Senior Security Officer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Central africans (1) Who are residing outside of Central African Republic at the time of application (2) Who have been living there for five years or more (3) Who are fulfilling the requirement's stated on this job advert are strongly encouraged to apply. The Central African Republic (CAR), a vast territory of more than 623,000 km2 , characterized by rich biodiversity and subsoil, is paradoxically one of the poorest countries in the world and ranked 188th out of 189 countries according to the United Nations Human Development Index of December 2020. According to the same source, more than 71% of the population lives in poverty, with an inadequate and poorly maintained road network exacerbating the inequalities between the populations of the capital and those of rural towns. The Central African Republic has around 9,300 km of roads classified as "main or regional" and more than 15,000 km of rural roads. Of the 9,300 km of main roads, less than 10% are paved, a consequence of the country’s poverty, one of the causes of which is attributable to its landlocked nature.

In the search for solutions to reduce this increased poverty, the Government requested and obtained funding from the World Bank (WB) and the French Development Agency (AFD) for the Projet d'Urgence de Rétablissement des Infrastructures et de Connectivité en Centrafrique (PURIC-CA).

UNOPS is assisting the Government of the Central African Republic and its financial partners to implement the sub-components 1.2 and 1. 3 of PURIC: the restoration of road connectivity in the North-East of CAR (Ndélé - Ouadda - Ouadda Djallé - Birao - Am Dafok axis) and the rural connectivity in the Vakaga region including the completion of the road works on the Kaga Bandoro - Mbrès - Bamingui - Ndélé axis, carried over from the PCR (Rural Connectivity Project).

In line with the implementation of this project, UNOPS is seeking qualified candidates to fill a position of Senior Security Officer.

Background information - DR Congo

Located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo the UNOPS Multi-Country office covers eleven countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Rwanda, and has an active portfolio of over $300 million, with many infrastructure projects. The office has developed strong working relations with international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments across Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors; procurement, project management and sectoral advisory services; peace and security, environmental preservation and protection among others.

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent functions within the framework of the UN Security Management System, under supervision of Senior Project Manager and technical guidance of the Field Security Advisor, coordinating directly with the local UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office in its area of operations, if available. The position is responsible for providing effective and efficient security services to enable the safe conduct of projects activities and operations in the relevant geographical business unit/s within a threshold of acceptable risk. The incumbent promotes a compliance and client-oriented approach consistent with UNOPS rules and regulations and UN Security Management System policies, guidelines and regulations.

He/she works closely with and advises Senior Project Manager, Field Security Advisor and the projects’ personnel to plan for and resolve security related issues. This position is located in Ndélé , Central African Republic.

Functions / Key Results Expected 1. Advisory and Technical

• Advise the Senior Project Manager, the Field Security Advisor and the projects’ personnel on all safety and security related matters including the planning and implementation of the projects in the area of responsibility.
• In line with the UN Security Management System methodology, policies, and procedures, assist the FSA in developing, as required, security risk assessments outlining potential threats, risks levels and recommended mitigation strategies for office and project operations, taking into consideration relevant and existing assessments;

• Provide technical advisory and oversight services to ensure that safety and security is a core component of the projects and that appropriate funding is provided based on actual needs.

  2. Operations

• Conduct field security missions and risk assessments in close coordination with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), in support of UNOPS project activities.

• Prepare, plan and conduct UNOPS road/field missions in support of projects’ activities, and concepts of operations including contingency plans.
• Maintain close relations with UNDSS and assist UNDSS in performing their overall coordination role providing information and support on issues related to UNOPS in the projects’ areas of operation.
• Assist the FSA in developing, adapting, and implementing security policies, protocols and procedures for local conditions, consistent with UN security frameworks.
• Attend security meetings and other working groups on behalf of UNOPS security, including taking meeting minutes and circulating upon FSA clearance.
• Analyze data to form proposals for improvements (e.g. implementation of new technology)

• Prepare an annual security work plan including budget for all aspects of the projects security including full compliance with UN security management policies, procedures and guidelines in the area of responsibility; including:

  • Fire Safety
  • Security plan
  • Implementation of mandatory security mitigation measures (SRM)
  • Residential Security Measures (RSM)
• Maintain up-to-date database of UNOPS personnel, information and related to UNOPS offices, residences, project site.
• Implements a system to conduct rapid head count and issue alerts and notification to personnel in the area of operations.
• Takes the lead in incident response and coordinates project personnel when responding to emergencies and alarms.
• Develop a mechanism for reporting all security related incidents that may have an impact on the projects.
• Liaise with and update regularly the Field Security Advisor on the security situation, submitting periodic reports on security issues and performance.
• Plan and coordinate security operations for specific events and visits.
• Perform security assessments, both routine and exceptional, as required, to ensure optimal safety standards are in place for staff working in the area of operation.
• Manage and perform daily monitoring, taking necessary action when required, and generate reports as needed.
• Maintain accurate multi-sourced records in the area of responsibility on current and projected security issues involving the targeted projects.
• Monitor and facilitate staff adherence to, and compliance with, the various UNDSS advisories,; such as mandatory mitigation measures); etc.
• Ensure that appropriate and effective coordination is maintained with other UN security officers and other security services to facilitate seamless implementation of the security arrangements across the areas of operation. .
• Liaise with the local security authorities to gather and assess information on security and safety matters that might affect UNOPS personnel in the areas of operation and provide analysis of security related information obtained.
• Determine, manage and account for the use of security equipment including security communications equipment.

• Supports incident response and attends security and safety matters as needed.

  3. Staff Development

• Develop and deliver staff development and training programs for the projects personnel and security focal points, including on Security Risk Assessments, policies, guidelines and procedures, within the area of operation.

• Ensure that all projects’ personnel receive security briefings upon initial arrival in the area of operation , local security training as necessitated by changes in the security environment, and are kept informed of matters affecting their security;
• Maintain up-to-date instructions and training for the projects personnel on implementation of the security plan, including required precautions, comprehensive listing of emergency supplies, and guidance on action taken during emergencies, including natural disasters and political crises
• Coordinate attendance of UNOPS personnel to security and safety training according to their role and risk profile, in coordination with UNDSS and other stakeholders.

• Provide heightened security awareness training to the projects staff, beyond the required security and emergency procedures, if necessary.

  4. Team Management

• Facilitate the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the team supervised through effective recruitment, work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development.

• Provide oversight, ensuring compliance by team members with existing policies and best practices.

  5. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing

• Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for the projects’ personnel on security related topics.

• Conduct initiatives on capacity development and knowledge building for UNOPS and for security personnel, including network development, plans, learning plans and activities, procurement practice information and best practice benchmarking.
• Contribute to security knowledge and communities of practice by providing collaborative synthesis of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in security management.
• Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
• Ensure full documentation of security management approaches and activities, to enhance knowledge-sharing/transfer.
• Follow emerging security management approaches, stays up-to-date with trends and applies best practice.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Senior Security Officer directly impacts on the security, safety and performance of the projects’ personnel, activities , and operations and therefore the organization’s credibility as an effective service provider in project services and management. This promotes the image of the office and enhances UNOPS’ competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country/region served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree in social or political science, law, public administration, business management or security management or related is required
• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional 4 years' relevant experience at the international level may be accepted in lieu of formal education
• A Technical/Professional Diploma in combination with an additional 6 years relevant, international and national experience may be accepted in lieu of formal education
• A Secondary Diploma in combination with l 8 years’ of relevant, international and national experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Substantial experience (a minimum of 8 years) in civilian police/military may be accepted in lieu of formal education

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in security management are required
• Experience with the United Nations Security Management System is a strong advantage;
• Experience in post conflict environments or RCA is desirable
• Ability to produce Standing Operating Procedures/Security Risk Assessments/Security Plans in accordance with UNDSS methodology is an asset;
• Proficiency in computer skills, including G Suite is desirable.

Language Requirements: - Fluency in written and spoken French is required. - Knowledge intermediate in English is required.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreements (IICA)

Contract level: I-I CA1 (ICS-09) Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.