Security Assistant

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

Background Information UNMAS
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is a division of the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). UNMAS is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly (RES/68/72) to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problem posed by a wide range of explosive hazards. Legislative mandates also recognize UNMAS technical expertise in responding to threats posed by unsecured and unsafe conventional weapons and ammunition stockpiles. As an office within DPKO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates. 

UNMAS as a component of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides explosive hazard management capacities, including mitigation, to AMISOM as part of a logistical support package. Non-lethal tactical advice and analysis is delivered by UNMAS technical advisors located in each AMISOM Sector Headquarters and at AMISOM Force Headquarters, who support AMISOM planning and operations. UNMAS support includes both enabling (“operate in spite of IEDs”) and response (“defeat the device”). As a component of the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) UNMAS also supports the Federal Government of Somalia, including the Somali Police Force, Somali Explosive Management Authority and National Security Advisor. 

The Security Assistant will work under the guidance and supervision of the UNMAS Somalia Head of Security in close coordination with the UNMAS Nairobi Head of Office. S/he will provide a comprehensive range of specialized and administrative support services for the management of security and safety operations.  The Security Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System regulations.

• Gather, verify and update security related information from a variety of sources including local media reports for use by UNMAS Security leadership.
• Disseminate, relay, exchange and communicate information regarding the security situation in the country or areas of responsibility;
• Document and support the reporting of security incidents affecting UNMAS staff, offices and assets;
• Upon request, represent UNMAS at local Security Cell meetings, to record matters arising and provide routine information to clients;
• Undertake routine follow up action on security issues on behalf of the supervisor and informs supervisor of status;
• Administratively support the organization of training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and may participate as resource;
• Conduct basic elements of security briefings to newly arrived staff, as required;
• Provide guidance and advice to personnel on routine security procedures, communication channels, and focal points;
• Administer security-clearance processes including requests for compound access; and
• Work closely with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNMAS.

• Provide general administrative assistance to the security department, managing the information flow, following up on the timeliness of responses for initiatives, correspondence and queries;
• Organize meetings and briefings, arranges appointments, receives visitors, answering queries with discretion, and takes minutes and/or notes at meetings as directed by supervisor;
• Prepare reports, tables, databases, charts, etc., applying technical skills and knowledge in formatting;
• Facilitate emergency communications by operating specialized data-communication equipment, including satellite telephone, VHF, HF, etc; and
• Maintain routine and confidential correspondence files / documents, ensuring the security of data and other sensitive information. 

  Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration or Administrative Support Services with zero (0) years of experience; or
• A first level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration or Administrative Support Services with one (1) year of relevant experience; or
• High school Diploma with Five (5) years of relevant experience.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience with police; military; UN security or having operated in a complex emergency setting;
• Experience in conducting security training is desired.
• Knowledge of Telecommunication (including VHF) and possession of a valid driver’s license is required;
• Computer literacy, with solid experience of using Microsoft Office suite is required.

 Language

• Fluency in English ( reading, writing and speaking ) is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.