Security Operations Center (SOC) Associate

* This position is open to Yemen nationals ONLY

BACKGROUND

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 UNDSS Security Operations Centers (SOCs) had been established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets, and operations working for the various organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) in Yemen.

The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS). Responsibilities include maintaining administrative data supporting security communications, including contact data for UNSMS personnel, offices, vehicles, and emergency services. The SOCs will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with personnel working a rotating roster of Day Shift, Afternoon Shift and Night Shift.

At times, the work will be fast paced and intense, but highly rewarding as the SOC Supervisor will lead a team of SOC assistants forming a response and support team which contributes to the work of United Nations.

Position Purpose

The  SOC supervisor will the lead a team of SOC Assistants forming a response and support team which contributes to the work of the United Nations by Coordination the work of the SOC Assistants, overseeing daily operations of Security Operations Center (SOC), monitoring the use of the Security Communications System (SCS)  according to the established SOP, responsible to pass key information and instructions in a timely and calm manner to UNSMS personnel and others, as required, maintaining the Comms equipment of the SOC/s, managing information, in accordance with UN information management policies, monitoring the procedures for SOC/s and perform other duties, as directed by the Chief SIOC.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Security Information/Operations Centre (Chief SIOC) the SOC Supervisor is required to perform the following duties and responsibilities.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

Coordinate the work of the SOC Assistants under the Area of responsibility (AoR).

• Coordinate the shift system to ensure effective coverage hours as defined in SRM, or as applicable, taking into consideration coverage during absences of personnel or where additional support is required during an emergency.

• In coordination with the Chief SIOC, ensure SOC Assistants are trained and capable of delivering services at the expected level. Ensure regular refresher training is provided, as and when required. This must also include SOPs and training components related to supporting gender-based security incidents, initial actions, and response to same, and handling of sensitive information.

• Monitor individual team members’ performance; provide guidance and instruction, as and when required.

• Ensure that SOC Assistants introduce security related-incidents and UNSMS personnel data into the SOC Database as well as coordinate the provision of information upon request as cleared by senior UNDSS management.

Overseeing daily operations of Security Operations Center (SOC).

• Coordinate the reception, transmission and relay of security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official (DO)/ Chief Security Advisor (CSA)/ Chief SIOC as applicable, via all identified means of communication to personnel.

• Oversee the monitoring of the movement of field missions, in accordance with the identified measures from the security risk management (SRM) process and appropriate local standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Ensure all incoming/outgoing information messages to concerned UN personnel/entities are registered, timely distributed and logged appropriately.

• Coordinate the undertaking of personnel headcount and communications checks in accor-dance with instructions from the DO/CSA/Senior Security Professional, as applicable, or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.

• Supervise the SOC Assistants to direct UN personnel to the nearest response team emergency services and support structures of the host government and local authorities during times of security or safety incidents.

Monitoring the use of the Security Communications System (SCS) according to the established SOP.

• Monitor the usage of the SCS and ensure it is used according to established SOPs; report non-compliance in the usage of the SCS to the most senior security professional.

• Coordinate and guide SOC Assistants on appropriate use of the SCS.

Sharing of information through the appropriate channels and on timely manner.

• Monitor and track the notifications of security and safety incidents and escalate these via the appropriate channels for follow-up and support.

• Ensure that SOC Assistants, based on the local SOPs, provide appropriate timely support to the UNSMS and non-governmental organization (NGO) personnel involved in security or safety incidents: alert the response and support functions through defined channels, provide appropriate feedback and input to UN personnel involved in incidents, maintain the communication link to personnel, act in an overall supportive role; monitor records of all information and communications related to incidents.

• Ensure that the SOC notifies the respective UNSMS organization when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident.

Maintaining the Comms equipment of the SOC/s.

• Install and maintain the comms equipment, HF /VHF Radio system in the AoR with coordination with Emergency Telecommunication Cluster (ETC) in the country.

• Maintain a central database of call signs and Sel-calls for all UN agencies operating in Yemen.

• Provide a regular support to UN Agencies in terms of Radio programming.

• Provide training to UN personnel in the use of Radio Telecommunication.

• Maintain physically and electronically inventory of Comms equipment, and other items in the Security Operations Center (SOC).

• Verify the operational status of the SCS to ensure that personnel can use or access the SCS and that the SCS is working properly; report any anomalies to the appropriate authority for further action or guidance.

• Ensure proper use of the Comms equipment and report any misuse by any personnel to the appropriate authority.

• Responsible for daily routine service checks of all Comms equipment maintained by the SOC and logging the serviceability status; report any problem observed to the appropriate authority and notify affected users in a timely manner.

• Ensure that a preventive maintenance plan for the comms equipment of SOC is in place and oversee its implementation; verify that maintenance and repair work is implemented as planned and according to standards.

Managing information, in accordance with UN information management policies.

• Maintain, with an appropriate level of confidentiality, in accordance with UN information management policies and established SOPs for personnel, the current contact and residence details of all UNSMS personnel and their eligible dependents (and, if applicable, contact details of NGO and implementing partners), and the contact details of vehicles, premises and assets.

• Ensure that all UN wardens are reporting in daily basis to the SOC;

• Ensure availability of the current contact details of the response team emergency services and support structures of host government and local authorities, working closely with the senior security professional to maintain accurate and up-to-date information.

• Ensure that actions and communications undertaken to support security or safety incidents, or any other critical communications, are recorded and logged.

• Supervise the preparation and submission of reports and summaries, as directed by most senior security professional of UNDSS.

Monitoring the procedures and review SOC SOPs, as appropriate.

• Review SOC SOPs, as appropriate.

• Train and inform SOC personnel on the latest version of the SOC SOP.

• Monitor the adequate implementation of the SOPs by SOC personnel.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

The incumbent will supervise 05 SOC Operators and SOC Operators in other hubs if needed 

Requirements:

Education

• Completion of secondary school is required.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in security management, information technology, Telecom engineering or a relevant field is highly desirable, but is not a requirement with 3 years of experience.

• Relevant training and certifications in Security Telecommunications Systems is highly desirable.

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in Security, Military, Police and/or emergency response or relevant field is required.

• Experience supervising small and medium-sized teams is required, including developing work-plans based on corporate requirements, overseeing implementation, and providing feedback on performance for individual team members is an advantage.

• Experience in responding to clients is required.

• Experience in UN or international organization or international NGO is desirable.

• Prior experience within the field of operational communications or dispatching is desirable.

• Solid skills in the computer-based tools such as MS Office Suite and other computer, web, and smartphone applications is highly desirable.

• Experience with radio, satellite and web-based communications is desirable.

• Experience in installing and maintaining the HF/VHF Radio system equipment is desirable.

Language requirements

For this position, Fluency in English and Arabic languages is required

Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of "fluent'' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand).

Special Notice:

The position is locally administered by UNDP and financed by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) from Locally Cost-Shared Security Budget (LCSSB). 

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core

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

People Management

Competency   Definition

Show Managerial Courage 

• Face up to organizational and people problems

• Not be afraid to take decision and action when and as needed

• Not hold back anything that needs to be said, respectfully and diplomatically.

• Address conflict in a timely manner, not allow conflicts in teams linger.

• Help others through emotional or tense situations, tactfully bringing disagreements into the open and finding solutions all can endorse.

Demonstrate Empathy and Emotional Intelligence         

• Genuinely care about people; demonstrate empathy with joys and pains of others

• Enable the wellbeing of the team(s)

• Read a group’s emotional currents and power relationships, identifying influencers, networks, and organizational dynamics; adapt leadership styles at the appropriate times

•  See the positive in people, situations, and events

Motivate and Direct

• Create and communicate a compelling vision and purpose

• Align people and resources with organizational vision, strategy, objectives

• Understand and proactively builds the team/organization culture

Build an Enabling Workplace        

• Create a working environment where people are engaged and want to do their best; empower and enables team members to perform and have a positive workplace experience

• Promote honestly, openness, trust and psychological safety and create opportunities to innovate and learn

•  Recruit and promotes individuals based upon objective measures and meritocracy; acknowledge and utilize the talent of others Encourage collective action and integration

Build Capability      

• Identify and develop talent in individuals, providing positive support to enable them to achieve their potential

• Foster learning or development of others by giving feedback, guidance, and support; support career development of others

• Have willingness and ability to delegate to help people learn, including from failure

Manage Performance and Ensure Accountability

• Ensure regular conversations with people about work

• Provide positive and constructive feedback

• Discuss poor performance in a timely manner

• Provide praise and recognition, as well as ensure accountability

Lead with Humility 

• Be authentic and transparent, act with integrity

• Be accessible and available to team members they lead

• Encourages debate and discussion, creating a culture where people are comfortable to challenge senior leaders and feel listened too

• Be modest, giving credit for success to others and admit own shortcomings

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Safety& Security – Communication Ability to 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

Safety& Security – Monitoring Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and Programme performance and results

Safety& Security - Negotiation and influence       Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situations

Safety& Security - Security risk management Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans

Safety& Security - Security crisis management & response Knowledge of crisis management and response arrangements as well as the ability to prepare for, respond to, support/manage security crisis events.

Safety& Security - Security advice, planning and coordination Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

Safety& Security - Security information management Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDP’s policy on Probation upon assignment.

UNDP Disclaimer

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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.