Headquarters Security Officer, Security Unit

Introduction

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 Headquarters Security Officer will be responsible for: (i) the implementation of security measures, policies and procedures at headquarters; ii) working closely with the Building Renovation Project Team (BPR) and the Facilities Management Unit (FACILITIES) on all physical and technical security features and procedures to be followed and maintained, prior to, during and after the renovation work of the common areas, conference rooms and general service areas of the headquarters building; (iii) the supervision of the work of security guards, including the contracted staff; and (iv) the development and implementation of training programmes for security and other ILO staff. The incumbent of the position will be required to coordinate with the Headquarters Fire Safety Officer on a daily basis to ensure that safety and security measures, procedures and training are complementary and coherent.  
  
The position will report to the Head of the Security Unit.

Specific Duties

1.Assess the risks and threats to the security of ILO headquarters, staff, visitors and property, applying UNDSS methodology, and recommend the appropriate operational and technical measures to be taken to the ILO Head of Security. Collaborate closely with the Headquarters Fire Safety Officer to ensure consistency between security and fire safety measures. 
2.Collaborate with and provide guidance and security expertise to the project team responsible for implementing the physical security and access control measures during the headquarters renovation project. Provide guidance and instruction to the BPR Team and FACILITIES on security level and access control during the execution of renovation and maintenance works.   
3.Propose, draft, update and implement the headquarters security and access control procedures in line with the new security concept for headquarters.   Organize and conduct periodic assessments of security measures and equipment. Advise on gaps in security preparedness and recommend improvements and solutions.  Participate in the drafting and update of security management plans. Manage the implementation of the approved physical security measures and equipment, in collaboration with the Headquarters Fire Safety Officer, relevant ILO colleagues and external experts and in accordance with UNDSS standards and guidelines and ILO requirements and procedures.
4.Supervise the security guards, provide daily guidance, establish and track individual training plans and conduct performance evaluations. Monitor and coordinate the outsourced guards’ contractual and invoicing arrangements; oversee performance and quality control of services rendered; update duties and terms of reference when required. Facilitate the work of the Headquarters Fire Safety Officer in communicating fire safety and first aid requirements, procedures and operational instructions to the ILO security guards and the outsourced security personnel. 
5.Ensure a continuous and efficient operational response by the Control Centre and internal or external security personnel. Collaborate and coordinate with the Departmental Support team on all accreditation and badge issuance policy and procedures. 
6.In close collaboration with the responsible departments, assess and propose physical security and access control measures for the International Labour Conference, the Governing Body sessions and other major ILO meetings in Geneva, and supervise their implementation.

optional section (only if needed)

7. Coordinate the initial response to security incidents and escalate when required. Analyse and make recommendations based on lessons learned. Draft detailed reports and keep relevant statistics reflecting the security situation at headquarters, including accidents and incidents. 

8. In collaboration with the Fire Safety Officer, propose an annual security and safety training programme at headquarters.  Arrange for training to be conducted, either in person or by a third party and organize practical exercises to test emergency procedures during simulated emergencies. Draft and coordinate the dissemination of guidelines on physical security and access control at headquarters. 

9. Provide input to the Programme and Budget proposals of the Security Unit. Coordinate the purchase of goods and services with the Procurement Bureau and in accordance with ILO financial rules and regulations. 

10. Establish close collaboration and liaise with the local authorities responsible for security and with security specialists in other international organizations based in Geneva. May be required to attend security cell meetings at the United Nations Office in Geneva as a member of the local security officers’ network.

11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
 

Required qualifications

Education

A first level university degree in security management or in a related field. A first-level university degree may be substituted with a diploma from a military or police education institution, college or academy consisting of a minimum of a three-year programme plus at least three years in addition to the experience below.

Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in security, risk or disaster or emergency management in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required. Experience in security management and operations at the international level, for example, at the United Nations or in a diplomatic context would be an advantage.  Team supervision experience is required.

Experience in the design and implementation of robust security and emergency plans and procedures. Formal training and experience in security threat and risk analysis, and physical security assessment will be considered an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of French and a working knowledge of English.

Competencies

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

Technical

Knowledge of UN security management policies, rules, regulations and procedures would be considered an asset. High standard of psychological and physical fitness must be maintained in order to operate under conditions, which can often be of high stress.  Ability to draft assessments, reports and communications on security issues. Ability to use MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other standard software packages as well as access control software, CCTV software and other security systems.  Knowledge of implementation of physical security and access control projects will be considered an asset.

Behavioural

Good analytical skills.  Excellent skills in planning, coordination and delivery of services, with the ability to work under pressure and respect deadlines. Skills in problem solving and managing change. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships and working relations. Communicate effectively and appropriately with staff and with all categories of visitors regarding security topics.  Tact in dealing with people in sensitive or difficult situations. Remains calm and efficient in stressful situations. High degree of flexibility and initiative.  Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required.  Supervisory skills. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.