Senior {TESS+} Assessment Officer

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JOB TITLE: Senior {TESS+} Assessment Officer, Telecommunications Security Standards {TESS+}

TYPE OF CONTRACT: WAE Consultant (Level III)

UNIT/DIVISION: Technology Division

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Remote with travel as required.

DURATION: 11 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Humanitarian personnel increasingly operate in complex, high-risk environments where reliable telecommunications are essential to safety, operational continuity, and incident response. Access to effective Security Communications Systems (SCS) is a prerequisite for sustained humanitarian presence, particularly in remote and insecure locations.

Rapid technological advances now offer opportunities to deliver more resilient, cost-effective, and scalable security communications solutions. In response, the Telecom Security Standards (TESS) project was launched in 2018 to collaboratively develop updated UN-wide SCS standards for connectivity solutions and applications, aligned with evolving technologies and operational needs. The initiative also supports the development of related security guidance and procedures in close coordination with key stakeholders, including IASMN, ETC, and UNDSS.

Building on this work, {TESS+} is a permanent, common service endorsed by IASMN and ETC. It ensures the continuous adoption, standardisation, and operational support of security communications technologies, translated into effective procedures and guidance.

The Senior {TESS+} Assessment Officer will be hosted by the WFP Technology Division (TEC) and will be responsible for implementing the {TESS+} mandate under the supervision of the {TESS+} Senior Programme Manager, in close collaboration with field, regional, and headquarters stakeholders.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the TESS+ Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will lead all aspects of implementation of the {TESS+} mandate in assigned countries, and maintain accountability for its deliverables, including:

1. Leading remote and on-site assessments of field SCS capabilities in collaboration with humanitarian partners at field, regional, and headquarters levels, and providing pragmatic recommendations towards a sustainable and cost-effective SCS. The results must balance actual requirements, numerous technical factors (e.g. available communications tools and services), security risks and local conditions with cost while adhering to current UN policies, procedures and guidance.

2. Provide onsite or remote technical guidance and operational support to field operations in the identification, deployment, and use of appropriate SCS connectivity solutions, applications, and procedures;

3. Actively work with local, regional and HQ key stakeholders for all UN agencies, funds and programs as well as NGOs, including the country Designated Official, Security Management Team, security professionals and technical personnel to have recommendations endorsed and implemented. This work is often coordinated at the level of the country UN representatives and Resident Coordinators;

4. Coordinate the provision of field support resources, where needed, to assist in implementing SCS recommendations, and critical upgrades and technical support.

5. Provide direct advice and support, to the local ICTWG (ICT Working Group), UNSMS security professionals, the most senior security professional, the Security Cell and the SMT;

6. Contribute experience and expertise towards the continuous update of SCS technical standards and translation of those standards into procedures and guidance for UN security personnel and senior management which will directly impact the safety and security for all UN and NGO personnel globally;

7. Support and/or fill in for the {TESS+} Senior Programme Manager or Senior Assessment Lead & Operations Coordinator as required and as such act as the {TESS+} Officer-In-Charge or coordinator during the regular absence.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• University degree in Telecommunications, Technology, Business, Project Management or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of international experience in UN operations or UN security at field, regional, and/or headquarters level.
• Demonstrated leadership in emergency projects and missions, including design and delivery of security and telecommunications services.
• Proven experience leading multi-functional and geographically dispersed teams or projects.
• Extensive operational experience in security and emergency communications technologies.

Knowledge & Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of UN Security Communications Systems and experience in monitoring and evaluating SCS performance.
• Strong understanding of the UN Security Management System and the role of SCS within it.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving UN agencies and NGOs.
• Experience contributing to global SCS standards, SOPs, and supporting policies.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior managers, security professionals, and technical personnel.
• Extensive experience with UNSMIN, including delivery of training, particularly on eTA tools.
• Experience collaborating with UNDSS at headquarters level on global SCS initiatives.
• Proven ability to brief and advise senior UN leadership, including Designated Officials, SMTs, and UNDSS officials.

Languages:

• Fluency (level C) in English language. Recommended intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, Portuguese.

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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

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