Org. Setting and Reporting

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 Training and Development Section (TDS) is located within the Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support (DPSS) of DSS. TDS’ remit includes the development and implementation of UN system-wide security-related training strategies, policies and programmes for security professionals, managers with security responsibilities and personnel at large. In close coordination with the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN) and the Standing Committee on Learning and Training (SCOLT). TDS works to establish training standards and methodologies. This post is located at UN Headquarters in New York within the Training and Development Section of the Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support (DPSS) of DSS. Under the overall supervision of the Director, DPSS, the Chief, Training and Development Section directly reports to the Deputy Director, DPSS.

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.

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/

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, (DPSS) the Chief, Training and Development Section is responsible for the following duties:

1. Coordinate and implement UNDSS training policies, standards and capacity development strategies for all UN personnel, staff with security management responsibilities and security personnel:
• Manage and direct the daily operations of the Training and Development Section;
• Identify areas where UNDSS capacity development is required and devise training, mentoring and other methods to achieve required capacity;
• Oversee the development, implementation, quality control and review of UN security training policies and standards;
• Plan and oversee the continuing review and implementation of a coordinated inter-agency security training strategy, including through the use of training needs assessments to address evolving requirements;
• Develop learning methodologies, including leveraging technology and innovation to maximise use of resources and accessibility;
• Keep abreast of, and assess applicability of, new developments in learning-related technologies and pedagogical best practices in adult learning;
• Lead the planning of the training budget and manage training expenditures;
• Oversee the management of training data and other related information to meet training reporting requirements, training evaluations and a learning catalogue of relevant training;
• Prepare reports for senior management, the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN) and other relevant coordination, governance or legislative bodies;
• Develop a core resource of subject-matter experts to support training and ensure adherence to international standards and best practices;
• Deliver training, as required.

2. Ensure coordination and engagement with relevant stakeholders and partners:
• On behalf of UNDSS, lead collaboration with Secretariat training entities, as well as with security training working groups within UNDSS and the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), notably the Standing Committee on Learning and Training (SCOLT);
• Oversee the secretariat function of the security training governance mechanism led by the Under-Secretary-General (USG), UNDSS;
• Represent the Department at inter-agency meetings on substantive security training-related issues;
• Establish and maintain relevant partnerships with training entities in the UN family, and external training and learning institutions;
• Manage and oversee vendor contracts for training services.

3. Support the Deputy Director and Director of DPSS in the overall strategic and programme management and coordination of the division in an effort to systematise the operations of the Division:
• As requested by the Deputy Director and Director DPSS, coordinate the timely delivery of budget submissions and contributions to strategic-level reports, briefing notes, meeting agendas, presentations and other UNDSS work products and policies;
• Identify and coordinate the leveraging of training tools, methods, and technologies in support of the overall objectives of the Department;
• Oversee the preparation of and monitor the implementation of DPSS programmes and projects, and closely monitor the implementation of Training and Development Section (TDS) workplans and budgets;
• Coordinate and promote the implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines and UNDSS gender policies in the work of Training and Development Section (TDS);

4. Performs other duties, as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to effectively supervise, lead, mentor, develop and evaluate diverse staff, including security, training, and information technology professionals. Ability to analyze complex issues and to translate them into easily understandable training programmes. Experience in building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment. Ability to translate strategy and goals into effective programmes in diverse areas and to advance programmes effectively. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues, staff members and stakeholders.

• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; 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.

• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

• Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree in one or more of the following disciplines: security management; adult learning; information; programme or knowledge management; or related area. A first level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the management of institutional capacity-building or training and development programmes, including practical experience with information and knowledge management and the use of technology in these areas is required.

At least 3 years of project management experience is required.

Substantial experience in successfully leading a large-scale change management programme is desirable.

Experience at the professional level in training or security management with an international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of a third UN Official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• 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.

• Staff members appointed to the current position may be required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.

• 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/English.

United Nations Considerations

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.

No Fee

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.