Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON supports programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative , security, conference and information services (www.unon.org).

The post is located in the Office of Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Security and Safety Service. The United Nations Security and Safety Service (SSS) is responsible for providing security to delegates, staff, visiting dignitaries and other visitors. Under the overall commend of the Chief of Security, the Security Officers are required to perform armed security functions and report directly to Security Sergeant or Supervising Officer.

The duty stations will be Nairobi, but Security Officers may also be deployed to work at UN Offices elsewhere in Kenya. Within delegated authority, the Security Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Provides security coverage of entry points throughout the United Nations complex to prevent entry to unauthorized person(s) and the unauthorized removal of UN property.
2. Screens all personnel, packages and vehicles entering the premises, including clearance through metal detectors; checks packages both visually and by use of x-ray equipment. Identifies and retains custody of weapons entering the premises with the authority to either confiscate or return said weapons upon owners’ exit from the premises.
3. Conducts exterior, watch-tour patrols throughout the compound and annex buildings for the purpose of intercepting unauthorized persons attempting to have gained entry to the premises, reporting all security, fire and safety violations to the Security Control Centre.
4. Implement the proper application of SSS policies, Standard Operational Procedures, post-specific instructions and other guidance provided.
5. Prepares daily and weekly work schedules and various periodic reports.
6. Provides information and directions to all persons associated with the organization.
7. Controls, identifies and clears pedestrian and vehicular traffic entering and exiting the premises; maintains log books and records as required.
8. Maintains alertness for any potential or actual breaches of security and any disturbances or unusual activity; and reports these immediately.
9. Ensures that all UN property being carried from the complex is checked for appropriate documentation.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of United Nations Security policies, procedures and practices. Demonstrated sound judgment in applying technical expertise in applying United Nations Security policies, procedures and practices. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

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.

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.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training in Police or Military is required with sound and thorough knowledge of security related matters.

Candidates must pass the United Nations Security Officer Test (SOT).

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience as a police or a minimum of two (2) years of relevant military experience is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree.

Computer skills, investigative skills and or First Aid knowledge is desirable.

One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Experience in security Operations within East African region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in 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 include a series of assessments including but not limited to the following: Age between 22 and 35 years except for any experience with SSS or possess a specialized skill required by the SSS.

• Technical written assessment
• Physical fitness assessment
• Firearms handling assessment
• Competency-based interview
• Psychological evaluation

Candidates must pass each stage in order to progress to the next to be considered for possible recruitment.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

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

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

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.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

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.