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. 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 work is shift based with the working hours vary between morning and evening shifts including weekends. The selected candidate will gain valuable experience and skills while working with people from a broad range of cultures and professional backgrounds.

The contract will be administered by UNDP and funded through Locally Cost-Shared Security Budget (LCSSB).
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNDSS Security Advisor and technical guidance/supervision from the UNDSS Field Security Associates (FSAs) the SOC Assistant is responsible for supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS.

Assist in providing security management support to enable effective programme delivery.

  • Receives, transmits, or relays security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Senior Security Personnel via all identified means of communication to personnel.
  •  On receipt of notifications of security and safety incidents, escalates these via the appropriate and defined channels for follow-up and support.
  • Based on the local SOPs facilitates the provision of immediate support to the UNSMS 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.
  • Supports in administrative matters of the SOC as needed

Assist in monitoring security compliance of UNDP premises and  UN personnel 

  • Notifies the respective UNSMS organization security focal points when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident.
  • 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 Senior Security Professional, or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Supports SOC to operate, maintain, technical support, and acts as control station for all SCS in Iran. Maintains permanent radio contact with all the stations in the UN radio networks in the country, conducts radio check exercises, and provides support in guaranteeing efficient communications and information flow for all involved UNSMS organizations, enabling fast coordination via radio communications for operational and security purpose as well as mission tracking. Responses to all incoming calls and general inquiries. Keep logs for all communication records.
  • Provides support in constantly monitoring safety and security related incidents and developments in the country and the region, and instantly alerting UNDSS.
  • Provides required supports to maintain UNDSS responsiveness. Coordinates his/her actions with the Security Adviser (SA) in cases of emergency according to UNDSS protocols.
  • Receives verbal and written instructions from the SA and FSAs and where necessary circulates to officials having security responsibilities and UN personnel. Maintains chronological files for outgoing and incoming messages.

Provide support in keeping UNDSS management and personnel informed on security matters affecting UN programmes, the Country office and its personnel and support knowledge management

  • Maintains communication with local authorities on new regulations, including airport officials and management, as well as other relevant offices concerning the implementation of government directives and updates, and regularly informs UNDSS.
  • Supports in administrative matters of the SOC as needed. Performs other duties, as directed by the supervisor or the most senior security professional
  • Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of  the Office and the Organization
 

Competencies

Core competencies:

  • 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:

Security Services    

  • Security incident management and monitoring. Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events
  • Security policy awareness and implementation. Knowledge of security policy concepts and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
  • Safety and Security risk management. Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans

Business Management    

  • Risk Management. Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
  • 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.
  • Customer satisfaction/client management. Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, deliver timely and quality results, to understand and fulfill 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
     

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Secondary education is required. Or 
  • University degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in Security Management, International Relations, Information Management, Communications, ICT, Telecommunications, Journalism or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement
     

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively 
    responsible experience in security, preferably in Media Monitoring, Telecommunications, Administration, Operational Support or related field of work. 

Required skills:

  • Good knowledge of computer applications (MS Office, Excel, and power point, and internet).

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

  • Prior experience with the UN system or NGO.
  • Experience in media monitoring, journalism, security risk management and international relations, or physical security.
  •  Knowledge/experience in telecommunications, VHF radio voice/data systems, programming, installing and configuration or other Information Technology/electronics.
  • Experience in database packages, Power BI and web-based management systems such as ERP 

Required Language(s):

  •  Fluency in Farsi (Persian) and English is required.

Professional Certificates:

  • Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is required. 

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.

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