Sub-Regional Security Specialist

Background

Reporting to the Regional Security Advisor, the Sub-Regional Security Specialist (SRSS) will provide security support to UNDP Regional Bureau, Regional Centers, regional programmes and country offices as and when required. S/he will focus on providing security advice to UNDP Resident Representatives, Deputy Resident Representatives and managers. Through a keen understanding of the UN and UNDP security policy, its interpretation, and the application of security best practices, s/he ensures that security enables safe UNDP programme delivery and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent provides security coverage for RBEC focused as priority to countries at risk or in high security level with significant programmatic activity. The SRSS will also be the first line of UNDP security crisis response in his/her area of responsibility as directed by the Regional Security Advisor and Security Office (SO).

1) Enabling Programming through Security Risk Management

• Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Resident Representatives and CO management teams enabling effective programme planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures.
• Ensure the mainstreaming of security into all levels of programme design, implementation and delivery through the substantive monitoring of ongoing and future projects and programmes providing innovative and proactive support, direction and solutions where required.
• Review the impact of current as well as future potential security factors and trends on UNDP planning, programme design and delivery.
• Protect and minimize the risk to UNDP staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout.
• Monitor Country Offices’ ability to ensure effective common services are being provided to the security machinery in-country and assist them as required.

2) Security Planning and security inputs into Business Continuity planning

• Work closely with UNDSS to ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN security framework.
• Provide inputs and assist UNDSS in establishing, maintaining and updating the country specific security plans and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Security Policy Manual (SPM) and Security Operations Manual (SOM).
• Update the UNDP component within country-specific security plans and contingency plans in coordination with UNDSS.
• Provide security inputs into functional emergency business continuity plans for the COs, in accordance with the UNCT business continuity plan.

3) Security Risk Management Measures (SRMMs) and Residential Security Measures

• Advise Country Office Management in ensuring that UNDP premises and international staff residences are SRMM and RSM compliant.
• Conduct security compliance evaluations for country offices and programmes within the designated area of responsibility. Assess the levels of compliance of UNDP with UN security planning and UNDPs implementation of requirements.
• Coordinate with DSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible family members.
• In coordination with UNDSS, and on behalf of the RR and SFP, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.
• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment

4) Information Management and Sharing of Knowledge

• Collect, perform required analysis and disseminate security centric information pertaining to the designated area of responsibility. Promote information exchanges with UNDSS, as well as other agencies and organizations.
• Ensure that UNDP programme personnel are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security-related information generated by UNDSS in a timely and efficient manner.
• Where required and in coordination with UNDSS, establish good relationships with national law enforcement, military and civil intelligence authorities, counterparts in the Diplomatic Missions and municipal/civic/traditional leaders within the designated area of responsibility.
• Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation.
• In coordination with UNDSS, provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions.

5) Resources Management and Mobilization

• Support mainstreaming of security costs. Monitors that all projects/programmes contribute resources to implementation of security measures.
• Liaise with COs to enable the completion and management of security annual work plans and related budgets.
• Monitor that allotted UN Mandated Security Measures (UNMSM) funds are budgeted in a timely manner.
• Advise Country Office Management and Project Management in ensuring that the security cost of doing business is included in all appeals and project descriptions for COs in the designated area of responsibility.
• Where appropriate, participate in the drafting of CAP and CAP reviews, to be presented to donors.
• Serve as Regional Security Advisor ad interim, as and when required.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core: Full list of UNDP Core Competencies can be found here

• Achieve Results- LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively – LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously- LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination – LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner – LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Disaster or Emergency Management, Political Science, Military Science, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Law or related fields, is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with two years of qualifying work experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Formal training in security risk management is an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years (with a master’s Degree) or seven (7) years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in risk management or security experience gained in an operational environment in public or private service in such areas as national security, military or police service or in a corporate environment.
• International experience in security, or experience in UN peace keeping, or in the UN security management system is required.
• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.
• Experience and knowledge of UNDP business, operations and programming cycle is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in the English language, both written and oral, is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

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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Application deadline: 10 June 2024, 23:59 EST