UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, sustenance

UNICEF in the State of Palestine works to uphold the rights of children to access services and protection, from early childhood through adolescence. Our objective is to ensure that every child in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, irrespective of background or circumstance, has an equal chance to fulfil their potential. We are working for every child and young person in the State of Palestine.

How can you make a difference?

The Field Security Assocaite from UNICEF is crucial in Gaza for various reasons. They play a vital role in supporting the safeguarding and safety of UNICEF staff, assets, and operations in the volatile Gaza environment. By conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, supporting the notification system, implementing security protocols and training. Overall, their indispensable role is essential for protecting personnel, ensuring operational continuity, and effective aid distribution in Gaza.

Summary of Key Functions and Accountabilities

1. Security Planning

• Assist the supervisor in drafting routine security reports/returns including but not limited to Security Incident Reports (SIR
• Support the supervisor administratively and logistically in their planning functions related to the safety and security of UNICEF personnel and eligible family members as well as the safeguarding of premises, assets, and resources in accordance with UN and UNICEF Security Management Systems.
• Assist the supervisor by collecting and providing the basic information required for the implementation of the UNSMS/UNICEF Gaza Security and Contingency Plan, Security Management Risk (SRM) Measures, Residential Security Measures (RSM), and other relevant policies, guidelines, and assessments.
• Assist the supervisor in the development of UNICEF routine security documentation including security contingency plans such as, but not limited to, fire and evacuation plans.

2. Safety and Security Services

• Monitor the local security situation through local media and networks providing regular information and updates to the supervisor relative to on-going and emerging security issues in the country.
• Assist the supervisor in security activities that support UNICEF personnel, premises, and operations for all locations where UNICEF personnel and/or eligible family members are present.
• Provide on-going routine technical support and direction for contracted security providers on behalf of the International Security Specialist.
• Under the direct guidance of the supervisor, share information with UNICEF personnel and eligible family members that would affect their safety and security and information regarding the actions to take in the event of an emergency, including those identified in the UNICEF/UN Security and Contingency Plans.
• Support the supervisor in the establishment of effective and functioning Communications/Warden Systems for UNICEF and the periodic testing of these systems.
• Support the supervisor in the conduct of all security related contingency exercises particularly relating to administration, communications, and logistics.
• Conduct physical security surveys of international personnel residences/guesthouses in accordance with the Residential Security Measures (RSM) on behalf of the International Security Specialist as required.

3. Security Networking

• With significant guidance from the supervisor, actively maintain official liaison with host government counterparts, local authorities responsible for security, law and order and security counterparts in the UNSMS.

4. Support in Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Coordinate, as required, with UNDSS, on behalf of the International Security Specialist, to ensure all UNICEF personnel undertake mandatory security training/briefings.
• With strong support and guidance from the supervisor, develop and conduct field level familiarization sessions for contracted security guards specifically regarding their UN/UNICEF related duties and responsibilities.
• With strong support and guidance from the supervisor, develop and conduct field level training sessions for drivers to familiarize them with the specific actions to take when encountering a security related situation while driving.
• Assist in the provision of any security related training for UNICEF personnel or eligible family members, particularly to ensure comprehension by those more comfortable in the local language.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (6) years of work experience in security, risk or disaster or emergency areas with security responsibilities, in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required.
  • For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a relevant field may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.
• Prior experience with the UN system or NGO is desirable.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft applications i.e., Word, Excel Access, and PowerPoint is required.
• Experience in the use of radio communications systems is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

This position is not considered an elevated risk role. However, UNICEF reserves the right to conduct further vetting/assessment within the scope of child safeguarding as appropriate. 

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Candidates facing issues applying for the vacancy announcement, please contact us on mobile number 059-499-3308.