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 and assist callers in need of immediate assistance. They will have the responsibility to pass key information and instructions in a timely and calm manner 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. The selected candidate will gain valuable experience and skills while working with people from a broad range of cultures and professional backgrounds.

Under the overall supervision of the most senior security professional in the operational area, the SOC Assistant is responsible for supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operational: 

• Receives, transmits or relays security and safety messages and information as directed by the Security Adviser/Senior Security Personnel (as applicable) via all identified means of communication to personnel; when specially directed by the SA or UNDSS Security Personnel, provides direct support to incident management.
• On receipt of notifications of security and safety incidents, escalates these via the 
  appropriate and defined channels for follow-up and support. 
• Using the SCS, monitors the movement of field missions, as defined by the Security Risk 
  Management (SRM) process and appropriate local standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Based on the local SOPs facilitates the provision of immediate support to the UNSMS 
  and NGO personnel involved in security or safety incidents: alerts the response and 
  support functions through the appropriate and defined channels, gives the necessary 
  feedback and input to the personnel involved in the incidents, maintains the 
  communication link to personnel, acts in an overall supportive role. Records all 
  information and communications related to these incidents. 
• Notifies the respective UNSMS organization or NGOs security focal points when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident. 
• Monitors the usage of the SCS and ensures it is used according to established SOPs. 
  guide personnel on appropriate behaviour when using the SCS; 
• Verifies the operational status of the SCS to ensure that personnel can use or access the 
  SCS and that the SCS is functioning properly. Reports any anomalies to the appropriate 
  authority for further action or guidance. 
• Undertakes personnel headcount in accordance with instructions from the Designated 
  Official / Senior Security Professional or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.
  Administrative: 
• Maintains the contact details of the response team emergency services and support structures of host government, local authorities and contracted private security companies; direct personnel to the nearest one during times of security or safety incidents. 
• Maintains records and logs of actions and communications undertaken to support security or safety incidents or any other critical communications. 
• Prepares and submits reports, and facilitates routine UNDSS functions as directed by the most senior security professional
• Perform other duties, as directed by the most senior security professional.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall supervision of the most senior UNDSS security professional in the operational area, and the direct supervision of the SOC Supervisor the SOC Assistant and the Local Security Assistant works in shifts as part of the SOC and is responsible for Supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS.  

Competencies

Core
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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in any field of study will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum four years for secondary education and one year for bachelor's degree of work experience related to operational communications and direct interaction with a broad range of clients. 
• Prior working experience within the UN system, an international NGO, or another international organization is desirable.

Required skills 
 

• Computer skills and information management/processing experience. 
• Good understanding of computer-based tools such as MS Office Suite and other computer-based, web and smartphone applications. 
• Experience with radio, satellite and web-based communications is an asset. 
• Driving license and ability to drive all types of light vehicles (including 4x4) is a requirement.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
 

• Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Ability and interest to learn security related matters.

Required Language(s)

• Excellent command (written and spoken) of the working UN language(s) used for official communications in the operational area is essential. 
• Knowledge of local language(s) used in the operational area is essential. 

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.