The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

The Division of Regional Operations (DRO) serves as the safety and security focal point for the field duty stations, providing primary operational and technical support. The Division is responsible for daily security coordination with the field. The advertised position is located within the Division of Regional Operations (DRO).The Security Coordination Officer will report to the Desk Chief, Africa Section.

This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place.

For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/

Under the supervision of the Desk Chief, Africa Section, the Security Coordination Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Monitors, researches and assesses all factors on the state of UN security in assigned geographic area; Monitors the state of security preparedness of Designated Officials (DOs), Security Management Teams (SMTs), and Chief/Security Advisers (C/SAs) on a continual basis and updates the real-time security information system; Establishes and maintains regular contact and dialogue with each C/SA, Assists in developing options to cope with those situations; Analyzes accumulated information and maintains a continuous picture of evolving global, regional or local political events affecting the security of UN personnel and dependants in the assigned area; Monitors predictive indicators and early warning type information; Monitors and maintains records of the SMT meeting minutes and of Field Security Coordination Officer security update reports for assigned countries.

• Prepares and submits periodic and incidental reports for senior management: Submits to the Desk Chief a daily security report which covers significant events and trends in assigned countries; Prepares briefs, notes, reports, studies, after action reports and recommendations on critical issues of interest to senior management decision-making; Conducts Desk review/audit of mandatory security reports submitted from the field, such as Security Risk Management (SRM), Security Plans (SP), Security Risk Mitigation Measures (RMM), Residential Security Measures (RSM), Local Cost Shared Security Budget (LCSSB) and security incident reports (SIRSS); Collates data inputs for the period trend of mandatory reports. Prepare after action reports following all incidents.

• Monitors security related preparedness of duty stations and in this regard monitors the security planning and preparedness of DOs, SMTs, C/SAs, and provides relevant guidance and advice; Promotes information exchange with and among various duty stations to avoid common problems; Undertakes security missions, as required, to field duty stations, including in high risk locations, to perform security assessment and to assist DOs, SMTs and C/SAs.

• Provides expert guidance and leadership to more junior staff; Acts on behalf of Desk Chief in his/her absence and takes appropriate action as required; Makes recommendations to the Desk Chief on courses of action and appropriate responses as required.

• Performs other assignments as required.

Professionalism:
Knowledge in the field of security risk management, especially the UN security management system. Ability to produce assessments, reports and other papers on security issues. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required. Ability to communicate complex concepts orally. Good judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact. Ability to ensure an effective work environment to maximize productivity. Remains calm in stressful situations. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Contributes to an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues and stakeholders.

Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; Is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others and correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent degree) in Security, Disaster or Emergency Management, Risk Management, Political Science, Military Science, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Law or related area. A first-level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in security, risk or disaster management in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required.

Management experience in the public, private or corporate sector is required.

A minimum of 2 years of international experience in security management systems is required.

At least 2 years of international experience in security operations is desirable.

At least one year of field experience within a security management system is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and French (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of an additional official United Nations language is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field.

• At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

• Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

• Those candidates who apply and are subsequently recommended and endorsed for the job opening, but are not selected for the current vacant position, will be placed on the roster for similar functions at the level and category of the job opening for possible future selection. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.

• The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2010/3 on the "Staff Selection System" and include the compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuance governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.