Country Office Security Associate

Under the supervision of the Senior Country Office Security Associate (COSA), and under the functional control of the UNDP Security Office, -through the Regional Security Advisor (RSA)-,the COSA will provide assistance in the implementation of the security plan and all matters relating to safety and security operations and management, and monitors the implementation  of  security  policies and procedures and all matters pertaining  to  the  safety  and  security  of  personnel,  premises   and  assets.

The primary objective of the deployment of the UNDP Country Office Security  Associate  is  to advise on the protection of, and minimizing the risk to, UNDP staff, eligible dependants, property    and operations in all locations and at the same time  enabling  UNDP  programme  delivery  throughout the individual country of responsibility. This will be achieved   through:

• Advising that UNDP security support feature in the programming process at the country  office level as well as in the case of each individual project, from project identification, planning, budgeting, implementation and right through to monitoring and evaluation;
• Strengthening the security arrangements of UNDP and maintaining a security network of international and national security personnel.

It is important to note that the COSA is a local associate who  must  always  conduct  his/her  functions in close cooperation with UNDSS and under  the  direct  supervision  of  and  be  accountable  to the (Senior)  COSA.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Assist in implementation of Country Office Security  Plan
• SRM-MOSS/RSM Compliance
• Threat  &  Risk Assessment
• Liaison
• Programming
• Sharing  Information/General  Assistance
• Security Training/Briefings
• Other Tasks & Activities as directed by the SCD and UNDP RSA.

1. Assists in implementation of Country Office Security  Plan

• Provide assistance to the CO in the implementation of the Country Security Plan,  Contingency Plans and the UN  Security  Framework,  ensuring  that  all  UNDP  personnel are  covered  by relevant  Security Plans;
• Management the day-to-day security related matters of UNDP CO.
• In conjunction with the HR and Procurement (for ICs), ensure Personnel Lists  are  maintained and regularly provided to UNDSS, including details of visiting missions and consultants.
• Implement access control SOPs for all UNDP premises in the country; Administer and test the UNDP CO Warden   Plan;
• Follow up with UNDSS to ensure that all security clearances for all UNDP personnel in country are approved;
• Ensure the implementation of adequate emergency plans and procedures for responding to emergencies involving UNDP personnel in all project locations/offices;
• Be prepared for 24-hour response to all security and safety  related  incidents  involving UNDP personnel,  ensuring  coordination with  UNDSS when and  where required.

2. SRM-MOSS/RSM Compliance

• Ensure that UNDP personnel, offices, residences and equipment are SRM-MOSS/RSM compliant;
• Ensure that all personnel posted to UNDP have completed the mandatory on-line security training, and SSAFE course (as per country SRM), and that records of certificates are maintained with the HR Unit;
• Provide technical specifications, in consultation with the UNDP RSA, on the selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles,  telecommunications  equipment, etc). Monitors the procurement,  deployment  and  functionality  of  the equipment;
• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment throughout the country, and provide advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions as and when  required;
• Implement, office security measures and procedures (access control  of  visitors  and  vehicles, guard standing orders,etc) for all UNDP offices and facilities (including project offices).
• In close coordination with UNDSS,SCD and Senior COSA, assist in case of CASEVAC or MEDEVAC of UNDP personnel.

3. Threat & Risk Assessment

• Provide inputs for the preparation of comprehensive Security Risk Managements (Country, Site, Project or Individual specific) to UNDSS.
• With the technical advice of the RSA,  conduct  UNDP  security  risk  assessments, evaluations and surveys and advises the CO on security measures for UNDP offices and projects in all country  locations.

4. Liaison

• Ensure appropriate professional liaison with host government  agencies  and  local  authorities, counterparts in UN and diplomatic missions, and  municipal/traditional  leaders,  in close coordination with UNDSS and SCD, as    required.

5. Programming

• Provides advice on relevant security policies and regulations (e.g. SRM-MOSS, the Accountability Framework, SOPs  and  safe  and  secure  practices)  to  assist  decision  makers in determining potential effects on UNDP   activities;
• Provide security support to UNDP personnel during field missions, leading these  missions where necessary to ensure the safety and security of UNDP personnel and operations.
• Ensure mainstreaming of security in projects and programmes. Monitors that  programmes and projects contribute resources to implementation of security measures. Ensures specific security risks associated with UNDPs programmes and projects are incorporated within the Country Level Security Risk Management (SRM) Process.

6. Sharing  Information/General Assistance

• Provide timely and accurate security advice to all UNDP personnel;
• Immediately  report  all  security  and  safety  related  incidents  involving  UNDP   personnel and  their  eligible  family  members  to  the  Senior  Country  Director,  UNDSS,  and UNDP Security Office (RSA);
• Ensures that UNDP Programme personnel are provided with situation    reports and other appropriate security related information as the situation may require;
• Encourage and exchange of security related information with UNDP project personnel;
• Prepare UNDP security reports such as the Incident Reports and Weekly Reports;
• Provides  substantive  support  to  the  CO  in  collecting  and  updating  information with regards  to security issues  and communicating  them  to  key interlocutors.
• Maintain   routine   and   confidential   correspondence   files/documents   related   to security issues;
• Takes minutes and/or notes at UNDP Security meetings.
• Ensure that the security considerations are included in the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) of the UNDP CO.
• Assist in implementation of the Business Continuity Management, as required.

7. Security Training/Briefings

• Assist the Senior COSA to determine, any specific security training that may be required for UNDP personnel.
• Under the direction of the Senior COSA, and in coordination with UNDSS, design and implement security training/briefing packages and learning activities for CO personnel to support capacity-building and knowledge-sharing objectives  of   UNDP

8. Maintain the Safety &  Security of the UNDP  premises

• Implement the building evacuation / emergency plan for  all  UNDP  premises  in  the  country.
• Ensure that all UNDP personnel are aware of the building evacuation plans.
• In collaboration with the building manager, ensure that all civil works and maintenance activities carried out at the UNDP offices are complying to  the  safety  and  security  protocols to maintain staff  safety.
• Carry out checks on safety equipment, and fire extinguishers.

9. Other Tasks & Activities

• Provide assistance in the conduct and follow up of investigations and incidents affecting UNDP staff and offices;
• Provide security briefing to staff and other associated personnel on UN Security Management System and other relevant security matters;
• Ensure that medical facilities and emergency response services contact details, including a register of UN approved doctors, are readily available and updated;
• Request and monitor MSM (SECURA) funding, in consultation with the Senior   COSA;
• In the absence of the Senior COSA, represent  UNDP  CO  at  security  meetings,  and  provide security advice to the Senior Country Director at the Security Management Team level, if required;
• Perform other security-related tasks assigned by the Senior COSA, SCD or RSA.

Core Values:

• Integrity – An ability to work honestly, openly, impartially and in accordance  with  the  values of the United  Nations.
• Professionalism – An ability to work in a calm, competent and committed manner; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Respect for Diversity – An ability to work effectively, respectfully, and inclusively with people from  different backgrounds and with different   perspectives.

Core Competencies:

• Communications – Clearly and effectively speaks and writes, tailoring language, tone, style and format to different audiences; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with  colleagues  to  achieve  organizational  goals;  Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others.
• Planning & Organizing – Identifies priority activities and assignments,  adjusting  priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Accountability – Adheres to organizational rules, regulations and standards; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Client Orientation – Provides services, support, advice, guidance to internal or external clients, and seeks to see things from their points of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
• Creativity – Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; Demonstrates resourcefulness by finding new solutions to address operational or strategic problems;
• Commitment to Learning  –  Keeps  abreast  of  new  occupational/professional  developments; Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; Provides constructive security advisory, training, coaching and feedback for others.

Education:

Secondary Education required. University Degree or equivalent in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field is highly desirable, but is not a requirement.

Experience:

• At least 6 years relevant  experience  in  security,  preferably  in the military or police context or related field of work (5 years of experience  for  Bachelor  degree holders).
• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.

Other Skills and Requirements

• Knowledge of HF and VHF radio  operation;
• Knowledge  of  host country safety codes;
• Solid computer skills (MS word, Excel, and   PowerPoint)
• Ability to travel

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS 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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