Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in Medellín, Ocaña, Tibú, Barrancabermeja, Buenaventura, Inirída, Villavicencio, Yopal, Cali and Mocoa, in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) as part of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Security Integrated Workforce (ISW). The Field Security Assistant (FSA) reports to the Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) and assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for the United Nations Personnel, United Nations Premises and Assets of the Organizations of United Nations in the region of assignment. The incumbent will have the responsibility of establishing liaison and coordination with local security forces, contributing and conducting the preparation of Security Risk Management (SRM) documents, as well as promoting the effective implementation and compliance of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and procedures within the unit’s Area of Responsibility (AOR), supporting Area Security Management Teams (ASMT) and providing specialist advice to Area Security Coordinators (ASC) and Regional Heads of Office (HoO) on all matters related to safety and security.

Responsibilities

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Field Security Assistant (FSA) will be responsible for performing the following duties: -Manages all aspects of the administration and work of security guards and watchmen. – Ensures that routine patrols and/or sector patrols are conducted to check security of buildings, personnel, equipment, and adherence to rules and regulations. – Receives, records, and appropriately takes action based on information received through all communication means. – Monitors adherence to computer and information security guidelines. -Conducts security surveys of offices and other UNSMS facilities. -Obtains comprehensive security information and produces background papers relating to incidents that affect safety and security in the UNSMS. -Instructs personnel in the performance of security services, including fire control and physical security of the premises, first aid procedures, use of equipment and operation of automated alarm and video surveillance system. – Liaises where necessary with designated host government security, safety, and emergency officials. -Conducts threat assessments and site surveys. -Prepares and provides security briefings, written security advice and recommendations to the Mission hierarchy. -Produces incident-based security and travel advisories. -Support the FSCO/RSO in the preparation of VIP visits and missions as required. -Liaises and exchanges security-related information with all components of the mission and other UN agencies in the area, while monitoring and verifying the security situation in the area of responsibility to advise the FSCO/RSO on security clearances. -Assist in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating UN Personnel, as well reporting and preparing security incidents affecting UN Personnel, offices, and assets, such as the Security Incident Report, the Security Assessments, and the Quarterly Incident Report, and notify your immediate supervisor of urgent events that arise, and follow up with the corresponding authorities when requested by the FSCO/RSO. -Maintains regular contacts with Security Wardens and Focal Points of the Organizations of United Nations in the region of assignment. -Supports RSO/FSCO to handle UNVMC’s UPPS in the AOR on behalf of the Deputy Chief Security Officer. – Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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 the 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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

A valid driver’s license is required. Training in military, police, private or public sector security procedures and practices, and self-defense techniques is required. Training in specialized security practices is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible security experience with local, regional, national, public or private sectors, including police, security, or fire brigade organization or any related field of work is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the positions advertised, fluency in English and Spanish is required. 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 may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this position 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. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates interested to work for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8SCkVjg-e3073SwTDG1VQf1oLTWfUQ4

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.