Background

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations System Programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

UNDSS personnel plays a vital role in enabling the safe conduct of UN operations, often in dangerous environments. We do this while ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of UN personnel, premises, and assets worldwide. Our personnel perform a large range of functions, from ensuring the security of UN compounds, providing close protection services, and investigating incidents, to providing training on safety and security policies and procedures. Our staff identify security trends, develop security plans and ensure crisis preparedness.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide leadership support in Security Management and Policy Guidance to enable effective UN Programme delivery throughout Somalia within the framework of the UN and DSS Policies, Procedures and Best Practices while managing risks to UNSMS personnel and operations.

• Prepares, reviews security management documents for the designated area of responsibility, including all aspects related to elaboration, development, implementation and updating of the documents.
• Supports the Principal Security Adviser for the Security Management Teams or serves the Area Security Management Team, contributing to planning, implementation, evaluation of effectiveness of security planning, security operations and implementations of measures aimed at improving staff security and conduct of UN programme activities.
• Maintains and enhances lines of communication with UNSMS entities, including agencies funds and programmes and security focal points.
• Contributes to implementation and evaluation of the preparedness of the security measures as decided by the United Nations Security Management Team
• Conducts security surveys and assessments.
• Provides support to UNSMS organizations in the establishment and maintenance of a functioning Emergency Communication System.
• Reviews and/or supports security planning and security management documents for the assigned area as required.

Monitor and Oversee Somalia  Security Compliance of UNDSS Global and Somalia Policies

• Produce security reports as required by the Principal Security Advisor in a timely and efficient manner.
• For all security related incidents involving UNSMS staff and eligible dependents, coordinate 24-hour response, and immediately record such incidents on UN Safety and Security Incident Database keeping the Principal Security Advisor and the Senior Security Focal Points are appraised of the situation.
• Establish and/or implement internal communication systems and ensure communications of other UNSMS Entities are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System. 
• Liaise with and coordinate activities of partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNSMS staff as the highest priority. 
• Maintain a security network of international and national security personnel. Participate as a member of the security cell established by in the country and participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.
• Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities.

Provides timely and accurate security advice and briefings to UNSMS personnel and collaborate with key security partners internally and externally to ensure a constant flow of information of security matters affecting DSS Programming in Somalia

• Guides in the response to crisis events and security incidents.
• Establish and/or implement communication systems in other UNSMS organizations integrating with the DSS Communication System.
• Identifies and promotes best practices while contributing to knowledge networks and professional communitities.

Work in collaboration with other security personnel from the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, UN Missions, African Union Support Office for Somalia, Non-Governmental Organizations and International Community and assist in leading the DSS Somalia Security Team to ensure that all activities are confirm with the UN Security Framework:

• Provide inputs and assist security personnel from the Agencies, Funds and Programmes including UN Missions  in establishing, maintaining and updating country specific security and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Security Policy Manual (SPM) as well as providing security related contributions to updating emergency business continuity plans for the UNDSS in concert with the UN Country Team business continuity plan and guidance from the Principal Security Advisor. 
• Ensure that all UNDSS personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective country offices being prepared, which will include working in collaboration with HR and other relevant units to maintain and incorporate in those Security Plans an updated list of all UNDSS personnel.
• Formulate and test UNDSS specific security and contingency plans and support the testing of CO Business Continuity Plans.
• Develop and deliver security orientation and training to UNSMS personnel on security guidelines and procedures, and security awareness in a country. 
• Coordinate and implementation of fire safety, first aid, and radio communications training for the appropriate staff members. 
• Monitor security compliance of UNSMS personnel, operations and equipment and advise on selection and procurement of appropriate security equipment.
• Maintains cooperation and collaborations with authorities and international institutions, provides security briefing, advice and security training to UNSMS personnel and operational partners of the United Nations (such as entities under Saving Life Together framework).

Monitor and oversee security compliance of UN premises and international staff residences.

• Support the implementation of physical security and security risk management measures for UN premises, and as requested, participate in ensuring security management oversight of common premises.
• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UN premises and equipment and advise on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements, solutions and implementation. 

Ensure Effective and Efficient Management of the Office of the Principal Security Advisor linking all UNDSS Integrated Security Workforce Sections with other UN organizations and other external stakeholders focusing on achievements of the following results:

• Coordinate information flow to all stakeholders based on information confidentiality and management. 
• Coordinate development of Concept Notes for security initiatives based on UNDSS programmatic needs  in close coordination with relevant sections of other UN organizations.
• Collaborate with personnel of the UNDSS Integrated security Workforce and other offices of the UN organizations in maintaining proper communication channels ensuring timely submission of requirements.
• Ensure adequate coverage of all UNDSS Offices across Somalia through backstopping, making appropriate travel, administrative, finance and logistics support to all personnel.

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

 

Institutional Arrangement

The Field Security Coordination Specialist will report directly to the Principal Security Adviser. The post is presently located in Mogadishu, Somalia and this duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as an "E" hardship and a non-family duty station.

 

Competencies

CoreLEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic AreaNameDefinitionSecurity ServicesSecurity advice, planning and coordinationAbility to provide authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activitiesSecurity ServicesSecurity Information ManagementAnalytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations.Security ServicesSecurity Risk Management

Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and

develop recommendation

Security ServicesSecurity Crisis Management and Response Knowledge of Crisis Management and response arrangements as well as the ability to prepare for, respond to, support/manage security crisis events. Business Direction and StrategySystem Thinking

  Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions;

learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight

Business ManagementPortfolio Management

 Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives

with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management

Business Direction and StrategyStrategic Thinking

Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in

line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on

the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities

and potential risks; link the general vision to reality

on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions;

learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and

effectively respond to both current and future

trends; demonstrate foresight

 

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Security Management, Business Administration, Political/Social Science, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, International Relations, Accounting or a related field is required. OR 

 

A first-level university degreein the areas stated above,   in combination with two years of qualifying experience  will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

 

Min. years of relevant work experience A minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with bachelor’s degree)  of progressively responsible experience in security, risk or disaster or emergency management in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required.Required  skills 

Management experience in the public or private or corporate sector is required.

At least 2 years of  international field experience in security operations is required. 

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

• Experience in advising Senior Management on enhancements to security programmes, specifically in Somalia, with regards to humanitariam, political and security crises. 
• Experience in supporting the Security Management Team and Security Cell in decision making, monitoring and evaluation of their implementation.
• Experience in conducting comprehensive Security Assessments of Security Programmes at Operational, Tactical and Strategic Level. 

Required Language(s) 

Fluency in English is required.

Working knowledge of another UN language is desired. 

Professional CertificatesUNDSS Security Certification such as Security Certification Programme – Refocused, Security Analysis Process and Practice or UN Field Operations Security Management Programme. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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