Fire Safety Officer

The position is located in the Security Unit within  the Internal Services and Administration Department (INTSERV). INTSERV is responsible for the management of facilities, property and inventory; safety and security; printing, publishing and distribution of documents; diplomatic privileges; travel and transport; use of public spaces and general internal services. 

The Fire Safety Officer will be responsible for: (i) the implementation of fire safety, emergency preparedness and first-aid and the related policies and procedures at headquarters; (ii) the development and implementation of training programmes for the Security Unit and all ILO headquarters’ staff in consultation with the Head of the Security Unit. The safety responsibilities of this position are those of a “Chargé de Sécurité incendie” in accordance with the Swiss fire regulations. 

The position will report to the Head of the Security Unit.

1. Propose and update contingency plans for fire safety management and first aid such as fire safety, evacuation and mass casualty plans, and coordinate INTSERV’s business continuity planning across all units, in accordance with ILO requirements and standards, United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) criteria and Swiss regulations when applicable.  Participate in emergency preparedness and business continuity planning in view of any incident that may occur at ILO headquarters.
2. Advise and assist the ILO Head of Security in assessing fire safety risks and hazards at ILO headquarters and recommend the appropriate technical and operational measures to be taken. Provide expert advice and assessments and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders concerning the integration of fire safety measures for all relocation and modification work at ILO headquarters. Collaborate with the building renovation team during the period leading up to the complete renovation of ILO headquarters. 
3. Propose and coordinate the implementation of preventive and operational fire safety and first aid measures. Organize the testing of and monitor the minimum preventive maintenance of all safety equipment and installations, in accordance with UNDSS and Swiss fire safety policies, procedures and guidelines.
4. In coordination with the Security Officer, other units in INTSERV and safety actors in the field of fire safety and first aid, upgrade and implement relevant tools and procedures to facilitate continuous and efficient operational response by the Control Centre.
5. Plan and develop a yearly training programme related to fire safety, first aid and crisis management to be implemented at ILO headquarters.  Arrange for training sessions to be provided, either in person or by a third party, in English and French. Coordinate and manage drills to test emergency procedures. Determine and coordinate the activities and training of the evacuation team members and the fire wardens. Maintain up-to-date lists of these persons.
6. Draft reports and prepare relevant statistics in respect of fire safety and first aid challenges, including accidents and incidents, at ILO headquarters.  Make recommendations corresponding to the situations encountered. Participate in the monitoring and analysis of incidents, gathering of lessons learned and feedback from participants in the incident.  
7. Prepare and provide the Head of the Security Unit with budget proposals and coordinate related specific purchase of goods and services in the fields of work.
8. Establish regular contacts and liaise with the local authorities responsible for fire safety and with fire safety specialists in other international organizations located in Geneva. May be required to attend Security Cell Meetings at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) or related working groups as a member of the local security officers’ network.
9. Communicate effectively and appropriately with staff and with all categories of visitors regarding relevant areas of specialization. 
10. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Advanced university degree in engineering, architecture or other related field, including fire safety science, or fire (safety) engineering.  A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in the related area (at least three years in addition to the experience below) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Qualifications in Swiss fire protection standards or equivalent certification by another national authority.  Security Certification Programme (SCP), as well as an advanced certification in first aid, will be considered as assets.

Over five years of professional experience in fire safety management. Previous experience in an international organization is an asset.  Experience in establishing fire safety contingency plans in major compounds. Experience in drafting and delivering fire safety training.  Experience in assessing facilities regarding fire safety compliance, fire safety prevention. Experience in crisis management and business continuity planning is an asset.

Excellent command of French and a working knowledge of English.

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical
Mastery of Swiss fire safety standards (AEAI/EN/SES regulations) is essential.  Knowledge of UN security system policies, rules, regulations and procedures would be considered as an asset. Ability to use word processing software, spreadsheet and other standard software packages and systems. Good analytical skills.

Behavioural
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.  Attention to detail.  Organisational skills.  Ability to work as part of a team.  Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.