Security Operations Center (SOC) Assistant in Dayr-az-Zawr| NPSA-4 (Open to All Candidates)
Syria
- Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
- Location: Syria
- Grade: Administrative support - NPSA-4, National Personnel Services Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Administrative support
- Security and Safety
- Closing Date: 2025-11-24
Background:
A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a cost-shared resource, established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets, and operations working for various organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The SOC monitors, facilitates, and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS), within one or more operational areas.
Additionally, responsibilities can include maintaining administrative data supporting security communications, such as aggregating contact data for UNSMS personnel, offices, vehicles, and emergency services.
This position will be supporting key functions and operations of the United Nations. The role of a SOC Assistant can be challenging and unpredictable as they may be required to respond to and assist callers in need of immediate assistance. They will be responsible for passing key information and instructions promptly and calmly to UNSMS personnel and others, as required. At times, the work will be fast-paced and intense, but highly rewarding as the assistants will be part of a response and support team which contributes to the work of the United Nations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in providing security management support to enable effective programme delivery throughout the country .
- Receives, transmits, or relays security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official/Area Security Coordinator/Senior Security Personnel (as applicable) via all identified means of communication.
- Monitor news from various media sources 24/7, and disseminate timely security messages/STI reports, in consultation with the OIC, and keep supervisors informed on any emergencies or breaking news in Syria & the region.
- Using the SCS, monitor the movement of field missions, as defined by the Security Risk Management (SRM) process and appropriate local standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Verifies the operational status of the SCS to ensure that personnel can use or access the SCS and that the SCS is functioning properly. Additionally, undertakes personnel headcount under instructions from the Designated Official /Area Security Coordinator /Senior Security Professional (as applicable), or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.
Perform assigned activities to support implementation of the Security Plan
- Record all reported security and safety incidents into a centralized database file.
- Maintains updated contact details of all UNSMS personnel and their eligible dependents, premises, and vehicles, as well as the security contact/warden lists
Provide support in keeping management and personnel informed on security matters affecting programmes, the Country office and its personnel and support knowledge sharing
- Respond to and assist in reporting safety and security incidents affecting UN personnel and eligible dependents by gathering and verifying security information relevant to analyzing the situation.
- 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
Competencies:
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 - Customer Satisfaction/Client Managemen: 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
- Cross-Functional Competencies – Communication: 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 - Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
- Security Services - Security incident management & monitoring: Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events
- Security Services - Security policy awareness & Implementation: Knowledge of security policy concepts and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
Required Skills and Experience:
Education:
- Secondary education (high school) is required. Or
- A university Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Military Studies, Security Management, IT, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement
Experience:
- A minimum of 4 years (with a high school diploma) or 1 year (with a bachelor’s degree) of security or relevant field is required.
- Solid experience in computer skills and information management/processing I required.
- Strong proficiency in computer-based tools such as the MS Office Suite, as well as other relevant software, web-based applications, and smartphone apps is required.
- Experience with radio, satellite, and web-based communications is desired
- Prior experience with drafting reports is desired
- Experience in using Google maps is desired
- Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desired
- Good knowledge of the duty station is desired
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Female Candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the testing and interview process to ensure an equitable and comfortable experience for all candidates. Examples of accommodation may include accessible interview locations, alternative formats for written materials (such as large print or braille), or the use of assistive technology. Candidates are encouraged to inform us of any specific needs at the time of application so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.