Posting Title: Protection
Coordination Officer, P3
Organization: United Nations Department
of Safety and Security
Duty Station: New York, United
States of America
Posting Period: 26 October 2023 -
09 December 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Security-DSS-219689-R-New
York (G)
Staffing Exercise: N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism,
Respect for Diversity
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.
The position is located in the Protection Coordination Unit (PCU) in the
Division of Partnership and Specialized Support (DPSS). PCU was established to
manage the growing number of personal protection details in a systematic and
coordinated manner. All decisions on staffing of personal protection teams are
based on detailed security threat and risk assessments. The Protection
Coordination Officer supports and contributes to the achievements of the
overall goals of the Department of Safety and Security in general and for the
Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support in specific. The incumbent
reports to the Chief of PCU or his/her/their designate. This position is
considered rotational and staff members are normally required to move
geographically to different duty stations under conditions established in
ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised.
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.
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/
Responsibilities
Under the supervision and direction of the Chief of
Protection Coordination Unit (PCU) or his/her/their designate, the incumbent
performs the following functions:
1. Contributes to the effective delivery of the mandate of the Protection
Coordination Unit.
• Performs functions to ensure the effective and efficient coordination of
close protection services worldwide.
• Contributes to achieving the overall goals of the unit.
• Makes recommendations and participates in the implementation of the unit
strategic goals.
• Makes recommendations to the unit’s work plan and performs assigned tasks in
a timely manner and within the established timelines.
• Ensures operational coordination of protective operations deployed in support
of the key Senior United Nations Officials, as assigned.
• Assists in determining the requirement of close protection measures and makes
recommendations on operational coordination and support.
2. Monitors and Coordinates assigned close protection operations.
• Maintains technical lines of communication and coordination with Senior
Security Professionals, their deputies and Close Protection Coordination
Officers in UN Duty Stations where Close Protection assets are deployed.
• Assists in overseeing and coordinating the deployment of close protection
assets in assigned areas and develops and maintains the effective monitoring of
close protection operations.
• Liaises and coordinates with focal points in UN entities in the preparation
of personal protection profiles for senior UN officials (SUNO) and ensures they
are maintained, accurate and up-to-date.
• Reviews preventive and mitigating measures recommended by the security risk
management processes conducted for field based or traveling Senior United
Nations Officials.
• Liaises with Member States’ law enforcement agencies in order to ensure
effective security arrangements as directed.
• Coordinates the close protection of senior UN officials (SUNO) assessed to be
at potential or actual risk.
• Coordinates the monitoring and oversight of the travel of SUNOs as it relates
to their security.
• Reviews lessons learned and recommends best practices in close collaboration
and cooperation with the relevant units within UNDSS.
• Reviews preventive and mitigation measures generated by the security risk
management process, recommending courses of action in support of close
protection operations.
• Identifies sources of information within the UN organization to be used in
gathering data in support of threat analysis.
• Carries out assigned administrative responsibilities related to the PCU and
Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support (DPSS) including programme
planning, budget development, financial monitoring of close protection assets,
review of close protection officers’ qualifications, and makes recommendations
on training as necessary.
• Liaises, coordinates and advises Senior Security Professionals on the
selection and recruitment of Close Protection Coordinators and Officers as
required. Supports rostering campaigns for close protection personnel.
• Deploys to field missions on temporary assignments to support establishment
of new Close Protection Units, as required.
• Participates in Protective Services Assessments in UN Field Missions to
determine benchmarks, trends and compliance with applicable close protection
operational policies and practices; makes recommendation and advices and
supports Close Protection Units in strengthening their operational capability.
• Identifies operational requirements and standards at the field mission’s
level to be considered in the establishment of UN Close Protection operational
standards referring to skills, tactics, weapon systems, special equipment, etc.
• Coordinates with Senior Security Professionals to identify available Close
Protection resources for surge deployments.
• Coordinates with relevant departments and units to operationalize a Close
Protection standby capacity, including personnel, weapons, ammunition and
special equipment.
• Undertakes liaison with interlocutors in provision and maintenance of Member
State Close Protection Units (MSCPU) to enable a Department Close Protection
Stand-by capacity and provision of protective services in mission areas.
• Supports the design and delivery of training courses.
• Participates as assigned in regional workshops to advise and brief
participants on the global or regional planning and coordination of the
protective operations.
• Liaises with expert institutions and organizations in the field of close
protection in order to keep abreast of innovations and best practices.
• Gathers information and supports the maintenance of an accurate database of
all UN Protective Services assets.
• Participates as a subject matter expert in recruitment campaigns designed to
populate the rosters for close protection coordinators and operators.
• Provides technical clearance of suitable candidates; prepares and recommends
assessment tests.
• Manages administrative details of travel, temporary duty (TDY) and surge
deployments to speed up the deployment process and ensures that proper
equipment, vehicles and firearms are available for close protection teams.
• Performs other assignments as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of protective operations in
conflict and post conflict environment. Ability to provide operational
coordination and operational support for protective operations deployed in
medium to high-risk environment. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender
perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas
of work. 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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent)
in security management, public administration, policy, political/social
science, international relations or a related field is required. A first-level
university degree in combination with two additional years of experience in the
management of close protection operations and assets may be accepted in lieu of
the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
UNDSS Certification in the Security Certification Programme
(SCP) and/or Close Protection Officers Course (CPOC) is desirable.
Completion of an international, national or commercial close protection
training is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible
experience in Close Protection in a governmental, intergovernmental, military
or police context, is required.
A minimum of 3 years coordination or supervisory experience in close protection
operational management, including at least 1 year in a conflict and
post-conflict environment, is required.
A minimum of 2 years close protection experience at the international level is
required.
Experience in coordinating and liaising with multiple stakeholders in planning
and organizing protective operations deployed in conflict or post-conflict
environment, is desirable.
Experience in the developing of standards for protective services is desirable.
Experience in operational support of protective operations is desirable.
Experience in the use of recent technologies in the planning and implementation
of close protection operations is desirable.
Experience in procurement and administrative processes in the United Nations
common system or similar international organization is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United
Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written
English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is
desirable.
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.
• For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are
unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 Aug 2023, are
strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and
Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African
Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti,
Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan,
Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,
Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States
of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua
New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon
Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab
Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.
• 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.
• 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. Reasonable
accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support
participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the
application.
• Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if
selected.
• Those candidates who apply and are subsequently recommended and endorsed for
the job opening, but are not selected for the current vacant position, will be
placed on the roster for similar functions at the level and category of the job
opening for possible future selection. Roster membership does not guarantee
selection.
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is
essential.
• Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through
the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two
years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to
this position.
• The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to
ST/AI/2010/3 on the "Staff Selection System" and include the
compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15.
• The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuance governing
staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook
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.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff
shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency,
competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations
staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and
assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in
accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally
recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new
functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the
Secretary-General.
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 follow carefully all instructions available in the
online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants
may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on
“Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.
