Security Operations Centre Assistant

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. This position will be supporting key functions and operations of the United Nations. 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 selected candidate will gain valuable experience and skills while working with people from a broad range of cultures and professional backgrounds. 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.

The first best candidate will be selected to fill the SOCA position, while other successful qualified candidates will be placed on roster for SOC 24/7 emergency support and back- up for continues operations.

The contract will be administered by UNDP and funded through Local Cost-Shared Security Budget.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. On receipt of notifications of security and safety incidents, escalates these via the appropriate and defined channels for follow-up and support.
3. Based on the local SOPs facilitates the provision of immediate support to the UNSMS and NGO 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.
4. Notifies the respective UNSMS organization or NGOs security focal points when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident.
5. 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.
6. Undertakes personnel headcount in accordance with instructions from the Senior Security Professional, or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.
7. 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. Responses to all incoming calls and general inquiries. Keep logs for all communication records.
8. Provids support in constantly monitoring safety and security related incidents and developments in the country and the region, and instantly alerting DSS.
9. Provides required supports to maintain 24/7 UNDSS responsiveness. Coordinates his/her actions with the Security Adviser (SA) in cases of emergency according to DSS protocols.
10. 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.
11. Maintains instant communication with the international and domestic airport’s officials and management, and other relevant local offices in relation with travel restrictions and implementation of government directives and update DSS on regular basis.
12. Performs other duties, as directed by the most senior security professional.

Competencies

• Commits to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s core values and possesses the UN core competencies.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

1. Ability to perform a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to general administration support Ability to review data, identify, and adjust discrepancies
2. Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints
3. Ability to operate and maintain a variety of computerized business machines and office equipment to provide efficient delivery of service
4. Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities
5. Demonstrates excellent knowledge of security and incident protocols.
6. Shows operational resilience.

MANAGING DATA

1. Collects and compiles data with speed and accuracy identifying what is relevant and discarding what is not, records it in an accessible manner and maintains data bases
2. Thoroughly and methodically collects, verifies and records data demonstrating attention to detail and identifying and correcting errors on own initiative
3. Transmits file data; creates and generate queries, reports and documents utilizing databases, spreadsheets, communications and other software packages with speed and accuracy
4. Interprets data, draws conclusions and/or identifies patterns which support the work of others

MANAGING DOCUMENTS, CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS

1. Creates, edits, and presents information (queries, reports, documents) in visually pleasing, clear, and presentable formats such as tables, forms, presentations, briefing notes/books and reports using advanced word processing and presentation functions and basic database and spreadsheet software
2. Edits, formats, and provides inputs to correspondence, reports, documents and/or presentations using work processing, spreadsheets and databases meeting quality standards and requiring minimal correction
3. Shows sound grasp of grammar, spelling and structure in the required language
4. Ensures correspondence, reports and documents comply with established UN standards
5. Ability to produce accurate and well documented records conforming to the required standard

PLANNING, ORGANIZING AND MULTI-TASKING

1. Organises and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources, and multiple reporting relationships
2. Plans, coordinates, and organises workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines
3. Demonstrates ability to quickly shift from one task to another to meet multiple support needs
4. Establishes, builds, and maintains effective working relationships with staff and clients to facilitate the provision of support
5. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

1. Understands, explains, and shares information on assigned tasks with accuracy and clarity
2. Demonstrates regular and consistent communication frequency with supervisor and colleagues
3. Proactively shares information within and across teams

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

1. Takes ownership of responsibilities
2. Recognizes potential roadblocks to completing tasks and seeks guidance from supervisors to address issues.
3. Based on formal and informal feedback received, takes action to address areas for growth and improvement

DELIVERY

1. Meets goals and timelines for delivery of products or services
2. Embraces expanded responsibilities and challenges self to excel
3. Accepts responsibility for the outcomes of own work
4. Seeks to deepen awareness of organizational policies and procedures and how to interpret directives and requests, in consultation with supervisors and colleagues

TECHNICAL COMPETENCY AGGREGATE

1. Replicate Reliably
2. Carries out work, as directed, and demonstrates motivation to develop

SELF- MANAGEMENT

1. Focuses on results for the client
2. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
3. Remains patient, in control, calm, resilient, emphatic, and good humoured, even when under high pressure or managing complex incidents
4. Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views

TEAMWORK

1. Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work and cooperate in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;

COMMUNICATION

1. Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills in the official UN language(s) and the local language(s) used at the duty station.
2. Proven listening skills, including ability to understand different accents.

Required Skills and Experience

• Education: 

Secondary education (High School Diploma).

University Degree preferably in Telecommunications or ICT Engineering is desirable, but it is not a requirement.

• Experience:

Minimum 2 years of experience in either of the telecommunications, administration, or operational fields.

• Desired skills and competencies

1. Having Knowledge in Telecommunications or Information Technology/electronics would be a bonus.
2. Basic knowledge of the operation of VHF radio voice/data systems, programming, installation, and configuration of Motorola VHF systems is asset.
3. Skilled in Ms. Office, Internet, email, software, and other Microsoft Office applications.

• Language Requirements:

Fluency in Farsi and English languages is required.