Background

Under the overall leadership of the Chief Security Adviser (CSA), and the direct supervision of the Field Security Coordination Officer, the Local Security Assistant assists in the implementation of general security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in the country of assignment. He also acts as team leader for other UNDSS LSAs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

  • Assists the CSA, through his Staff, in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country;
  • Supports and assists in the development of the Country and Regional SRAs;
  • Assists in maintaining the Country Security Plan, including updating Staff Lists;
  • Supports the CSA with the assessment of Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) for the duty station;
  • Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets;
  • Organizes and delivers training on security awareness and preparedness;
  • Assists in ensuring residential (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards – MORSS) and office safety and security preparedness;
  • Provides general administrative assistance to the CSA;
  • Performs other functions as required by the CSA.

Assists the CSA in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country:

  • Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the Host Government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military and police officers, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations and other non-State actors in the area of operation;
  • Helps to assess the security situation at the duty station and ensures adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the CSA;
  • Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations Agencies and provides Host Country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of other Staff, as required;
  • Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN Agencies;
  • Attends the Security Cell Meetings and the SMT Meetings as determined by the CSA;
  • May be requested to provide technical assistance at SMT meetings, as directed by the CSA.

Assists in maintaining the Country Security Plan, including updating Staff lists:

  • Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Country Security Plan;
  • Supports actions during the implementation of the Country Security Plan, as required;
  • Provides advice and comment on the Regional Secruity Plans as requested by the CSA.

Assists the CSA in monitoring compliance with MOSS established for the duty station.  Also assists with the compilation of data required for the MOSS Self-Assessment Programme.

Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets, and assists in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report, the Security Assessments and the Quarterly Incident Report.

Provides support in organizing and conducting training and briefings on security awareness and preparedness, whilst providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conducts security briefings, as required.

Provides general administrative assistance to the CSA:

  • Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents;
  • Maintains a database on contact details in relation to Host Country security authorities;
  • Arranges appointments, receives visitors, places and screens telephone calls and answers queries with discretion and takes minutes and/or notes at meetings;
  • Assists when required to manage the TRIP accounts.

Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the CSA:

  • Conducts security evaluations and provides advice on security measures at the Duty Station as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security;
  • Conducts security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for the residences MORSS of UN staff;
  • Establishes and maintains the Warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences;
  • Administers the UN ID system;
  • Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences, in order to ensure the effective and efficient use of the guard force;
  • Undertakes other assignments as decided by the CSA within the requirements of the SMS.

Competencies

Commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s core values – Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity.

Planning and Organizing:

  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor his/her own work plan with minimum supervision;
  • Ability to work under pressure or in crisis situations;
  • Availability to travel widely within the area of responsibility.

Creativity:

  • Ability to actively seek to improve services, offer new and different options to solve problems/meet client needs and promote and persuade others to consider new ideas.

Teamwork:

  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communication:

  • Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills in English and the Yemeni language;
  • Capable of liaison and communication with senior members of the UN, Government and other non-State entities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:   

  • Secondary education.  University Degree desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:   

  • Six (6) years work experience in security related fields, preferably in the military or police context, or related field of work. Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.
  • Knowledge of the structures of the Government, especially the security related elements;
  • Knowledge of Host Country safety codes and general legal framework;
  • Experience in diplomatic security, protection and intelligence considered an asset;
  • Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation;
  • Solid computers skills (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);

Language Requirements:   

  • Fluency in English and Arabic languages is required.

Other:

  • Ability to travel throughout the country;
  • Possession of a valid, vehicle driver’s license;
  • Physically fit.