Org. Setting and Reporting

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for 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.

This position is currently located in the Strategic Planning Service (SPS), Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (OUSG) in New York, and reports to the Head of the Emergency Response Team. The Security Coordination Officer will be responsible for conducting context-specific security needs assessments and supporting security risk management planning and coordination to enable effective security response. The incumbent will be required to extensively travel to the field, possibly for extended periods of time, to support UNDSS response to emergencies.

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, the Security Coordination Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

• Ensures forecasting of the evolving security environment and the UN’s security and operational responses. Using analytical techniques and collaborative team research, supports planning, ensures awareness of the current trends and anticipates imminent crisis response needs to enhance or adjust security programmes.
• Serves as an Adviser to the Emergency Response Team on all security risk management matters, security policy and procedures.
• Ensures the development of inclusive risk management strategies and drives planning using situational awareness, critical thinking, and logic to detect and interpret early signals, emerging trends and analysis of multi-dimensional threats that may impact security. Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Deploys to the field as part of UNDSS’ emergency response, including to evaluate the situation on the ground, conduct a rapid needs assessment, provide security advice and guidance to the UN system, and coordinate the UN’s security approach during the first phase of sudden-onset emergencies. Serves as a member of the Security Management Team and the Security Cell, building consensus to ensure alignment and support for security operations and initiatives to best enable UN activities in times of crisis.
• Ensures and supports the preparation, review and implementation of security planning, security risk management documents and risk management-based security solutions through innovation and creativity to enable effective humanitarian response and access to vulnerable populations. Provides written analysis of security trends and reporting of incidents. Participates in meetings, committees, and task forces, prepares papers on security issues, delivers briefings provides responses, as needed.
• Advises on, the inclusion of security in the emergency response. Provides advice and support to line managers responsible for security. Enables the delivery of mandates and programmes through direct operational assistance.
• Oversees and ensures security-related operationalization of the emergency response mechanism, prioritizing work to meet deadlines and establishing coherent processes, policies, procedures and guidance, fostering alignment with colleagues and across organizations.
• Monitors and contributes to activities that relate to the implementation and evaluation of preparedness and compliance; drives results that help support operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Enhances communication and trust through active collaboration, consultation and exchanges with UN system organizations and other stakeholders on emergency response, for information sharing, coordination of responses, provision of security briefings, taking into account operational activities and risks.
• Collaborates closely with peers and colleagues, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, and Host Government representatives to ensure advocacy and understanding of security considerations and needs in crises.
• Establishes relationships with the Standby Partners to leverage cross-cutting technology and subject matter expertise to strengthen UNDSS crisis preparedness and response.
• Develops and maintains guidance, informs policy, identifies lessons learned, and provides support and training on emergency and security crisis response.
• Creatively leverages tools and processes, identifies and recommends simple, reasonable, inclusive, effective and efficient security measures, including when there is incomplete, contradictory and/or fluid information.
• Ensures implementation and maintenance of a functioning Security Communication System during emergencies.
• Supports conduct of budget and finance planning for the emergency response project, including through participation in relevant United Nations administration, finance, and logistics forums. Supports resource mobilization efforts.
• Ensures implementation of departmental approaches to mainstreaming gender, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the work as well as ensuring the implementation of people-centred security risk management approaches considering specific threats or vulnerabilities of personnel and adapting practices and measures in support of diversity and inclusion.
• Performs other functions as directed.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrates respect and sensitivity towards diversity in all its forms, in all cultural, gender and religious settings. Takes responsibility for incorporating different 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. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, including self-awareness and contextual intelligence. Shows openness to learning and commitment to self-development. Identifies issues, researches, collects data, demonstrates situational awareness, conceptual analytical and evaluative skills and participates in the resolution of issues/problems demonstrating critical thinking, perceptiveness, judgement and decision-making. Demonstrates an ability to implement policies. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is needed. Communicates complex concepts effectively both verbally and in writing. 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. Shows ability to prioritize, manage, and implement multiple high-level projects in a timely manner, even in fast-changing contexts. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Takes ownership of accountability and supports strategies to ensure compliance with all security risk management decisions and regulations. 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.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, political/social science, psychology, criminal justice, law, international relations, security management or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree may be substituted with a diploma from a police or military education institution, college or academy obtained over a minimum of a three-year period.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk or disaster or emergency management and preparedness in the public or private sector areas responsible for responding to emergency situations that directly impact security is required.

Experience in planning, design, implementation, or review of risk mitigation measures related to operations impacted by insecurity is required.

Experience in contingency planning and crisis management, as well as in contributing to the UN’s, or a comparable international organization, response to crisis or emergency situation is required.

A minimum of five years of field experience in the past ten years working within the UN Common System or comparable international organization or nongovernmental organization in a conflict, post-conflict or natural disaster setting is required.

Specialized experience in such areas as security programmes, risk assessments, or analysis is required.

Experience in using applied analytics, business intelligence, information management to advance decisions, strategies and execution is desirable.

Experience of substantive engagement and/or programmatic or operational coordination, with experience liaising with Member States and/or UN entities, including Agencies, Funds and Programmes, is desirable.

At least one year of experience working within the UN or comparable international organization at an international level is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This job opening is advertised to fill an extra-budgetary funded temporary position. It is available for a period of 364 days, with the possibility of extension based on availability of continued funding. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof is subject to the availability of the project funds, budgetary approval and/or extension of the mandate. Accordingly, the appointment will be temporary for the duration of the grant subject to the Secretariat policies governing temporary appointments.

• While this temporary job opening may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade.

• Due to the temporary nature of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

• A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments.

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

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

• Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat.

• An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions.

• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.

• The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances 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.

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.