Background

 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
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.

UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub is UNDP’s advisory hub for the Europe and the CIS region tasked with the responsibility to provide policy and programmatic support to UNDP’s development activities in the region. Throughout UNDP’s focus areas, it works towards increasing the impact of UNDP’s activities in the region by assisting Country Offices in development of country-level initiatives through advisory services and technical support and by implementing regional-level projects in partnership with a wide range of partners supported to a global network of expertise. Under the leadership of the Manager, the RBEC Regional Hub employs will a multi-disciplinary team of specialists and advisors, project managers, operations and programme support staff. 

IRH is a common premises/services with other UN Agencies, including IFAD, UNDCO, UNICEF, UNDSS, and UN Women. Under the immediate supervision of the IRH Operations Advisor, the Regional Hub Security Associate (IRH SA) will provide assistance in the implementation of the security plan and all matters relating to safety and security operations and management. The Regional Hub Security Associate will report to the Regional Security Advisor (RSA) for functional security matters.  

Overall, it is important to note that the IRH SA is a local national with vocational experience in security and assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for Istanbul Regional Hub personnel

IRH success in its delivery of UNDP 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 IRH security team, in collaboration with UNDP Security Office and regional security staff, reinforces and supplements the capacity of the Host Government where needed to enable ongoing delivery of UNDP programmes, particularly in insecure and unstable environments. Specifically, the IRH SA ensures the integration and mainstreaming of security risk management into IRH Office operations, including incorporation of security considerations into the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all IRH projects and programmes.

Position purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the Hub Manager and Operations Advisor, the Regional Hub Security Associate implement the establishment of security measures and sound security management at the IRH. Assists in providing security management support to the protection of and minimization of risk to UNDP personnel, property and operations while at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the country and/or established project areas. The IRH SA supports the region's country offices when required, including with surge deployment and safety and security training.

The  IRH SA  may supervise the IRH Office GS security staff and interacts 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.

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

Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in providing security management support and provide guidance on relevant security policies and regulations to the IRH management through the IRH Operations Advisor to enable effective programme delivery and activities of IRH while protecting and minimizing those risks to UNDP personnel and operations:  
  • Contribute to and conduct security risk management for UN Security Management System (SMS) and UNDP Programmes in designated areas. Assist in mainstreaming security and its costs into all levels of programme design, implementation and delivery by monitoring assigned projects and programmes, under guidance of more senior security staff in the country or region.  
  • Working closely with more senior security staff in country or region, review the impact of security factors on UNDP Programme design and delivery as well as the potential impact that programmes might have on stability and security. Make recommendations regarding possible security needs and improvements. 
  • Working in close coordination with more senior staff in the country or region, in conducting of UNDP security risk assessments, and advise the IRH management on security measures for UNDP offices and projects in all locations to address security risks and support their implementation.
  • Support the implementation of person-centered security risk management approaches to address specific threats or vulnerabilities in alignment with security assessment results and procedures. 
  • Provide inputs for UNDSS in preparing country security documents covering areas where UNDP staff, dependents and equipment are present. 
Support the IRH in implementing the IRH Security Plan, Contingency Plans, Business Continuity Management, and the UN Security Framework:  
  • Coordinate with UNDSS to provide guidance to the IRH security team to ensure availability of updated and adequate procedures for dealing with emergencies involving UNDP staff and operations, in consultation with or guidance from senior security staff in country or region.
  • Ensure coordination with the HR Unit in the maintenance and ongoing provision of updated Staff Lists to UNDSS to ensure that all UNDP personnel are covered by relevant Security Plans.
  • Formulate and test UNDP specific security and contingency plans  of the Istanbul Regional Hub, as needed, and including IRH Business Continuity Plan.
  • Conduct / organize , SSAFE, IFAK, Road Safety, fire safety, first aid, and security communications training for the appropriate staff members in coordination with UNDSS or other relevant agencies and provide security orientation training to newly assigned personnel and dependents.
  • In coordination with HR, monitor UNDP staff security training compliance .
  • Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate security equipment and monitor their deployment and functionality.  

Monitor the security compliance of UNDP IRH premises and international staff residences:

  • Provide input to the implementation of physical security and security risk management measures for UNDP IRH premises. 
  • Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and provide advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions.
  • Represent UNDP security interests, when delegated, in any common premises that UNDP occupies in the country ensuring that staff safety and security are primary considerations. 

Provide timely and accurate information and briefings to UNDP Management and advice to staff on security procedures, processes and requirements; and maintain contact with security counterparts internally and externally to facilitate the flow of information on important security matters affecting UNDP programmes, the IRH and its personnel: 

  • Produce and provide substantive input in the preparation of security reports as required by the IRH and the Security Office in a timely and efficient manner.
  • For all security and safety related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents, provide support in coordination with UNDSS and immediately report such incidents to UNDSS in the country as well as to the most senior security staff in the duty station or the UNDP Security Office.
  • Maintain, test and implement UNDP IRH security  communication systems and processes to ensure integration with UN Security Communication System. 
  • Coordinate with partner organizations and counterparts to ensure the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority in planning and carrying out missions.
  • Represent UNDP at Security Cell and other security meetings as required. 
  • Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities. 
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: May supervise IRH GS security staff.
Competencies
Core competencies:
  • Achieve Results - LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
  • Think Innovatively - LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
  • Learn Continuously - LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others, and support their learning.
  • Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
  • Act with Determination - LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
  • Engage and Partner - LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships.
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.

People Management competencies: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

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. 

Experience:

  • Minimum 7 years (with Secondary education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context, or a related field of work. 

Languages:

  • Fluency in English and Turkish is required.

Required skills:

  • Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
  • Valid driver’s license is required. 

Desired skills:

  • Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO will be an asset.
  • Applicable security, police and/or military training will be an asset.
  • Experience in the use of radio communications systems and knowledge of Country security codes will be an asset.
  • Having a trainer title in safety and security-related areas such as personal safety, road safety and first aid will be an asset.
  • Experience in diplomatic security, protection, counter terrorism and intelligence will be an asset.
  • Knowledge of UN regulations, rules, and procedures will be an asset.

Keywords:

  • Security risk management
  • Person centered security 
  • Mainstreaming security
  • Crisis management and response
  • Physical security
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
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.
Non-discrimination
 
UNDP 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.  
UNDP 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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