Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Integrated Security Workforce (ISW) of the United Nations Mission Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) with duty station in Kabul. Kabul is classified in the “E” category and as a non-family duty station.

Under the general management of the Principal Security Adviser (PSA), the incumbent reports directly to the Close Protection Coordinator through the Team Leader, or delegated authority, on all close protection issues.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Close Protection Team Leader, the Close Protection Officer will carry out the following duties:

• Conducts and coordinates protection operations for the Senior UN officials;
• Remains within the proximity of the principal at all times and implements mitigating measures to preserve his/her security and safety;
• Remains vigilant and alert in case of any threat to the protected person and acts accordingly;
• Conducts all close protection operations as outlined in the UNDSS Manual of Guidance and policies on close protection Operations;
• Coordinates activities with relevant parties and interlocutors including other appropriate security organizations as required;
• Coordinates activities with relevant parties and interlocutors including other appropriate security organizations as required;
• Carries all issued equipment while on duty;
• Conducts advance work and implement pre-established security arrangements;
• Contributes to pre-deployment briefings;
• Operates all close protection equipment and logistics to ensure its operational readiness;
• Assists in training sessions on close protection matters to keep abreast with current tactics and techniques;
• Performs other duties, as assigned;

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of internal security policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to the place of assignment; knowledge of local laws and practices related to mission area; ability to gather information from a variety of sources; demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to detect and identify dangerous objects and knowledge of how to deal with such objects; ability to remain calm in an emergency situation; trustworthy; high sense of responsibility; alertness; physically fit for duty; emotional stability and neatness; good knowledge of the location of organizational units, functions and key personnel; shows pride in work and achievements; 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. Has a high sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment. Demonstrates ability to guide security functions and supervise security staff. The staff member is well trained in security work to be performed. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning & 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.

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 the 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.
as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

A valid driver’s license is required.

UNDSS Close Protection Officer Certification (CPOC) is desirable

Work Experience

At least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a local, national, private, or international security organization, including at least one (1) year at the international level in a conflict or a high-risk environment is required.

Experience and proficiency in the use of personal protection weapons (pistol and shoulder-fired weapon), communications and surveillance equipment, and vehicles is required.

Experience in close protection of one or more principals, static and mobile protection, close protection command post operations and close protection response techniques 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.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

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.

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.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Fully vaccinated status for COVID-19 or willingness to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is required for this position.

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.

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.