CLOSE PROTECTION OFFICER

Contract

This is a FS-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Field Service. It usually requires 8 years of experience, depending on education. More about FS-5 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is in the United Nations Verification Mission (UNVMC) in Colombia. The Close Protection Officer at FS-5 level will act as Team Leader of the Protection Services Unit (PSU). The PSU Team Leader reports to the Chief Security Adviser through the Close Protection Coordination Officer (CPCO) of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Integrated Security Workforce (UNDSS ISW) Colombia, on all Protection Services issues.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority and under the general supervision of the CPCO of the UNDSS ISW in Colombia, the Close Protection Officer at the FS-5 level will carry out the following duties as the Protection Services Unit (PSU) of the UNDSS ISW Colombia´s Team Leader: For the function demonstrated high standard of physical fitness is essential.

-Advises the Chief Security Adviser/Chief Security Officer (CSA/CSO) on close protection operations; -Prepares mission under close protection policy, direction, guidelines and standing operating procedures; -Reports to the CSA through the CPCO of the UNDSS ISW Colombia on official moves of the Senior UN Official (SUNO); -Provides advice on operational requirements within the mandated area of operations and the time of assignment; -Maintains security coverage for the working office and personal residence of the SUNO; -Ensures that mitigating measures are in place at all time to deter or deny identified threat and to preserve the security, safety and wellbeing of the SUNO; including from a gender perspective, particularly referring to risks affecting female personnel.; - Ensures that continued effectiveness of the PSU remains in relation to the changes of the local threat level; -Develops a close protection training programmes for all mission close protection staff and, as required, for protected persons (Principals); -Conducts personal protection tactics and techniques training; -Performs resource-mobilization and maintenance duties; -Develops close protection requirements and incorporates them into the mission-budget process; -Operates and maintains close protection equipment; -Conducts Security Liaison Officer´s operations; -Accompanies the SUNO during official travels and coordinates all related security requirements; -Supervises the Protection Services Unit (PSU) of the UNDSS ISW Colombia where required; -Coordinates with Host Country authorities and other relevant authorities on close protection operations, where required; -Produces security risk assessments for the Principal, the Principal’s residence and office and for specific activities of the Principal, recommends risk mitigation measures and implements these measures, Ensures an adequate inclusion of a gender sensitive analysis in the Security Risk management, as per direction of the Mission´s Gender parity; -Coordinates and conducts close protection operations for the protected persons while on duty, in accordance with UN personal protection standards; -Within delegated authority, liaises with relevant security focal points and briefs members of the PSU; -Prior to initiating a deployment, coordinates with representatives of mission units, sections, offices or divisions on issues of the location, as well as public forces, on the current threat and political climate and assesses, plans, coordinates and executes Security Liaison Officer´s operation; -Conducts pre-deployment briefings with the Security Liaison Officers (SLO) and coordinates with the staff in the office of the SUNO under the CSA supervision through the CPCO; -Provides guidance on changes that might occur whilst on duty; -De-briefs SLOs and assesses each move upon conclusion; -Contributes to the forecasting, planning and executing security training for his/her team and liaises with other UN Missions to keep abreast with current training methods; -Maintains the qualification records and ensures that security officers are certified according with the UN standards; -Contributes to supervise the performance of all UN Personnel of the PSU (Close Protection Officers and Drivers); -Identifies gaps in existing capability and makes recommendations for amendment; -Monitors team equipment and ensures minimum equipment requirements are supplied, maintained and deployed; -As PSU Team Leader and as required, drafts the Statements of Requirement and provides technical specifications for the procurement of unit and team equipment. Determines equipment, facility and supply needs based on operational requirements; -Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions. -Performs any other duties as required.

Competencies Core Values:

Professionalism -Excellent knowledge of close protection technique combined with a solid background of military, police or security specialization -Well-developed analytical skills -Able to recognize and evaluate the seriousness of threats -Capacity to effectively coordinate close protection operations -Ability to effectively deal with stress factor when encountered in security management and close protection operations -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.

Competencies:

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

Planning & 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.

Managerial Competencies:

Judgement/Decision-making: -Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly -Gathers relevant information before making a decision -Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them -Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization -Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information -Checks assumptions against facts -Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision -Makes tough decisions when necessary

Education -High school diploma or its technical equivalent or vocational certificate is required. -Training in close protection techniques combined with a solid military or police background or a specialization in security and a valid driver's license are required. -International, national or commercial training on close protection is desirable; -Recently (within the past two years) satisfactory completion of certification in use of the emergency kit or equivalent of a first aid certificate is desirable; -UNDSS Close Protection Supervisor Certificate (CPSC) is highly desirable (and will be required in the future to be promoted in this field); -Martial arts training, United Nations training certificate in the use of personal protective weapons and / or specialization in security practices and investigations is desirable.

Work Experience A minimum of 8 years with high school diploma or equivalent of responsible experience in the military, police or security management is required.

A minimum of 5 years of responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required. .

Experience and proficiency in the use of weapons, surveillance equipment, and vehicles is required.

Work experience in the United Nations Common System or similar entities is desirable.

Experience in close protection of one or more principals; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; and conduct of close protection training is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) is required.

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

Special Notice - This position is temporarily available for an initial period of six (6) months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff, as per the Secretary General´s Gender Parity Strategy. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. #United_for_Gender_Parity

Candidates interested to work for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia.: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8SCkVjg-e3073SwTDG1VQf1oLTWfUQ4

The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

• 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.

• 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.

• This position is temporarily available until [specific date]. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• 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.

• 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.

• This position is temporarily available until [specific date]. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• 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.

• 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.

The recommendation or selection decision for this position shall be void if the recommended or selected candidate does not obtain a clearance according to ST/SGB/2005/7 on designation of staff members performing significant functions in the management of financial, human or physical resources.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

• This position is temporarily available until [specific date]. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• 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.

• 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.

  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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.