNOPS offices, residences, project sites,security focal points, and the warden system to supportimplementation of the office security plan.
• Disseminate relevant information and updates on the securitysituation within the country or designated areas ofresponsibility.
• Compile and tabulate data and survey results to support themonitoring and reporting of compliance with required securitymitigation measures at the duty station.
• Document and assist in the reporting of security incidentsaffecting personnel, offices and assets.
• Represent UNOPS, when required and authorized, at Security Cellmeetings to record discussions and share routine information withrelevant stakeholders.
• Follow up on routine security-related actions on behalf of thesupervisor and provide updates on progress and outcomes.
• Provide administrative support for the organization of securityawareness and preparedness training, and assist as a resourceperson when required.
• Conduct basic security briefings for newly arrived personnel,as assigned.
• Offer guidance and information to personnel on routine securityprocedures, communication protocols, and designated focalpoints.
• Administer security clearance processes, including requests foraccess to UNOPS compounds and facilities.
• In the absence of the Field Security Advisor, Security SeniorAssociate, or functional supervisor, coordinate closely with theUnited Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office toprovide information and support related to UNOPS securitymatters.

Operations

• Provide general administrative and logistical support for thework area, ensuring effective information flow and timely follow-upon correspondence, initiatives, and queries with internal andexternal stakeholders, including Security Focal Points of UNagencies and UNDSS.
• Organize meetings and briefings; arrange appointments; receivevisitors; handle and screen telephone calls; respond to routinequeries with discretion; and take minutes or notes at meetings asdirected by supervisors.
• Prepare a variety of documents, reports, tables, databases, andcharts, applying appropriate technical and formatting skills.
• Facilitate emergency communications by operating specializeddata and communication equipment, including satellite phones, VHF,and HF radios.
• Maintain organized and secure files and records, includingroutine and confidential correspondence, ensuring the safeguardingof sensitive information.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of trainingand learning sessions on security topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities ofPractice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from theimplementation of security projects/ initiatives.
• Conduct research on security-related topics and contribute tothe drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Skills

Emergency Management, Incident Response, Personnel Security,Physical Security, Risk Assessment

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively todifferences and encourages others to do the same. Upholdsorganisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards oftrustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit.Collaborates and supports the development of others. For peoplemanagers only: Acts as positive leadership role model,motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizingappropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on allpartners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds andmaintains strong external relationships and is a competent partnerfor others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for selfand/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total taskaccomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Seesopportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understandsthat responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on ourbeneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances orrequirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursuescontinuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmaticdecisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculatedrisks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needsof others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinionand finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevantexperience OR
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 1 yearof relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in security operations, includingincident reporting, security administration support, securitycommunications, 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 isrequired.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UNsystem organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts isdesired.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: Arabic

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process requestcandidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnightCopenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.Applications received after the closing date will not beconsidered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited toproceed to the next stage of the selection process, which mayinclude various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employmentopportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range ofnationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities,sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain andstrengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive workingenvironment where all personnel are treated with respect and haveequal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills,qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement.We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process andwelcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenousand racialized communities, individuals of diverse genderidentities and sexual orientations, and persons withdisabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at theirbest during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted andrequire support or reasonable accommodation to complete anyassessment, please inform our human resources team upon receivingyour invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse(SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct,including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. Touphold these standards, background checks are conducted for allfinal candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history ofsuch conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS,candidates acknowledge and consent to these verificationprocesses.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint acandidate at a lower level than the advertised level of thepost.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatorycourses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time,before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatorycourses may be required during your contract. Please note that youwill not receive any compensation for taking courses andrefreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please clickhere.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their dutiesin accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies andInstructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UNcore values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on allpotential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on theresults of such checks.