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 position is located within the Africa section, Division of Field Operations (DFO), New York. The incumbent will report to the Director, DFO through the Deputy Director, DFO. The Division of Field Operations (DFO) serves as the safety and security focal point for the field duty stations, providing primary operational and technical support. The division is responsible for daily security coordination with the field. Regional Desks of the Division are the bridge between UNDSS Headquarters (HQ) and UNDSS Country Offices/Peace Operations and act as the first point of contact at HQ for UNDSS/Integrated Security Workforce personnel in the field, UNSMS organizations and Designated Officials (DOs), as required. Desks are the trusted focal point for the resolution of issues requiring support from HQ, serve as sounding boards and advocate for resources on behalf of UNDSS Country Offices. Regional Desks ensure coordinated, coherent, and timely support to the field, including by identifying sources of expert support within UNDSS HQ, UN Secretariat, and other UN organizations and UN bodies, and facilitating timely delivery. Desks also liaise or represent DFO on operational matters with other UN Departments and offices, and with UNSMS organisations. They also liaise with relevant Member States, Permanent Missions, on operational security matters and represent DFO as requested, as well as keep P/C/SAs abreast of UNHQ-level developments/considerations with potential impact on UN programmes and operations in the field and keep Director/Deputy Director DFO apprised of field-level developments/considerations with potential impact on UN programmes and operations.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will serve as the senior security coordination officer for the Africa Regional Desk and will be responsible for the following: • Supervise the Desk team in the development and implementation of its workplan in line with the Department’s priorities: Ensure that substantive work programmes and activities are carried out in a timely fashion, in liaison with other segments of the Department and with other UNSMS organizations. • Ensure that the outputs produced by the Desk maintain high quality standards: Ensure reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; ensure that all outputs produced by the Desk under his/her supervision are appropriately consulted and meet required standards before completion to ensure that they comply with relevant mandates; carry out tasks necessary for the functioning of the Desk including monitoring performance parameters and critical indicators, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance; manage, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision. • Support country security planning: Ensure that the Desk provides support to and facilitates peer review of all products linked to country security planning and Security Risk Management (SRM) processes making use of ORS-developed quality improvement tools, prior to submission to DO/Security Management Team (SMT). Ensure that the Desk monitors and reviews authorized Spending Limits (ASL), Locally Cost-shared Security Budgets (LCSSBs), Residential Security Measures (RSM), Security Plans, SRM, DO and DO ai appointments (among other). Coordinate assistance to country offices in achieving full readiness including the quality and completeness of security and contingency plans through periodic reviews and exercises, coordinate with Operational Resilience Service (ORS) for support in this regard as and when necessary. • Coordinate support to UNDSS Country Planning: Ensure that the desk provides support to and facilitates peer review of UNDSS Country Office input to Common Country Analysis and Country SDG Cooperation Framework in coordination with ORS and relevant Security Information Analysts. Ensure desk review and support of country planning documents including the UNDSS Country Programme, and annual Workplans. • Coordinate and share information with Security Information Analysts: Collaborate with security information analysts covering the geographical area of the Desk, both in HQ and in the field, to enhance common understanding of political, social, economic, and security dynamics, including cross border or regional trends, in the geographical region. Ensure participation of Security Information Analysts covering the geographical area of the Desk in operational and Desk team meetings. • Specialist Headquarters Support: Ensure consultation with relevant UNDSS experts, facilitate and coordinate assistance to the field from specialized subject areas. Through effective management of the entire Desk team, ensure that the Desk establishes and maintains relationships with relevant Secretariat offices and UNSMS organizations and represent DFO, as required, in their meetings on operational matters. • Coordinate the Desk’s support to the field on UNSMS policies, guidance, best practices, and procedures across the region. • Ensure that the Desk reviews and assists resource requests in support of the field, using the Results Chain framework and submit for decision in line with delegation of authority. • Manage the desk’s contribution to the identification, collection and sharing of lessons learned and best practice in collaboration with the Compliance, Evaluation and Monitoring Section (CEMS). • Crisis management: Ensure support to the field in crisis management preparedness1 (plans, capacity, exercise, training), and assist in bridging identified gaps. Advises, supports and provides guidance to UNDSS Country Offices in their response to crisis events and major security incidents, and coordinate additional support as needed, internally and externally. If and when required by DFO Director, deploy to the field to support crisis response, in collaboration with the Emergency Response Unit. Undertake security missions, as required by DFO Director, to the field including in high-risk locations to perform security assessments and to assist DOs, SMTs and Principal/Chief /Security Advisers (P/C/SAs); Participate in HQ Crisis Coordination meetings, including critical incidents such as hostage incidents; Participate and provide guidance to the Crisis Coordination Center (CCC) at HQ, as required. • Monitor and ensure operational-level support to security sections in Peace Operations, Political Missions, and in Transitions/Drawdowns, in countries within the geographical area of responsibility of the Desk: Ensure coordination and collaboration on such support, as far as it relates to strategic-level considerations, including through cooperation with focal points for operational security support to field missions of DPPA-DPO & DOS. This includes, but is not limited to, security-related support and planning for start-up, transition and drawdown, operational issues regarding the Integrated Security Workforce (ISW), security portions of mission annual budgets, Crisis Management, and Joint Departmental Assessments. • Human Resources, administration, logistics: Ensures support to the field and take relevant actions as needed on human resources, training and development priorities and nominations, procurement, administration, budget and finance, extra-budgetary projects and logistics, coordinating with the Office of the DFO. Oversee recruitments for the Desk as well as ensure support by the Desk to UNDSS Country Offices on recruitment. Review screening of applicants with a consideration to the Department’s gender and inclusion strategy. • Performance Management: Coordinate the assessment of technical security support provided to DOs; collect inputs from DOs; make recommendation to the relevant reporting officer (FRO/SRO) on performance assessments. Coordinate the collection of input from the field on DO’s performance in their security role. • Support to Senior Management and UNSMS: Provide updates and brief the Director/Deputy Director DFO on operational developments and challenges. Represent DFO as requested by the Director/Deputy Director DFO in internal and external meetings on operational matters. Participate in IASMN working groups under direction of the DFO. Deliver security induction training to Designated Official and DOs a.i.. • If and when required by DFO Director, deploy to the field to support UNDSS Country Offices. • Performs other assignments as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge in the field of security risk management; Good judgment, proactivity, resourcefulness, and tact; Ability to ensure an effective work environment to maximize productivity; Ability to produce assessments, reports and other papers on security issues; Ability to communicate complex concepts orally as well as 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. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. 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. Demonstrates respect and sensitivity towards diversity in all its forms, in all cultural, gender and religious settings. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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. 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. 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. 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 security management, business administration, political/social science, humanitarian or disarmament affairs, law, international relations or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with an additional two 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.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, humanitarian or disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk or disaster management in the public or private service areas responsible for responding to emergency situations that directly impact security is required. Of these, a minimum of three (3) years international field experience over the past seven (7) years with UN Common System or similar international, governmental, or non-governmental organization within security or related area is required. Experience in planning, design, implementation, or review of risk mitigation measures related to operations impacted by insecurity is required. At least five (5) years of management or leadership experience is required. Experience with contingency planning and crisis management is desirable. Work experience in the Africa region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Note: Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (speak, read, write and understand). Knowledge of equals a rating of “confident” or “fluent” in at least 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

• This position is only available on 01 June 2024. • This temporary job opening is available for an initial period of six months with possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • 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. • While this temporary assignment 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. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. • 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. • 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. • 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. However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. • 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. • In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further “stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…” Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified. • An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3/Rev.2, 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. • For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. • The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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 carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.