Security - Administrative and Planning Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is a UN Special Political Mission tasked with assisting the people of Afghanistan. UNAMA was established on 28 March 2002 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1401. Reviewed annually, this mandate has been altered over time to reflect the needs of the country and was extended for one year, on 17 March 2022, by the UN Security Council Resolution 2626 (2022).

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Security, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Receive and screen all correspondences, faxes, code cables, memoranda and other documents addressed to the Security Section as applicable; Prepares responses to routine correspondence, faxes, code cables, memoranda and other documents addressed to the section/unit as applicable. Ability to record all the files of the section; Reviews outgoing correspondence to ensure accuracy and completeness of in- formation and institutes follow up action. Ensure the confidentiality of information and sensitive documents; Responsible to draft minutes of SMT (Security management Team) SMT WG (Working Group) and Security Cell meetings for further circulation; Establish and maintain a proper filing system by ensuring the prompt filing of incoming and outgoing documentation from the section; Maintain a calendar of the PSA / CSO (Principal Security Advisor/ Chief security officer) and senior functionaries in the Security Section including official visits within and outside the mission area; Performs file searches to retrieve information for use in drafting memoranda, faxes, etc. Prepares and monitors the section’s leave plans to ensure continuous smooth work flow and provides advance information to the PSA/CSO of leave periods of officers in Units and Regions to plan manpower support when needed; Design and implement an effective matrix to track all essential tasking and maintain an effective Mission Planning schedule for PSA/ CSO; Responsible for liaison with CITS and SIOC to ensure all requirements for video connections with the Regions and DSS UN HQ NY are done and tested before the commencement of the FSCO’s (Field Security Coordination Officer) conference and VTC with USG DSS respectively; Maintain a proper database of updated distribution lists for FSCO’s /FSA’s (Field Security Advisor) and MSO’s(Mission Security Officer) and maintain up to date contact list.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNAMA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNAMA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNAMA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNAMA mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Progressively responsible experience in administration, planning, and organizing is required. Experience working in a post-conflict environment is an asset. Experience with the United Nations system administrative policies and practices is desirable.

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. The mission has three compounds in Kabul: Compound Alpha, and UNOCA (UN Operational Complex in Afghanistan) the largest one. UNAMA has three different locations in Kabul, most of the substantive offices, including the SRSG’s are located at the so-called alpha Compound and Palace #7, which is close to the city center, while most of the administrative and technical support offices are located at the UNOCA compound on Jalalabad Road, at some distance from central Kabul. Generally speaking, stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN volunteers as other UN staff, are quite limited to duty stations when it comes to movement. Walking is virtually not allowed. The movement is done inside the “green zone” (only) in armored vehicles driven by national qualified UN drivers. The single unit accommodation in UNOCA and other field locations are fully furnished; this includes, furniture, washing machine dryer, hot plate, iron and iron stand, microwave, plates, cups, spoons, cooking utensils, electric kettle. One bedsheet and pillow cover is provided. The monthly charge for UN provided accommodation is USD 300 which is deducted from the monthly Volunteer Living Allowance. Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a restaurant, a Supermarket and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported canned and frozen food on offer.

There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs, run by the welfare Office, within the same compound. UNOCA has a new minimarket where basic goods can be bought also. There are also a number of UN cleared supermarkets in Kabul, in Jalalabad, and in Mazar-I-Sharif. The Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own towel and other personal accessories including toiletries and medicines which they may not find easily within the supermarkets inside the UNOCA Compound. Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex, and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics (when and if needed). Contact with and outreach to the local community is usually limited. As mentioned, many places are off-limits, and the choice of recreational facilities are very poor. For all these reasons, bring a stock of books, DVDs/VCDs, computer games, etc., is highly recommended. Summer in Afghanistan is hot and dry, but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary. Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life comfortable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort is essential.