Background

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief Security Adviser (CSA), Deputy Security Adviser (DSA) or the Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO), the Local Security Assistant assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in the country or in the region of assignment. The incumbent will be expected to acquire safety and security information and produce IT generated reports suitable for distribution to UN Senior Management and staff. To this end, operational police, commercial security or military experience is desirable. The ability to input and manipulate data on IT systems using common word processing, database and GIS software is highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities

Local Security Assistant (LSA ) will be responsible for:

• Assists CSA/DSA/FSCO in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country;
• Assists with data acquisition and manipulation for graphic report presentations;
• Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists;
• Supports the CSA/DSA/FSCO 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 courses 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/DSA/FSCO;
• Performs any other security-related tasks assigned by the CSA/DSA/FSCO.

Assists the CSA/SA/FSCO 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/DSA/FSCO;
• Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies and provides host country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of the SA, as required;
• Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
• May be requested to provide technical assistance at SMT meetings, in the absence of the CSA/DSA/FSCO;
• 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.

Assists with data acquisition and manipulation for graphic report presentations:

• Maintain security related electronic databases and produce hard copy files on a regular basis when requested.

Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists:

• Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan;
• Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required.
• Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences;
• Act as the CSA’s liaison with the UN India family for the Warden System development and maintenance and other GIS requirements.

Assists the CSA/DSA/FSCO in monitoring compliance with Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) established for the duty station. 

• Assists with the compilation of data required for the MOSS Self-Assessment Programme;
• Conducts security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for the residences (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards - MORSS) of UN staff, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security.

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 courses on security awareness and preparedness, and providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conducts security briefings, as required.

Provides general administrative assistance to the CSA/DSA/FSCO:

• 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.
• Administers a pass and ID system;

Performs any other security-related tasks assigned by the CSA/DSA/FSCO.

Impact of Results:

• The key results have an impact on the accurate and timely implementation of the overall UN security programme at the country level.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Core Competencies:

Integrity:

• An ability to work honestly, openly, impartially and in accordance with the values of the United Nations;

Professionalism:

• An ability to work in a calm, competent and committed manner; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;

Respect for Diversity:

• An ability to work effectively, respectfully, and inclusively with people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives.

Functional Competencies:

Communications:

• Clearly and effectively speaks and writes, tailoring language, tone, style and format to different audiences; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others.

Planning & Organizing:

• Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.

Accountability:

• Adheres to organizational rules, regulations and standards; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.

Client Orientation:

• Provides services, support, advice, guidance to internal or external clients, and seeks to see things from their points of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Secondary education. University Degree or equivalent in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field is desirable.

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant experience in security including corporate security, military or police, UN system or an international organization.

Other Skills and Requirements:

• Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation;
• Experience in diplomatic security, protection and intelligence considered an asset;
• Experience in supporting investigation, information gathering and analysis would be an asset;
• Knowledge of host country safety codes;
• Familiarity with Police and Military security operations would be a highly valued asset;
• Computer literacy in Word, Excel (crime stats), PowerPoint, MS Access, Google Earth and GIS applications and internet applications are compulsory;
• Possession of a valid driver’s license;
• Physically fit.
• Ability to Travel.

Language:

• Fluency in the UN and National Language of the duty station.