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 position is located in the Protection Coordination Unit (PCU) in the Division of Partnership and Specialized Support (DPSS). PCU was established to manage the growing number of personal protection details in a systematic and coordinated manner. All decisions on staffing of personal protection teams are based on detailed security threat and risk assessments. The Protection Coordination Officer supports and contributes to the achievements of the overall goals of the Department of Safety and Security in general and for the Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support in specific. The incumbent reports to the Chief of PCU or his/her/their designate. This position is considered rotational and staff members are normally required to move geographically to different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised.

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

Under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Protection Coordination Unit (PCU) or his/her/their designate, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Contributes to the effective delivery of the mandate of the Protection Coordination Unit.
• Performs functions to ensure the effective and efficient coordination of close protection services worldwide.
• Contributes to achieving the overall goals of the unit.
• Makes recommendations and participates in the implementation of the unit strategic goals.
• Makes recommendations to the unit’s work plan and performs assigned tasks in a timely manner and within the established timelines.
• Ensures operational coordination of protective operations deployed in support of the key Senior United Nations Officials, as assigned.
• Assists in determining the requirement of close protection measures and makes recommendations on operational coordination and support.

2. Monitors and Coordinates assigned close protection operations.
• Maintains technical lines of communication and coordination with Senior Security Professionals, their deputies and Close Protection Coordination Officers in UN Duty Stations where Close Protection assets are deployed.
• Assists in overseeing and coordinating the deployment of close protection assets in assigned areas and develops and maintains the effective monitoring of close protection operations.
• Liaises and coordinates with focal points in UN entities in the preparation of personal protection profiles for senior UN officials (SUNO) and ensures they are maintained, accurate and up-to-date.
• Reviews preventive and mitigating measures recommended by the security risk management processes conducted for field based or traveling Senior United Nations Officials.
• Liaises with Member States’ law enforcement agencies in order to ensure effective security arrangements as directed.
• Coordinates the close protection of senior UN officials (SUNO) assessed to be at potential or actual risk.
• Coordinates the monitoring and oversight of the travel of SUNOs as it relates to their security.
• Reviews lessons learned and recommends best practices in close collaboration and cooperation with the relevant units within UNDSS.
• Reviews preventive and mitigation measures generated by the security risk management process, recommending courses of action in support of close protection operations.
• Identifies sources of information within the UN organization to be used in gathering data in support of threat analysis.
• Carries out assigned administrative responsibilities related to the PCU and Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support (DPSS) including programme planning, budget development, financial monitoring of close protection assets, review of close protection officers’ qualifications, and makes recommendations on training as necessary.
• Liaises, coordinates and advises Senior Security Professionals on the selection and recruitment of Close Protection Coordinators and Officers as required. Supports rostering campaigns for close protection personnel.
• Deploys to field missions on temporary assignments to support establishment of new Close Protection Units, as required.
• Participates in Protective Services Assessments in UN Field Missions to determine benchmarks, trends and compliance with applicable close protection operational policies and practices; makes recommendation and advices and supports Close Protection Units in strengthening their operational capability.
• Identifies operational requirements and standards at the field mission’s level to be considered in the establishment of UN Close Protection operational standards referring to skills, tactics, weapon systems, special equipment, etc.
• Coordinates with Senior Security Professionals to identify available Close Protection resources for surge deployments.
• Coordinates with relevant departments and units to operationalize a Close Protection standby capacity, including personnel, weapons, ammunition and special equipment.
• Undertakes liaison with interlocutors in provision and maintenance of Member State Close Protection Units (MSCPU) to enable a Department Close Protection Stand-by capacity and provision of protective services in mission areas.
• Supports the design and delivery of training courses.
• Participates as assigned in regional workshops to advise and brief participants on the global or regional planning and coordination of the protective operations.
• Liaises with expert institutions and organizations in the field of close protection in order to keep abreast of innovations and best practices.
• Gathers information and supports the maintenance of an accurate database of all UN Protective Services assets.
• Participates as a subject matter expert in recruitment campaigns designed to populate the rosters for close protection coordinators and operators.
• Provides technical clearance of suitable candidates; prepares and recommends assessment tests.
• Manages administrative details of travel, temporary duty (TDY) and surge deployments to speed up the deployment process and ensures that proper equipment, vehicles and firearms are available for close protection teams.
• Performs other assignments as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of protective operations in conflict and post conflict environment. Ability to provide operational coordination and operational support for protective operations deployed in medium to high-risk environment. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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.

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; 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, public administration, policy, political/social science, international relations or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of experience in the management of close protection operations and assets may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

UNDSS Certification in the Security Certification Programme (SCP) and/or Close Protection Officers Course (CPOC) is desirable.

Completion of an international, national or commercial close protection training is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in Close Protection in a governmental, intergovernmental, military or police context, is required.

A minimum of 3 years coordination or supervisory experience in close protection operational management, including at least 1 year in a conflict and post-conflict environment, is required.

A minimum of 2 years close protection experience at the international level is required.

Experience in coordinating and liaising with multiple stakeholders in planning and organizing protective operations deployed in conflict or post-conflict environment, is desirable.

Experience in the developing of standards for protective services is desirable.

Experience in operational support of protective operations is desirable.

Experience in the use of recent technologies in the planning and implementation of close protection operations is desirable.

Experience in procurement and administrative processes in the United Nations common system or similar 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. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.

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.

• For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 Aug 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

• 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

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.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

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.