Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Advisor (Counter-Terrorism)
at UNOPS
🏢 About UNOPS
UNOPS is a UN agency that provides infrastructure, procurement, and project management services to build peace and sustainable development worldwide. Its Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to deliver impact in challenging environments, including through innovative initiatives like the Roster for UNOCT support. Working here means contributing to global peace and security efforts with a flexible, remote-friendly structure.
About This Role
This Senior Advisor role supports the UNOCT office in Baghdad, providing expert counter-terrorism advice and capacity-building support. You will work as part of a specialist Roster, undertaking short-term assignments with possible field deployments. This role is critical in strengthening the UN's ability to prevent and counter terrorism in Iraq, directly contributing to regional stability and global security.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve remote consultations with UNOCT colleagues in Baghdad, reviewing CT-related reports or drafting strategic recommendations, and preparing for an upcoming assignment. Periodically, you might deploy to the field for a few weeks to conduct training sessions or provide direct advisory support to government officials, requiring flexibility and quick adaptation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who UNOPS Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to UNOPS
1. Highlight your specific counter-terrorism experience in Iraq or the region, including any work with UN entities like UNOCT or CTED.
2. Emphasize your ability to work remotely and as part of a roster, with examples of managing short-term, high-impact assignments.
3. Tailor your CV to showcase your advisory and capacity-building skills, using concrete outcomes and metrics where possible.
4. In your cover letter, explicitly mention your understanding of the UNOPS/UNOCT partnership and the context in Baghdad.
5. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your flexibility for field deployments, including any security training or experience in high-risk environments.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Your deep understanding of the counter-terrorism landscape in Iraq and the region, and how your expertise aligns with UNOCT's mandate. - Specific examples of advising senior officials or governments on CT strategies, with measurable results. - Your experience working in multi-stakeholder environments, including UN agencies, and your ability to operate effectively in a roster-based, remote setup. - Your commitment to the UN's values and your readiness for short-term, potentially high-risk deployments.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → 1. Research UNOCT's current projects and priorities in Iraq, including any recent reports or resolutions from the UN Security Council on CT in the region.
- → 2. Understand UNOPS's role in hosting and supporting UN entities like UNOCT, and how its global portfolios operate.
- → 3. Familiarize yourself with the security situation in Baghdad and the operational constraints for international advisors, including relevant UN security protocols.
- → 4. Look into the Roster model used by UNOPS for this type of advisory work, to understand the expectations for deployment and assignment cycles.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1. Submitting a generic application that doesn't address the specific counter-terrorism context or the UNOPS/UNOCT partnership.
- 2. Underestimating the importance of flexibility and showing reluctance to deploy to high-risk areas or work on short notice.
- 3. Focusing only on policy or academic experience without demonstrating practical, on-the-ground advisory or operational expertise.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: August 24, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!