1. Position Information

Office/Unit/Project: United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS)

Title: Security Operations Centre Assistant (SOCA)

Level: NPSA5

Duty station: Tehran, Iran

Type: Regular

Office- or Home-based: Office based

Expected starting date: 1st December 2024

Expected Duration: Six months with the possibility of extension

2. Office/Unit/Project Description 

A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a cost-shared resource, established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets and operations working for various organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS), within one or more operational areas. Additionally, responsibilities can include maintaining administrative data supporting security communications, such as aggregating contact data for UNSMS personnel, offices, vehicles and emergency services. The role of a SOC Assistant can be challenging and unpredictable as they may be required to respond and assist callers in need of immediate assistance. They will have the responsibility to pass key information and instructions in a timely and calm manner to UNSMS personnel and others, as required. At times, the work will be fast paced and intense, but highly rewarding as the Assistants will be part of a response and support team which contributes to the work of the United Nations. The work is shift based with the working hours vary between morning and evening shifts including weekends. The selected candidate will gain valuable experience and skills while working with people from a broad range of cultures and professional backgrounds.

The contract will be administered by UNDP and funded through Locally Cost-Shared Security Budget (LCSSB).

3. Scope of Work 

1. Receives, transmits, or relays security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Senior Security Personnel via all identified means of communication to personnel.
2. On receipt of notifications of security and safety incidents, escalates these via the appropriate and defined channels for follow-up and support.
3. Based on the local SOPs facilitates the provision of immediate support to the UNSMS personnel involved in security or safety incidents` alerts the response and support functions through the appropriate and defined channels, gives the necessary feedback and input to the personnel involved in the incidents, maintains the communication link to personnel, acts in an overall supportive role. Records all information and communications related to these incidents.
4. Notifies the respective UNSMS organization  security focal points when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident.
5. Verifies the operational status of the SCS to ensure that personnel can use or access the SCS and that the SCS is functioning properly. Reports any anomalies to the appropriate authority for further action or guidance.
6. Undertakes personnel headcount in accordance with instructions from the Senior Security Professional, or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.
7. Supports SOC to operate, maintain, technical support, and acts as control station for all SCS in Iran. Maintains permanent radio contact with all the stations in the UN radio networks in the country, conducts radio check exercises, and provides support in guaranteeing efficient communications and information flow for all involved UNSMS organizations, enabling fast coordination via radio communications for operational and security purpose as well as mission tracking. Responses to all incoming calls and general inquiries. Keep logs for all communication records.
8. Provides support in constantly monitoring safety and security related incidents and developments in the country and the region, and instantly alerting UNDSS.
9. Provides required supports to maintain UNDSS responsiveness. Coordinates his/her actions with the Security Adviser (SA) in cases of emergency according to UNDSS protocols.
10. Receives verbal and written instructions from the SA and FSAs and where necessary circulates to officials having security responsibilities and UN personnel. Maintains chronological files for outgoing and incoming messages.
11. Maintains communication with local authorities on new regulations, including airport officials and management, as well as other relevant offices concerning the implementation of government directives and updates, and regularly informs UNDSS.
12. Supports in administrative matters of the SOC as needed
13. Performs other duties, as directed by the supervisor or the most senior security professional.

4. Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall supervision of the UNDSS Security Advisor and technical guidance/supervision from the UNDSS Field Security Associates (FSAs) the SOC Assistant is responsible for supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS.

5. Competencies

6. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements:

• Secondary education is required, OR
• University Degree in Telecommunications, communication ICT Engineering or relevant related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, the telecommunications, administration, operational fields or relevant related fields is required.

Required skills:

Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Experience in database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP is an asset.
• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.
• Experience in the use of radio communications systems and knowledge of Country security codes is desirable.
• Having Knowledge/experience in Telecommunications or Information Technology/electronics would be a bonus.
• Basic knowledge of the operation of VHF radio voice/data systems, programming, installation, and configuration of Motorola VHF systems is an asset.

Required Language(s):

Fluency in Farsi (Persian) as national language and English is required.