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

Security Monitoring and Information Management

Maintain a 24/7 watch over the Area of Operations (AOR) to collect, analyze, and report relevant security and operational information to the SIOC Operations and Information Sections. Track UN activities and ensure timely updates to designated FSCOs and stakeholders.

Emergency Communication and Technical Support

• Ensure the continuous availability and functionality of emergency communication systems (HF, UHF, VHF radios, GSM, satellite phones, and digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Skype). Provide technical support for the maintenance, procurement, and repair of operations equipment.

Shift Supervision and Team Coordination

• Serve on shift duty and supervise SOC Hub staff, ensuring operational readiness and performance. Support the Senior Supervisor in managing SOC activities and consolidating the UN Emergency Operations System network.

Incident Reporting and Crisis Response

• Assist in planning and conducting emergency COMCEN operations during crises. Provide detailed reports on significant security incidents for entry into the Safety Incident Reporting System (SSIRS).

Training and Capacity Building

• Identify communication training needs of UN staff in the Hub and deliver relevant training sessions. Conduct regular radio and satellite phone checks and drills to ensure preparedness.

Stakeholder Liaison and Communication

• Liaise with UN stakeholders, technical providers, and counterparts to coordinate operational support. Draft and disseminate security notices, alerts, and updates as required.

Operational Initiative and Efficiency

• Operate independently with minimal supervision, proactively seeking opportunities to enhance communication capabilities, reduce costs, and improve equipment efficiency.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work

• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking

• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning

• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process

• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships

• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

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

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 5 years (with a high school diploma) or 2 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.

Note: UNDSS Syria has initially initiated this recruitment process to fill the vacant position of “SOC Assistant” at NPSA-5 level, the subject NPSA-5 position will field by the 1st  recommended candidate, yet, any additional recommended candidates might be offered a position at NPSA-4 level within the SOC team.

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.