Background

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP connects countries to the knowledge, resources and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summed up in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact. Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, we are determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies. We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity.

UNDP has supported the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in a bid to attain sustainable development since 1977. This has been done by among other things strengthening and reforming governance institutions to be inclusive and participatory, developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, upholding human rights, and supporting growth of the private sector and civil society. Our United Nations identity ensures neutrality and respect for people’s choices. Transparency and accountability in operations makes us a trusted partner for national and international development stakeholders.

UNDP encourages and enables collective intelligence, collaboration, integration, critical thinking and thought leadership. We mainstream innovation, digitalization opportunities, gender equity and diversity/inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. Our staff consistently strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and inclusion across all areas of work.

In close cooperation with the UNDP Programme teams and other Country Office units, the Operations team supports the UNDP Country Office and programme implementation through the provision of relevant and timely procurement, finance, ICT and digital services, General Administration services, and Human Resources support. This includes a focus on collaboration, innovation, speed and administrative efficiency as well as advisory services for enhanced planning. The unit contributes to a collective engagement with other teams, partners and UN Agency clients to offer timely, well-planned and efficient services that meet the standard and requirements of UNDP policies and procedures. 

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), responsible for the safety and security of UN personnel in Liberia. UNDSS provide and support United Nations Agency Funds and Programmes (UNAFPS) activities in Liberia. National Field Security Assistant (NFSA) will be based at the One UN Hub in  Grand Gedeh- Zwedru.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the UNDSS Security Advisor (SA/FSAs) the Local Security Assistant will provide support in the implementation of the approved measures, implementation of all security measures relating to safety and security of UN personnel, staff, dependents, assets, partners, and those with Memorandum of Understand (MOU) (The One UN House).  Under the direct supervision of the Security Advisor (SA/FSAs), the Local Security Assistant will perform the following duties as may be required and collaborate closely with the Field Security Associate, to ensure effective coordination and compliance with regulations.

Summary of key functions:

Support in liaising and coordinating with the host government security organizations and personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military, and police officers, as well as non-governmental organizations.

Maintain regular contact with state security agencies. Contribute into the assessment of the security situation at the duty station and ensure adequate gathering of information, and verification of security information for a proper analysis of the situation by the SA/FSA.

Provide support in conducting security evaluations and advice on security measures for the residents. Establish and maintain the warden system, administer a pass and ID system; (if applicable). Communicate information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies when deployed as it may require.

Attend to incidents/accidents involved UN Agencies, Personnel, dependents, partners, and those with Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Conduct MOSS/FSSSS assessments on field offices as require and submit reports to the SA/FSA.

Support and participate in the preparation, review and implementation of the UN Security Plan; Monitor of the security measures implementation as recommended in Security Risks Management (SRM).

Assist in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets, and assist in the preparation of security reports. Provide technical assistance at SMT/A/SMT meetings, in the absence of the SA/FSA.

Liaise and supports field offices when deployed in the regions; Undertake field missions as authorized by SA/FSA/HO.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Skills and Experience

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively:LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Strategic Thinking 

Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Safety and Security risk management 

Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test safety and security plans. including ability to design and test safety and security plans

Security advice, planning and coordination 

Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

Security crisis management & response 

Knowledge of crisis management and response arrangements as well as the ability to prepare for, respond to, support/manage security crisis events

Security incident management & monitoring 

Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events

Security information management 

Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations

Security policy awareness & implementation 

Knowledge of security policy concepts and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

Education

Secondary education is required. Or

University degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of experience (with high school diploma or 2 years of experience (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience, in the area of security is required.

English is required.

Eexperience in security operations and training or relevant similar experience is required.

Experience in administrative functions is required.

Experience in Analyzing security situation and writing Incident/Accident report is required.

Familiarity with international building codes  and standards is desired.

Experience and knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation is desired

Experience and knowledge in conducting Threat Assessment is desired.

Knowledge of MS word and Excel (Solid computer skills) is desired.

Language Requirement English

English is required.

Knowledge of any other UN language is desirable.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements