Field Security Coordination Specialist

Job Title: Field Security Coordination Specialist

Organization: UNDP

Job Identification: 12492

Location: Yola, Nigeria

Apply Before: 08/25/2023, 06:59 AM

Job Schedule: Full time

Grade: P3

Vacancy Type: Fixed Term

Practice Area: Crisis management / Country Management Support

Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa

Contract Duration: 1 Year with Possibility for extension

Education & Work Experience: Master's Degree - 5 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 7 year(s) experience

Required Languages: English

Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks

Mobility required/no mobility: no mobility required

Job Description

BACKGROUND

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.

The Department of Safety and Security (DSS) is responsible for providing leadership in security operational supports and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the security programmes and activities of the United Nations System. 

This position is located in the Department of Safety and Security, the Security Section of other missions in the field or headquarters. The Field Security Coordination Specialist will report directly to the Chief Security Adviser. The post is located in Yola, Nigeria. 

As UNDP administers UNDSS staff serving in field locations, the resulting appointments will be offered under UNDP conditions of service. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him /her.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role of the UNDSS Field Security Coordination Specialist will be to coordinate and maintain a sustainable security management system applicable to all UN Agencies operating within the area and provides timely and effective efforts to recognize potential threats and recommends corrective action to alleviate or prevent injury to United Nations personnel, assets and/or activities.

Summary of Key functions:

• Security Coordination Support Services for UN personnel and eligible dependents, projects and activities in AoR.
• Ensures effective coordination of security plans, assessments while designing its implementation.
• Ensures proper communication systems and reporting systems for easy access to information and accountability.

Security Coordination Support Services for UN personnel and eligible dependents, projects and activities in AoR

• Actively participating in emergency response with key stakeholders in the AOR. 
• Maintain effective office and residential security programmes, including to develop, update and implement the security plan for each UN office.
• Formulate the fire evacuation plan; ensure access control systems are in place; manage local funds.
• Ensure all residences are surveyed for appropriate security measures; assess and recommend appropriate residential security measures.
• Implement security training for all staff/dependants, to ensure that they receive appropriate security briefings; conduct periodic security training for all staff; train drivers and the guard force; carry out other ad-hoc assignments as determined by UNDSS.
• Perform general operational security functions, such as to establish and maintain the internal security travel clearance programme; monitor movements of UN staff members.
• Respond on a 24-hour basis whenever a security-related incident affects UN staff.
• Oversee investigations into incidents involving UN staff; assist the Designated Official/CSA/SA in cases of arrest or detention, obtain access to detained staff; prepare the security budget.

Ensures effective coordination of security plans, assessments while designing its implementation

• Prepares a draft security plan and security management documents for assigned elements of the mission, designated country or geographic area, including assigned aspects related to elaboration, development, implementation and updating of the documents. 
• Prepare, maintain and implement the country security plan; appoint Wardens, Area Coordinators and their Deputies to ensure they are carrying out their functions.
• Serve as supporting member of the Security Management Team, act as recorder and prepare minutes.
• Prepare AOR-specific security plans with concentration points, safe havens, and viable evacuation routes; maintain up-to-date lists of all staff and dependants; prepare specific plans for national staff.
• Carry out assessments of local security conditions throughout the country, including to collect, interpret and analyse security information to assess major security trends; advise staff of prevailing trends.
• Monitor the utilization of communication networks; assign and maintain accountability of equipment; conduct weekly radio checks; ensure that sub-offices are in permanent contact with the capital.
• Assists with implementation and evaluation of the preparedness and compliance of the security measures as decided by the United Nations Security Management Team.
• Conducts security surveys and assessments.

Ensures proper communication systems and reporting systems for easy access to information and accountability

• Monitors activities related to the implementation of the approved security measures.
• Participates in maintaining and enhancing lines of communication with United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) entities, including agencies funds and programmes and security focal points.
• Supports the implementation of safety and security policies of the UNSMS.
• Participates in maintaining cooperation and enhancing collaborations with authorities and international institutions, supports security briefings, advice and security training to UNSMS personnel and operational partners of the United Nations (such as entities under Saving Life Together framework).
• Prepares draft reports on security-related incidents involving UN staff members project personnel or eligible dependents.
• Ensures implementation and maintenance of a functioning Security Communication System.
• Assists and supports in establishing policies and procedures for reviewing crisis situations and preparing contingency plans for emergencies.
• Assists Chief Security Adviser in responding to crisis events and security incidents; Liaises with local authorities and international institutions and provides security briefings.
• Provide security training to UNSMS personnel and operational partners of the United Nations (such as entities under Saving Life Together framework).
• Assist in budgeting, finance, and logistical planning for the security office and participation in relevant United nations administration, finance, and logistic forums. Support resources mobilization.
• Ensure liaison with local authorities; prepare incident reports and quarterly incident reports.
• Establish and maintain operational emergency communications systems, including to manage all aspects related to UN security communication, their installation, utilization, operation and repairs.

Perform other related activities as required

Impact of results:

• The key results have an impact on UN personnel, assets and/or activities across all the agencies of UN in the Country particularly in the AoR (North-East Central Area through robust security support services as it affects individual lives in the System.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

• Office management and supervision of Field Security Assistant or Local Security Assistant as well as management and supervision of Country SOC, SOC Supervisor and SOC Assistants in AoR.

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results:  LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have a lasting impact 

Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, and develop new ideas to solve complex problems 

Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results 

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:  LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Operations - Security Services- Security advice, planning and coordination

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

Operations - Security Services – Security information management

• Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations.

Operations - Security Services – Security risk management

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

Operations - Security Services – Security incident management & monitoring

• Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events.

Operations - Security Services – 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.

Business Development – Integration within the UN

• Ability to identify and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system and engage in joint work.
• Knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations.

Business Management - Communication

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Security Management, Risk, Disaster or Emergency Management, Business Administration, Political/Social Science, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, Military Science, International Relations, or a related field is required.
• A first level university degree with additional 02 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.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in security or risk management, gained from public or private service, in such areas as national security, military or police service, or in a corporate environment, together with substantial leadership or command experience.
• If holding only a first-level university degree or equivalent formal security training, a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in security or risk management, gained from public or private service, in such areas as national security, military or police service, or in a corporate environment, together with substantial leadership or command experience.
• International experience, or experience in UN peacekeeping, or in the UN security management system, is desirable.
• Strong skills in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems required. 
• Previous UNDSS experience- an advantage.
• At least one year of international experience in security operations is an asset.
• Training or experience in a broad range of related fields, such as Military or Paramilitary and management of critical Security incident and cross-cultural communication would be an asset.
• Relevant Certification authorizing the incumbent to deliver Sound Security Support Services especially in mission field areas is an added advantage.
• Experience in crisis or emergency response would be an asset.

Language requirements

• Verbal and written fluency in English is required.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

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Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

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