Security Officer

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The National Security Officer will work under the supervision of the Regional Operations Advisor.

The position is located at the Office of Electoral Affairs in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in one of the Governates noted above. The National Security Officer works closely with Iraqi counterparts of the IHEC, and other Iraqi stakeholders, as well as UNDP, UNAMI and other electoral advisors.

Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority, the National Security Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Contribute to the identification of historical conflict factors, tactics and types of incidents and locations and intensity of the conflict, with special focus on violence in the coming elections;
• Assist the Regional Security Advisor in capacity building of the IHEC counterparts to undertake continuous election security risk assessments and promote appropriate risk mitigation strategies in partnership with relevant stakeholders in the region;
• Support the Regional Security Advisor to advise the IHEC counterparts on the development of regional risk assessments and security contingency plans; taking on board-specific needs and requirements of vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities and marginalized communities;
• Assist in supporting the IHEC counterparts to implement security procedures and operating structures on elections, including information and reporting systems;
• Based on good global practices, support the Regional Security Advisor to deliver an electoral security Training-of-Trainers and cascade to national counterparts and other relevant security stakeholders;
• Support the Regional Security Advisor to assist the regional IHEC to contribute to the electoral security incident database;
• Work in collaboration with the Regional Security Advisor to undertake analyses on a regular basis to support IHEC counterparts early warning capabilities and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies;
• Aid the Regional Security Advisor to support the IHEC counterparts to develop effective partnerships with other relevant stakeholders including the UNDSS to ensure regional information sharing;
• Work in collaboration with the Regional Security Advisor to assist the regional IHEC Security Coordinator and team to prepare documentation and reports pertaining to this function, including but not limited to, the IHEC Security Concept of Operations; the IHEC Security Plan; Weekly Security Reports; Topic Security Reports as needed;
• Assist the Regional Security Advisor to advise on regional security needs for IHEC employees;
• Work in close consultation with the Regional Security Advisor, Field Operations and Logistics Departments, and in conjunction with the IHEC Security Coordinator, ensure that security requirements are met according to the needs of the National Movement Plan and the existing security situation;
• Support the Regional Security Advisor to ensure escorts are coordinated for each road movement within the respective area of responsibility—region;
• Liaise in collaboration with the Regional Security Advisor, regional internal and external actors, including UNDSS and other security entities, to ensure comparison and integrity of security reports and incidents;
• Assist the Regional Security Advisor to support UN efforts to counter violence against women in elections;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

The Regional Security Advisor, the Deputy Director and other members of the UN electoral assistance office; senior staff and officers of electoral management bodies and other national institutions involved in the electoral process; other staff and officers working at the UNAMI office in Baghdad.

Results Expected:

• The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections, minimizing violence and maximizing the chances of legitimate government, peace and stability;
• The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organization;
• The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications.

Professionalism:

• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, notably in-depth understanding of and ability to evaluate security issues particularly relevant to the electoral context;
• Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing; shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• Uses time efficiently.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view;
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) with a focus on Security Studies, Political Sciences, Law, or International Relations, A first-level university degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years experience of international exposure in a security advisory function and/or electoral support;
• Knowledge of Iraq’s security environment, operations and programme cycle a is required; project management and management of risk qualifications/certifications desired;
• In-depth knowledge of security risk analysiscapacity to handle political sensitivity with diplomacy and in a responsible and flexible manner;
• Knowledge and experience of UN security processes are desirable;
• Demonstrated ability to thrive within a complex multicultural and multinational environment strongly preferred; knowledge of UN rules, regulations, policies and procedures an asset.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply;.

Language Requirements:    

• Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

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