Field Security Specialist or Country Office Security Associate (Open to OHCHR STAFF - Nationals Only): 

Background

Country Office's success in its delivery of OHCHR programmes is dependent on ensuring an adequate security framework is in place. The Host Government has primary responsibility for the security and protection of personnel employed by United Nations Security Management System organizations, their eligible family members, and property. The Country Office security team, in collaboration with OHCHR Security Office and regional security staff, reinforces and supplements the capacity of the Host Government where needed to enable ongoing delivery of OHCHR programmes, particularly in insecure and unstable environments. Specifically, the security team ensures the integration and mainstreaming of security risk management into Country Office operations, including incorporation of security considerations into the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all country office projects and programmes.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the OHCHR Country Office Security Coordinator, the Country Office Security Assistant (COSA) assists in providing support in the implementation of security and safety management in the country of assignment while protecting and minimizing risks to OHCHR personnel, property and operations to enable effective OHCHR programme delivery throughout the country.  

The COSA may interact with UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS), security partners in other UN agencies, national and local security counterparts, counterparts in Diplomatic missions, NGOs, municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders to exchange information and implement security programs.

OHCHR adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, OHCHR personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1.) Assist in providing security management support to enable effective programme delivery throughout the country while protecting and minimizing risks to OHCHR personnel and operations. 

• Provide support to security risk management for UN Security Management Systems (SMS) and OHCHR Programmes in designated areas.
• Gather and organize information on security factors that are relevant to the design and delivery of OHCHR programmes. 
• Assist in conducting segments of security assessments and gather information on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security, as requested. 
• Assist in implementation of person-centered security risk management approaches to address specific threats or vulnerabilities in alignment with security assessment results and procedures. 
• Gather inputs for preparation of country security documents covering areas where UNDP staff, dependents and equipment are present. 

2.)   Perform assigned activities to support implementation of the Country Security Plan, Contingency Plans and Business Continuity Management, and the UN Security Framework. 

• Help in the preparation and updating security aspects of procedures for dealing with emergencies involving OHCHR staff and operations.
• Coordinate closely with HR Unit to ensure the staff Lists provided to UNDSS are kept up-to-date. 
• Provide support in organizing training courses and briefings on security awareness and preparedness for OHCHR personnel and provide security orientation to newly assigned staff members as requested. 
• In coordination with HR, monitor OHCHR staff security training compliance. 
• Liaise with UNDP administration when preparing for procurement of security equipment and supplies, and other logistics. 

3.)   Assist in monitoring security compliance of OHCHR premises and international staff residences within assigned areas of responsibility.

• Gather information relevant to the implementation and assessment of security and security risk management measures for OHCHR premises. 
• Maintain liaison with commercial companies used for OHCHR security at offices and residences to ensure deployment of security resources are consistent with contract requirements. 
• Assist in monitoring and assessing the safety and security preparedness of country offices and international staff residences. 

4.) Provide support in keeping OHCHR management and personnel informed on security matters affecting OHCHR programmes, the Country office and its personnel. 

• Gather information for inclusion in Country Office security reports. 
• Respond to and assist in reporting safety and security incidents affecting OHCHR personnel and eligible dependents by gathering and verifying security information relevant to analyzing the situation. 
• Maintain a database on OHCHR security contact details and the list of OHCHR Security Focal points.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities. 

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:  None

Core Competencies

• 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. 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies 

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

Business Management-Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. 
• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. 
• Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. 
• Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Management     Operations Management

• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization beyond processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. 
• Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms

Security Services  Security advice, planning, and coordination-Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

Security Services  Security information management -Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations

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

Security Services Physical/premises security design, implementation, and management       -Ability to conduct accurate premises assessments on UN facilities to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. Ability to design, support the implementation, and test physical security systems for UNDP premises

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education is required. 
• 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.
• Applicable security, police, and/or military training is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with a high school diploma) or 2 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work. Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable. 
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Experience in the use of radio communications systems and knowledge of Country security codes are desirable.
• A valid driver’s license is required

Language:

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required

 Applicant information about the OHCHR rosters

OHCHR 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 OHCHR at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

• OHCHR has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 
• OHCHR is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

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