* Security Operations Assistant, NPSA5 - UNDSS - National Position

Background

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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.

Office/Unit/Project Description

The Security Information and Operations Centre (SIOC) of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has been established to support United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) security personnel and personnel at large as the central security information and communications hub in Ukraine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The SIOC aims to develop security awareness, identify known and anticipated security threats, analyze such threats in a timely manner, develop recommendations on a variety of security measures and procedures, and provide operational security support to enable organizations to fulfil their mandates ensuring, at the same time, the safety and security of its personnel, premises and assets of UNSMS organizations in Ukraine.

The operations component of the SIOC has a 24/7 operations centre that monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS). The Security Operations Assistants generally work 12-hour shifts, rotating between the day and at night, to maintain operation of the 24/7 Operations Centre of the SIOC. As part of the work, the Security Operations Assistants monitors the continuous operation of the security communications systems (SCS), maintain contact information and the staff list, collect and process data and information for incidents of relevance for decision-making, act as first responders for security incidents or issues from UN personnel, issue security notifications and advisories, and monitor personnel movements throughout the country.

The role of a Security Operations 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.

Although the positions are part of UNDSS Ukraine, they are locally administered by UNDP. The positions are not funded by UNDSS but through the locally cost shared budget or from an extra budgetary fund. The contract may be extended subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing operational need for the positions.

Scope of Work

• Maintain communications with UN personnel on safety and security-related matters
• Receive, transmit and relay security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official/Principal Security Adviser
• Use identified means of communication to personnel, escalating to appropriate managers, when necessary
• Monitor the usage and verify operational status of the security communications systems (SCS)
• Monitor and support personnel movement in the country
• Approve security clearances on behalf of the Principal Security Adviser, as directed
• Monitor and track mission movement, including the use of GPS/GPRS systems, and reporting mission progress
• Provide advice to UN personnel regarding the security situation, conditions of roads, location of block-posts, closest medical facilities and other relevant information for guiding missions in the field.
• Provide support during incidents and emergencies
• Provide immediate support to UNSMS personnel involved in security or safety incidents, and escalate, as appropriate
• Support UNDSS field security officers in headcount, and report accordingly
• Collate and maintain data and information for security operations
• Closely monitor open-source media and UN-provided sources to input and record into database
• Maintain accurate and updated staff lists of UNSMS personnel
• Maintain contact details of emergency response services and support structures of host government, local authorities and contracted private security companies
• Contribute to the production of maps, analytics, analysis reports and other security-related documents
• Maintain records and logs of all actions and communications during shift
• Prepare shift handover reports
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
  
  

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Security Operations Supervisor and the overall direction of the Operations Officer, the Security Operations Assistant is required to perform the duties and responsibilities indicated above.

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional Competencies

Business Management: Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

Business Management: Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Business Management: Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

Digital: Data Analysis: Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making.

Digital: Data Collection: Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).

Security Services: Security information management: Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations.

Security Services: Security incident management & monitoring: Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events.

Min. Education Requirements

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

• Secondary Education is required.
• University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Security Management, Business Administration, Law, Information Technology, Engineering, Management, Social Sciences or related fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
  
  

Min. Years Of Relevant Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years (with Secondary Education) OR 2 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience of customer service, emergency response, information and data management or other relevant field is required.
  
  

Required Skills

• Strong skills in computer-based tools such as MS Office Suite and other computer, web and smartphone applications
  
  

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Previous experience in information management with army/police SOC, TOC, or JOC, security services, or emergency services is desirable.
• Experience with radio, satellite and web-based communications is desirable.
• Experience in UN, I/NGO or international/diplomatic organizations is desirable.
  
  

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.
  
  

Disclaimer

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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