The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support, and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) and affiliated agencies in Uganda to enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assists the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in collecting, updating, and communicating information regarding the security situation in the duty station:
- Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the host government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military, and police officers, as well as non-governmental organizations and other non-State actors in the area of operation.
- Helps to assess the security situation at the duty station and ensures adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer.
- Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies in the duty station.
- Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies within the area of responsibility.
- Provides technical assistance at Area Security Management Team (ASMT) meetings and produces minutes for the Area Security Coordinator, always keeping the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer well informed.
Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists:
- Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan.
- Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required.
Assists the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in monitoring compliance with Security Risk Measures (SRM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM) established for the duty station, including Office Security and security preparedness. Also assists with the compilation of data required for the SRM/RSM Self-Assessment Programme.
Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices, and assets, and assists in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report, the Security Assessments, and the Quarterly Incident Report.
Provides support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness and providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conducts security briefings, as required.
Provides general administrative assistance to the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in support of the Area Security Coordinator
- Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents.
- Maintains a database on contact details in relation to host country security authorities.
- Arranges appointments, receives visitors, places and screens telephone calls and answers queries with discretion, and takes minutes and/or notes at meetings
- Performs roles of contract manager for vendor running contracts with UNDP procurement.
- Monitors the local cost security shared budget and allocation of authorized expenditures.
- Supports the preparation of annual budgetary needs, procedures to keep safe and control of all operational consumables
Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer
Conducts security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for the residences (RSM) of UN staff, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security.
- Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences.
- Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences, to ensure the effective and efficient use of the guard force.
- Assist the Security Adviser with issuance of ID Cards to UN Security Management System (UNSMS) Organizations in Uganda.
- Drafts correspondences on behalf of the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer, organizing documents and follow up actions for security cell, SMT and other internal meetings and workshops.
- Assists the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in organizing VIP visits of Senior United Nations Officials (SUNO) in close coordination with the Host Government Security Forces
Competencies
Business Management – 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.
Business Management – Professionalism
Knowledge in the field of security risk management, especially of the UNSMS. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work
Business Management – Creativity
Ability to actively seek to improve services, offer new and different options to solve problems/meet client needs, and promote and persuade others to consider new ideas.
Business Management -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 accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Security Services – 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.
Security Services – Security information management
Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations
Security Services – Security Risk Management
Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans. Ability to conduct accurate premises assessments on UN facilities to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. Ability to design, support the implementation and test physical security systems.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary Education is required.
- A university degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management, or a relevant field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Applicable security, police and/or military training is desirable.
Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work. Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.
- Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
- Experience in the use of radio communications systems and knowledge of Country security codes is desirable.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
- Experience with UN Security Management System policies and procedures is desirable.
- Experience in security coordination for SUNOs/VIPs is desirable
- Experience in security operations regarding issuance of Pass and ID Cards in an international organization is desirable
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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