The Critical Role of Local Security Assistants in UNDP’s Operations in Syria: Ensuring Safety and Enabling Humanitarian and Development Efforts

March 8, 2025

17 minutes read

As a Local Security Assistant, your main role will be to support the security management efforts to ensure the safety of UNDP personnel (staff and their dependents), property, and operations across Syria. This will allow UNDP to continue delivering its humanitarian and development programmes despite the challenging and often insecure environment in Syria.Local Security Assistant (LSA) – Ensuring Safety and Security for UNDP Operations in Syria

Primary Responsibilities:

Security Support:
- You’ll be assisting in security risk management, which involves identifying risks to UNDP staff and operations, and helping create strategies to reduce those risks. This includes gathering relevant security information and conducting assessments of the safety of specific locations.
- A part of your job is to monitor security compliance—this means ensuring that UNDP’s security protocols are followed at all locations where UNDP operates, including staff residences and office buildings.
Country Security Plans:
- The Country Security Plan lays out the approach for handling emergencies and security threats, and you will help update, implement, and monitor this plan. If there’s an emergency or crisis, you may need to coordinate evacuation plans or other emergency measures.
- Contingency Plans are part of the preparation for unforeseen crises, and your job will involve ensuring that these plans are ready to be implemented when necessary.
Collaboration and Information Sharing:
- You will be working closely with security counterparts in other UN agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to gather information and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the security situation.
- You may also liaise with local leaders (civic, religious, or traditional), police, military, and NGOs to keep UNDP’s operations informed and secure.
Training and Security Awareness:
- Part of your role is to provide security training and briefings for newly hired staff or personnel arriving in your area of responsibility. This helps them understand the safety measures in place and how to stay safe in the region.
Incident Reporting and Management:
- If a security incident occurs, you’ll need to gather and verify information related to the incident (e.g., attacks, accidents, or threats) and help ensure it’s properly reported and assessed.

Skills & Experience:

Security Experience: You should have experience working in a security role, ideally within a military or police context, or in another relevant field (e.g., crisis management, international organizations, or NGOs).
Technical Knowledge: You’ll need proficiency in office software (like MS Word and Excel), and experience with radio communication systems may be important, especially in remote or risky areas. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel are also required.
Language Proficiency: Being fluent in both Arabic and English (spoken and written) is essential because you will be coordinating with both local and international teams.

Working Environment:

The job will be based in Syria, which is a challenging context due to ongoing conflict and instability. However, this role is crucial for ensuring that UNDP can continue its mission to promote sustainable development, peace, and recovery despite these challenges.
UNDP operates with a flexible and inclusive approach, meaning you might work with people from a variety of backgrounds and regions. The role will require you to be adaptable, as the situation on the ground can change quickly.

Personal Traits:

You will need to have a calm and determined approach to decision-making, especially in high-pressure or uncertain situations.
You should be able to engage with diverse teams, showing understanding and respect for the different perspectives of your colleagues and external stakeholders.
Your role will also demand an ability to manage risk and prioritize—understanding when to take action and when to seek help or more information.

Benefits of the Job:

Working for UNDP means you’re contributing to important global efforts in promoting peace, development, and human rights. It’s a role where you can have a significant impact on security in a region that requires extensive and well-thought-out security management.

If you’re passionate about working in a challenging environment and ensuring safety in crisis zones, this job could be an excellent opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s mission while growing in the security field.

To meet your request for a deeper explanation of the Local Security Assistant (LSA) position with UNDP in Syria, I’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the job role, responsibilities, and qualifications, exploring the context and relevance in detail. Here’s an extended description:

Introduction: The Role of a Local Security Assistant (LSA) in Syriawordpress-6.7.1

The Local Security Assistant (LSA) role within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is both crucial and highly dynamic, especially in conflict-prone regions like Syria. Given the complexity of the Syrian context—shaped by more than a decade of civil war, displacement, economic challenges, and frequent natural disasters—this role is central to ensuring that UNDP can continue to deliver its programs safely and effectively. Security is a constant challenge, and the Local Security Assistant will work to ensure that staff, assets, and operations are protected.

Security risk management in conflict zones is a complex field requiring proactive planning, real-time response, and strong coordination with various security agencies and stakeholders. The LSA helps create an environment where staff can focus on their developmental and humanitarian work without being hindered by security concerns.

This detailed explanation will offer insights into what the LSA position entails, its role within the UNDP, the competencies needed, and the kind of environment in which you’ll be working. Additionally, we’ll delve into the broader significance of this role in light of Syria’s ongoing crisis and how security management at UNDP contributes to long-term recovery, socio-economic stability, and humanitarian support.@vacancyspaces.com

The UNDP’s Mission and Context in Syria

UNDP, as the development arm of the United Nations, plays a critical role in global development, focusing on poverty alleviation, sustainable growth, and democratic governance. In conflict zones like Syria, the UNDP’s efforts are not just about long-term development, but also addressing immediate humanitarian needs, such as displacement, emergency relief, and post-crisis recovery. However, in order to achieve these goals, security management is paramount to ensure that UNDP’s personnel, resources, and projects are not disrupted by security risks or attacks.

Syria has been embroiled in conflict since 2011, and the situation remains volatile with intermittent ceasefires, ongoing violence, economic instability, and a complex humanitarian crisis. More than half of Syria’s pre-conflict population has been displaced, and the infrastructure is in ruins, with people struggling to access basic services. The war has led to the collapse of governance structures in some areas, while others are controlled by different factions or terrorist groups. Amidst these challenges, the UNDP is working on its country program focusing on peacebuilding, governance, climate adaptation, and disaster resilience. The Local Security Assistant is critical in ensuring that the UNDP’s programs can continue to reach the most vulnerable people without putting personnel at risk.

Key Areas of UNDP’s Focus in Syria:

Socio-economic Recovery and Social Cohesion:
- This involves addressing immediate needs such as infrastructure repair, job creation, and enhancing local governance.
Strengthening Local Governance and Basic Services:
- UNDP aims to restore essential public services, support decentralized governance structures, and promote peacebuilding efforts.
Supporting Climate Change Adaptation and Natural Resource Management:
- These programs are designed to help Syria build resilience against future environmental disasters and better manage its dwindling natural resources.

In a volatile environment like Syria, security management becomes intertwined with these areas. Local Security Assistants help ensure that these critical projects are not disrupted by violence, theft, or other security risks.

Key Responsibilities of the Local Security Assistant (LSA)

The LSA plays a crucial role in supporting the security team and ensuring that UNDP can continue its work without unnecessary risks. While the specific tasks may vary depending on the security situation in Syria, the core responsibilities of the LSA can be broken down into four main categories:

Security Support and Risk Management:
- As part of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS), you’ll help manage the risks faced by UNDP personnel, properties, and operations. Security risk management involves gathering and analyzing security information, conducting assessments of various locations where UNDP works, and advising the Field Security Specialist (FSS) on specific security threats or trends that could affect operations.
- You’ll also contribute to Security Risk Management Plans and provide inputs for developing or updating these plans regularly.
- A critical aspect of this task is to gather local intelligence about potential threats, including violent incidents, road conditions, weather disruptions, militant activity, or local community tensions.
Implementation of Country Security Plans and Emergency Procedures:
- The Country Security Plan (CSP) is a strategic document outlining measures to safeguard personnel, assets, and operations in a country. As an LSA, your role will be to assist in updating the CSP to ensure that it is adapted to the latest threats and vulnerabilities in the region.
- In case of emergencies, you’ll help implement contingency plans, such as evacuation procedures, and ensure that these plans are regularly tested and rehearsed with staff.
- You may also be involved in setting up and managing emergency communications systems that allow staff to remain in contact during crises.
Monitoring Security Compliance:
- The LSA will oversee the security procedures at UNDP facilities, including offices, residential buildings, and temporary sites. This involves monitoring the physical security of UNDP premises and ensuring that they meet established standards.
- You’ll liaise with external security contractors to ensure the proper deployment of security personnel and that resources like guards, alarms, and surveillance systems are functioning correctly. In addition, you may conduct spot checks on security equipment and test emergency protocols.
Reporting and Information Management:
- One of the LSA’s key roles is gathering and analyzing security-related data and producing reports. This could include daily security updates, incident reports, and briefings for the UNDP management and other stakeholders.
- You’ll maintain a database of security contacts, including UNDP’s security focal points in different regions, local police, military units, and emergency services.
- In the event of a security incident, the LSA is responsible for collecting accurate information, verifying facts, and reporting the situation to senior management. This could include attack assessments, accident investigations, or threat analysis.

Skills and Qualifications Needed for the Local Security Assistant (LSA)

To be successful in this position, an individual must possess a combination of practical security skills, local knowledge, and the ability to adapt to a highly dynamic and often dangerous environment. Let’s break down the core competencies and qualifications:

Educational Background:
- Secondary Education is a mandatory requirement, with a university degree in fields such as Political Science, Security Management, Military Studies, Criminal Justice, or any other relevant discipline being a significant asset.
- While a degree is not a strict requirement, it may be advantageous as it signals a more formal understanding of issues related to conflict, governance, and development.
- Security, military, or police training is desirable, as it directly supports the nature of the role in crisis zones.
Professional Experience:
- At least 5 years of relevant experience (if you have a high school diploma), or 2 years of experience if you hold a bachelor’s degree, in a security-related role is necessary.
- Experience in military, police, or security management, or with international NGOs or UN organizations, is particularly beneficial. Previous experience in high-risk environments (like conflict zones or disaster areas) would make you well-suited for the position.
- Familiarity with security equipment, such as radio communications and security management software (e.g., ERP systems), is also an advantage.
- A valid driver’s license is required as this role may involve traveling to various locations within Syria.
Language Skills:
- Proficiency in both Arabic and English is a must. The role requires strong communication skills for interacting with local authorities, UN counterparts, and international colleagues. You’ll need to be able to report and discuss security issues in both languages clearly and efficiently.
Security and Crisis Management Skills:
- The ability to assess threats and evaluate security risks is essential. This includes knowledge of current security codes, potential risks to personnel, and regional instability.
- You should have a working knowledge of UN security protocols and be able to implement these protocols effectively, especially in high-pressure situations.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
- The security situation in Syria is constantly changing, so the LSA must be highly adaptable to shifting circumstances. This includes responding quickly to new threats or security breaches and making timely decisions.
- You should be able to think critically, solve problems pragmatically, and handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a professional manner.
Collaboration and Networking:
- The LSA will work closely with various stakeholders such as the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), local law enforcement, the military, and NGOs. Building and maintaining these networks will be crucial to ensuring the safety of UNDP operations.
- You should be a team player, able to work in cross-functional teams, including with staff from different nationalities, and contribute to a positive, collaborative environment.

Challenges and Rewards of the Local Security Assistant Role

The LSA role comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. On the one hand, working in Syria means being exposed to one of the most complex and dangerous operating environments. However, the role also offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to UNDP’s mission of providing sustainable development solutions while keeping humanitarian workers safe.

Challenges:

Constantly Evolving Security Situations: The threat environment in Syria can shift quickly, requiring constant vigilance and adaptability.
Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: Coordinating with various actors—including local leaders, military forces, and other UN agencies—can be politically sensitive and complex.
Personal Safety: Working in a high-risk environment means personal safety is always a concern, especially if you are required to travel to more insecure areas.
Emotional and Mental Strain: Constantly dealing with security risks and crises can be mentally and emotionally taxing.

Rewards:

Making a Difference: Despite the risks, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute directly to humanitarian and development programs in a country facing severe challenges.
Professional Growth: Working in crisis management offers significant career development opportunities, particularly in the field of security management and international relations.
International Experience: You’ll work with colleagues and partners from all over the world, gaining exposure to different perspectives and security protocols.
Personal Fulfillment: The satisfaction of knowing that your work is enabling UNDP to continue its vital work in rebuilding communities and promoting peace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Local Security Assistant (LSA) position with UNDP in Syria is not just a job—it’s a challenging yet incredibly rewarding opportunity for individuals interested in working in international development and security management. It requires a unique blend of practical security knowledge, crisis management skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to change. If you are passionate about ensuring the safety of staff and assets in a high-risk environment while enabling meaningful development work, this could be the ideal position for you.

By playing a crucial role in security risk management, emergency preparedness, and information sharing, you would be contributing to the overall success of UNDP’s programs and helping to ensure that their valuable work can continue safely and effectively in one of the most complex regions in the world.

To provide an even more detailed and comprehensive breakdown, let’s delve deeper into several facets of the Local Security Assistant (LSA) position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Syria, expanding on topics such as the operational environment, the duties and responsibilities, coordination with other stakeholders, risk management strategies, and the broader implications of the role in the context of Syria’s development and humanitarian crisis.

The Role of Security in Humanitarian and Development Work in Syria

Security is a cornerstone of all operations, particularly in conflict zones. For UNDP, which works to reduce poverty, strengthen governance, and enhance resilience in communities, securing the safety of staff and assets is the first step toward achieving these broader goals. The LSA is not merely a supporter of security protocols but plays an active role in ensuring the continuity of essential development work by mitigating the risks posed by volatile security situations in Syria.

Syria is a highly complex environment in which to conduct development activities, and the security context is not static. Violent extremism, ongoing military conflicts, and political instability create an unpredictable environment. In this scenario, the role of a Local Security Assistant is vital to protect those who are tasked with implementing development and humanitarian programs.

This section will break down how the LSA fits into the larger operational framework of UNDP and how their role extends beyond just handling emergencies to ensuring long-term safety and operational continuity.

The Local Security Assistant: Operational Environment in Syria

Syria’s security environment is fluid, with different parts of the country experiencing varied levels of safety, from areas under direct conflict or siege to relatively calm but still high-risk regions. Here’s a breakdown of the operational environment:

1. Varied Security Zones:

The Syrian landscape is marked by highly localized security zones:

Government-controlled areas tend to be more stable but still susceptible to indirect threats like bombings, roadside attacks, or unrest.
Rebel-held areas experience intense political and military instability, with frequent clashes between opposing factions, occasional ceasefires, and a high likelihood of unpredictable security developments.
Areas under control of extremist groups (such as ISIS or similar factions) may present extreme risks, particularly for foreign and local personnel involved in humanitarian or development efforts. In these zones, there is the risk of targeted violence, kidnapping, or sabotage of key infrastructure.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and refugee areas represent a unique set of security challenges, with overcrowded conditions, resource shortages, and tensions among displaced populations or between displaced persons and host communities.

Each of these zones presents its own set of security risks and logistical challenges, and the Local Security Assistant (LSA) must be prepared to deal with these dynamically, ensuring that staff, assets, and operations can proceed with minimal disruption.

2. Shifting Military and Political Alliances:

The military landscape in Syria is fluid, with shifting alliances between local forces, international actors, and humanitarian groups. The Syrian government, opposition groups, Kurdish forces, international coalitions, and jihadist factions all play roles in the region’s political and military landscape. For UNDP and other international organizations, it is crucial to understand the movements of these groups, as their control over territory or access to resources directly impacts UNDP operations.

The LSA must constantly monitor the political and military landscape to anticipate potential threats. This includes tracking military movements, political agreements, or any developments that could escalate tensions and directly threaten the safety of UNDP personnel.

Core Responsibilities of the Local Security Assistant (LSA)

As previously discussed, the LSA’s role is multi-dimensional, encompassing a variety of tasks centered around risk management, coordination, compliance, and communication. To provide a more detailed explanation, let’s expand further on the following responsibilities:

1. Security Risk Assessment and Analysis

Security risk assessments are a continuous process in Syria, where new threats can emerge with little warning. The LSA is tasked with:

Conducting daily security assessments for both UNDP staff and assets, considering changes in the environment, including political shifts, intelligence on hostile activity, and environmental changes (e.g., floods, landslides).
Providing clear risk assessments for specific locations within Syria, including field offices, partner sites, and remote locations. This requires site visits and discussions with local partners to understand ground realities.
In high-risk areas, the LSA needs to produce detailed risk mitigation plans to ensure staff and resources are protected. This could include proposing alternate travel routes, recommending adjustments to security protocols, or enhancing on-the-ground protection strategies.

A key part of the role is analyzing open-source intelligence (news reports, social media), local networks, and direct reports from UN field offices to assess the security status of a given area. Through these assessments, the LSA will recommend whether a certain area is accessible for work or whether a temporary security lockdown is necessary.

2. Security Coordination and Liaison

The LSA serves as a liaison between various local, national, and international security entities:

UN security teams: The LSA coordinates with UNDSS and local security advisors to ensure consistency and integration with UN security protocols.
Local authorities and law enforcement: Building and maintaining relationships with local police, military units, and other state security forces is critical. The LSA might have to attend security coordination meetings or briefings with these entities to ensure UNDP’s security needs are clearly understood.
NGOs and humanitarian partners: In volatile areas, coordination with NGOs, humanitarian aid organizations, and other UN bodies is crucial for establishing common security strategies and sharing relevant security information.
Security contractors and providers: The LSA may be tasked with overseeing the performance of local security contractors, including guards, drivers, or specialized security services, ensuring that security measures are appropriately implemented.

3. Incident Management and Response

In the event of a security breach or incident, such as an attack on a UN compound, armed conflict near a project site, or kidnapping or hostage-taking, the LSA plays a key role in managing the incident. Specific responsibilities include:

Immediate reporting of security incidents to senior management, including briefings on the nature of the threat and the potential impact on staff or operations.
Coordinating evacuation or relocation of staff from high-risk zones, using pre-established protocols and emergency resources.
Supporting crisis communication efforts, ensuring that key messages are communicated to the appropriate UN channels, local authorities, and international partners.
Investigating incidents by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with after-action reports. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities in security protocols and recommend measures to prevent future incidents.

A significant part of the LSA’s role during security incidents is maintaining calm and professionalism. While situations may be chaotic, the LSA must manage logistical challenges, deal with complex interpersonal dynamics, and ensure that all staff are safe and accounted for.

Risk Management Strategies: How LSAs Ensure Safety

Effective risk management strategies are foundational to the LSA’s role, as they directly impact the safety of personnel. These strategies must account for both physical and operational risks, and they should be flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions.

1. Proactive Security Measures:

To prevent incidents before they occur, the LSA will be responsible for:

Conducting security surveys of UNDP offices, temporary accommodations, and other locations.
Implementing security enhancements in areas identified as vulnerable, such as installing reinforced doors, bulletproof windows, remote surveillance systems, and access control points.
Ensuring that all staff are familiar with security protocols, including evacuation routes, safe havens, and communication procedures. This includes conducting mock drills and refresher training.

2. Contingency Planning and Preparedness:

The LSA plays a central role in ensuring that contingency plans are in place for emergencies, such as armed conflicts, evacuations, earthquakes, or medical emergencies. This includes:

Developing evacuation plans for specific areas, based on the level of threat and staff availability.
Ensuring that staff members are trained on evacuation procedures, and that essential supplies (food, water, medicine, communication equipment) are always available.

The Broader Impact: How LSAs Contribute to UNDP’s Goals

While the Local Security Assistant role is deeply focused on security, it also has a broader impact on the development objectives of UNDP. By creating a secure operating environment, the LSA enables UNDP’s personnel to work effectively in areas where development efforts are most needed.

For instance, development projects such as building healthcare facilities, providing clean water, or promoting local governance can only take place when staff and resources are safeguarded. If security is not ensured, these vital projects may be delayed or canceled, causing disruption in humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding efforts.

The LSA’s work can thus be seen as a direct contributor to long-term peacebuilding and recovery efforts. By securing personnel and assets, you allow UNDP’s development and humanitarian programs to have a lasting positive impact on communities affected by war and conflict.

Conclusion: The Vital Role of Local Security Assistants in Syria

In conclusion, the Local Security Assistant (LSA) role within UNDP is critical to ensuring that humanitarian and development activities continue smoothly in a high-risk environment such as Syria. The LSA’s contributions span from risk assessments, incident management, coordination with security agencies, to ensuring compliance with security protocols.

This role is demanding and requires the ability to respond to ever-changing security dynamics while ensuring the safety of those working on the ground. Given Syria’s volatile security situation, the LSA acts as the first line of defense against security threats, enabling the UNDP and other partners to achieve their mission of promoting sustainable development, rebuilding infrastructure, and fostering peace.

The challenges faced in this role—both emotional and physical—are significant, but the rewards, in terms of professional development and the impact on the lives of vulnerable communities

March 8, 2025

17 minutes read