Security Coordination Officer (Desk Officer)

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS 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. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/ The Division of Field Operations (DFO) serves as the safety and security focal point for the field duty stations, providing primary operational and technical support. The division is responsible for daily security coordination with the field. Regional Desks of the Division are the bridge between UNDSS Headquarters (HQ) and UNDSS Country Offices/Peace Operations and act as the first point of contact at HQ for UNDSS/Integrated Security Workforce personnel in the field, UNSMS organizations and Designated Officials (DOs), as required. Desks are the trusted focal point for the resolution of issues requiring support from HQ, serve as sounding boards and advocate for resources on behalf of UNDSS Country Offices. Regional Desks ensure coordinated, coherent, and timely support to the field, including by identifying sources of expert support within UNDSS HQ, UN Secretariat, and other UN organizations and UN bodies, and facilitating timely delivery. Desks also liaise or represent DFO on operational matters with other UN Departments and offices, and with UNSMS organisations. They also liaise with relevant Member States, Permanent Missions, on operational security matters and represent DFO as requested, as well as keep P/C/SAs abreast of UNHQ-level developments/considerations with potential impact on UN programmes and operations in the field and keep Director/Deputy Director DFO apprised of field-level developments/considerations with potential impact on UN programmes and operations. The advertised position is located in the Europe and Americas Desk, DFO. The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Security Coordination Officer, Europe and Americas Region.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Security Coordination Officer, Europe and Americas Region, the Security Coordination Officer is responsible for the following duties: • Provides operational security expertise: Review and monitors development in his/her area of operation with potential impact on security, including in mission settings; Prepare and review clear, objective assessments, reports, notes, briefings, based on comprehensive data and information and formulate recommendations for solutions and possible actions and initiatives to senior management, taking into consideration cross border and regional perspectives; ensure that all outputs produced under his/her supervision meet high quality standards ;; manage, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision; Undertake missions to the field including in high-risk locations to perform security assessments and to assist Designated Officials (DOs), Security management Teams (SMTs) and Principal Security Advisers/Chiefs Security Advisers/Security Advisers (P/C/SAs), planning and assessment missions. • Proactively supports country security planning and preparedness through the following actions: Provide peer reviews and expert guidance to support country security planning and Security Risk Management (SRM) processes, making use of most recent quality improvement tools prior to submission to DO/Security Management Team (SMT). Monitor and review relevance and consistency, across the areas of responsibility, Authorized Spending Limits (ASL), Locally Cost-shared Security Budgets (LCSSBs), Residential Security Measures (RSM), Security Plans, SRM, DO and DO ai appointments (among other). Monitor the quality and feasibility of security and contingency plans through periodic reviews, training and exercises, coordinate with Operational Resilience Service (ORS), and any other relevant entity to assist in bridging identified gaps. • Assist UNDSS Programme Country Planning through peer review of UNDSS Country Office input to Common Country Analysis and Country SDG Cooperation Framework in coordination with ORS and relevant Security Information Analysts. Review and support country planning documents including the UNDSS Country Programme, and annual Workplans. • Coordinates and shares information with Security Information Analysts: Work collaboratively with security information analysts covering the geographical area of the Desk, both in HQ and in the field, to enhance common understanding of political, social, economic, and security dynamics, including cross border or regional trends, in the geographical region, and develop briefing notes, briefings and presentations including security analysis aspects and trends. • Lead and Coordinate Specialist Headquarters Support: Lead consultations with relevant experts, facilitate and coordinate assistance to the field from specialized subject areas. Establish and maintain relationships with relevant Secretariat offices and UNSMS organizations and represent DFO, as required, in their meetings on operational matters. • Provide advice to the field on implementation of UNSMS policies, guidance, and procedures. Review and assist with resource requests in support of the field, using the Results Chain framework and relevant global resources allocations criteria and submit for decision in line with delegation of authority. • Initiate and participate to the identification, collection and sharing of lessons learned and best practice in collaboration with Compliance, Evaluation and Monitoring Section (CEMS), in particular following critical incidents. • Crisis management: Provide relevant resources, expert advice and guidance to Country Offices in their response to crisis events and major security incidents, internally and externally. If and when required by DFO Director, deploy to the field to support crisis response, in collaboration with Emergency Response Unit. Participate in HQ Crisis Coordination meetings, including critical incidents such as hostage incidents. Participate and provide input to the Crisis Coordination Center (CCC) at HQ, as required. • Supports Peace Operations, Political Missions and Transitions: Provide operational-level expertise to security sections in Peace Operations, Political Missions, and in Transitions, in countries within the geographical area of responsibility of the Desk. Inform and collaborate on such operational support with counterparts in DPPA-DPO & DOS. This includes, but is not limited to, security-related planning for start-up, transition and drawdown, operational issues regarding the Integrated Security Workforce (ISW), security portions of mission annual budgets, Crisis Management, and Joint Departmental Assessments. • Human Resources, administration, logistics: Assist as required in support to the field on human resources, time management, training and development, procurement, administration, budget and finance, extra-budgetary projects and logistics, coordinating with the Office of the DFO. Conduct the review and screening of applicants with a consideration to the Department’s gender and inclusion strategy.as per the delegated level of authority. • Performance Management: Provide assessment of technical security support provided to DOs; collects inputs from DOs; collect inputs from the field on DO’s performance in their security role. Perform as the First Reporting Officer for the SCOs at P3 level within the Desk and as the Second Reporting Officer for Field Security Associates at field duty stations where there is no Deputy Security Adviser assigned. The SCO at P4 level may also perform as FRO for the Desk support staff at GS level, as delegated by the Senior Security Coordination Officer. • Supports Senior Management: Update and brief the Director/Deputy Director DFO on operational developments, challenges, and operational strategies; Represents DFO as requested in internal and external meetings on operational matters. Participate in IASMN working groups under direction of the DFO. Assist and participate to senior security officials visits. • If and when required by DFO Director, deploy to the field to strengthen UNDSS Country Offices. • Acts as OIC in the absence of the SSCO. • Performs other assignments as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge in the field of security risk management; proactivity, resourcefulness, and tact; Ability to ensure an effective work environment to maximize productivity; Ability to produce assessments, reports and other papers on security issues; Ability to communicate complex concepts orally as well as in writing; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Contributes to an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues and stakeholders. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others and correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent degree) in Security, Disaster or Emergency Management, Risk Management, Political Science, Military Science, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Law or related area. A first-level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk or disaster management in the public or private service areas responsible for responding to emergency situations that directly impact security is required. Of these, a minimum of three (3) years field experience over the past seven (7) years with UN Common System or similar international, governmental, or non-governmental organization within security or related area is desirable. At least two (2) years of international experience is desirable. At least two (2) years of management experience is desirable. Experience in managing Hostage Incident Management (HIM) with a certificate in HIM is desirable. Working experience in the Europe and Americas region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Fluency in Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (speak, read, write and understand). Knowledge of equals a rating of “confident” or “fluent” in at least two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This temporary job opening is available through 31 December 2024 during the absence of the regular incumbent, with the possibility of an extension subject to the availability of the post. The regular incumbent is entitled to return to this position at the expiry of the temporary vacancy period. If the regular incumbent exercises the right to return, the appointment or temporary assignment or promotion of the candidate selected for this job opening will not be renewed or extended. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless: (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. • A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. • In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further “stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…” Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified. • An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3/Rev.2, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions. • For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. • The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.