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.

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. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place.

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.

This post is located in the Security and Safety Service of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Security and Safety Service is responsible for providing security to delegates, staff, visiting dignitaries and other visitors.

United Nations security officers function as agents of the Secretary-General and are authorized to preserve order and to protect persons on all United Nations premises, including temporary premises, and to protect the property of the United Nations.

Under the overall command of the Chief of Service, the Security Sergeant is required to perform armed security functions and reports directly to Security Lieutenants or other supervising officers.

Security Sergeants are required to gain and maintain valid host country licenses, including but not limited to a firearms permit from the New York City Police Department and drivers’ license. Sergeants will also be required to be in possession of a valid UN Weapons Permit and meet all UN use of force and firearms qualification standards.

Security officers at all levels are required to avail themselves for a random drug testing (ST/AI/2003/2). Security officers are required to work weekends and holidays, on overtime, and on various shifts in uniform and civilian clothes.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Security Sergeant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Protects the life of persons in the UN complex and preserves UN property by providing security coverage of entry points throughout the United Nations complex to prevent entry to unauthorized person and the unauthorized removal of UN property; preserves the order by enforcing the application of UN policies and safety and security regulations, in line with ST/AI/5/2019.
• Assumes control of on-scene response to security and safety incidents where assigned in a daily basis and during periods of heightened security, ensuring the application of the appropriate levels of force in accordance with the United Nations Use of Force Policy.
• Prepares and/or reviews detailed, accurate, and timely written reports of all incidents; uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
• Conducts daily briefings and assign officers to various functions or posts and ensures the application of various security plans and standard operational procedures to safeguard the life and physical integrity of UN staff, delegates and visitors to United Nations premises.
• Supervises, instructs and counsels subordinates in their duties and performance; is responsible for subordinates’ general appearance, punctuality, attendance, productivity, good order and discipline; carries out regular post inspections to ensure that officers on duty are discharging their functions appropriately; conduct patrols and other duties that may require long periods standing or walking.
• Provides specialized services on technical areas such as investigations, technical countersurveillance, threat and risk analysis electronic security, bombing prevention and response, K-9 operations, close protection operations, emergency response, safety and fire safety, amongst others.
• Assigns cases to investigators, recommending action to be taken; directs conducts sensitive and/or complex investigations.
• Assists in preparing security plans, including traveling in advance, during trips of the Secretary-General or during visits of Heads of States.
• Makes recommendations to the supervising officer on operational matters.
• Briefs officers under command of possible security threats and related operational plans.
• Assumes control of the on-scene response to security and safety incidents and of specific areas as assigned during periods of heightened security, ensuring the application of the appropriate levels of force in accordance with the United Nations Use of Force Policy.
• Counsels, coaches and mentors officers under command and serves as a first reporting officer of security personnel under command.
• Conducts and supervises training exercises and drills within their area of responsibility; prepares presentations and briefings and short instructional materials for security officers and staff members.
• Makes recommendations on basic security operation.
• Performs all other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of United Nations Security policies, procedures and practices. Demonstrated sound judgment in applying United Nations Security policies, procedures and practices and in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of protection issues/problems. Ability to lead and motivate officers under command as well as manage and evaluate performance of officers under command. 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.

• 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.

• COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

• 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.

• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Additional security or military training is required. Must have passed the United Nations Security Officer Test (SOT).

Work Experience

A minimum of nine (9) years of experience in security and safety operations within the United Nations or other similar international organization is required.

Experience in physical security and access control of international high-level events is required.

Experience in the application of use of force equipment and firearms is required.

Experience in the operation of electronic security systems is desirable.

Experience in specialized security functions such as investigations, technical countersurveillance, threat and risk analysis, electronic security, access control and screening operations, bombing prevention and response, K-9 operations, close protection operations, emergency response and fire safety is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a physical fitness test, a written assessment exercise and a competency based interview.

Other Requirements:
• Candidates must be in possession of valid host country licenses, including but not limited to:
(1) Firearms permit issued by the Police Department – City of New York (non-revoked); and
(2) Motor vehicle permit from the appropriate issuing authorities within the New York tristate area.

• Candidates are required to be in possession of a valid and unrestricted UN Weapons Permit and meet and maintain all UN firearms qualification standards.

• Candidates must be mentally, medically and physically fit. Sergeants are required to: work outdoors in all kinds of weather; walking and/or standing for long periods; running after a fleeing intruder or suspect; climbing up stairs; carrying an injured adult with assistance; gripping persons to prevent escape; restraining a suspect by use of physical force and applying handcuffs; being physically active for prolonged periods of time; understanding verbal communication over the radio with background noise; carrying or wearing heavy personal equipment such as a baton, handcuffs, a radio and a firearm and ammunition magazines in a duty belt and wearing a bullet-resistant vest.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against these positions 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.

These positions are 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Officers are required to be in possession of valid host country licenses, including but not limited to:
(1) Handgun License from the Police Department – City of New York (non-revoked); and
(2) Motor vehicle permit from the appropriate issuing authorities within the New York tristate
area.

• Officers are required to be in possession of a valid UN Weapons Permit, and meet and maintain all UN firearms qualification standards.
• They must be mentally and medically fit.
• All duties are performed in uniform; however, at times the officer may be required to perform duties in civilian clothes.

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

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 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.

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.