UNDP Jobs - 50139- Field Security Specialist

Field Security Specialist - UNDP Country Office

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

09-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

The duties and responsibilities of the Field Security Specialist include the safety and security of all UNDP-Afghanistan staff, eligible dependents, eligible partners and contractors, resources, assets, facilities, programmes, and projects in addition to promoting, enabling and supporting UNDP programme delivery throughout Afghanistan while ensuring compliance with all United Nations security policies, procedures and regulations.

In the execution of these duties and responsibilities the FSS will report to Country Director and Deputy Country Director (Operations) and Regional Security Advisor for Asia & the Pacific. In performing his/her duties the FSS will also liaise with UNDSS as well as with BOM Security Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Accountability:

Provide security policy guidance and support to the Resident Representative, Country Director, and the management team, in managing the development and implementation of Country Office strategies as well as intra and interdepartmental policies and procedures;
Develop, implement and manage security management strategies in support of the Country Office and the Country Team within the overall framework of the UNDP-Afghanistan Strategic Plan, the UN Integrated Plan for Afghanistan and the UNDP (Global) Strategic Plan;
Plan and oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Security Unit ensuring that substantive work programmes and programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion, coordinating diverse functions within the Unit in liaison with other departments within the Country Office as well as other organizations of the UN System, donors and agencies as appropriate;
Establish, promote and lead initiatives that will result in the effective mainstreaming of security risk management into all aspects and levels of Country Office planning and operations within the framework of the Country Office Risk Management Strategy.

Summary of key functions:

Programming;
Threat and Risk Assessment;
Information and Reporting;
Security Plan and Minimum Operating Security Standards;
Financial Management;
Staff Management;
General.

Programming

Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Country Director and CO management team 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 (primarily within Afghanistan but also within the region) on UNDP planning, programme design and delivery, as well as the possible impact that programme design might have on the stability and security (both positive and negative) of Afghanistan, ensuring that possible support needs are identified and improvements are implemented;
Liaise and coordinate activities with the Afghan authorities, the International Military / NATO forces, other partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of UNDP activities and operation in Afghanistan ensuring the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority.

Threat and Risk Assessment

Manage the conduct of threat and risk assessments, as and when required, of operations in the districts and regions of Afghanistan where UNDP programmes and projects are to be implemented, ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are proactively identified and implemented to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of UNDP thus supporting an enabling framework for the achievement of UNDP goals and objectives;
Manage the conduct of threat and risk assessments, as and when required, of operations in other countries in the region where UNDP-Afghanistan may have a presence, ensuring that appropriate risk mitigation measures are identified and implemented to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of UNDP staff thus supporting an enabling framework for the achievement of UNDP goals and objectives;
Ensure that the goals and objectives of UNDP are given due consideration and that UNDP specific inputs are provided during the conduct, review and updating of threat and risk assessments by UNDSS, UNAMA and other UN agencies.

Information and Reporting

Maintain continuous oversight and knowledge of prevailing political and security conditions within Afghanistan, as well as within neighbouring countries of the region, that may have a direct effect or indirectly impact on the internal stability of Afghanistan;
Provide timely, accurate, informed and appropriate information to the Country Director and the Country Office management, and to UNDP Security Unit (BOM) on security incidents to UNDP staff and operations and provide innovative mitigation strategies and solutions required to enable Country Office operations;
Ensure that all security–related incidents are properly investigated and reported to the Country Director and relevant members of the senior management team, UNDSS, UNDP Security Unit (BOM) and that corrective action or measures, where appropriate, are set in motion;
Develop effective partnerships with UNDP-Afghanistan clients and partners, UNDP Security Unit (BOM), UNDSS, UNAMA, other UN agencies and organizations through advocacy and knowledge sharing.

Security Plan and Minimum Operating Security Standards

Manage the development and implementation of the UNDP-A fghanistan Security Plan;
Develop security policies and strategies in support of the Country Office Strategic Plan;
Collaborate and assist UNDSS and UNAMA in the development and maintenance of country specific security plans;
Manage the development and implementation a Country Office Business Continuity/Emergency Contingency Plan;
Manage the effective implementation of all UN security policies and procedures pertaining to staff security;
Manage the Country Office’s compliance with the relevant MOSS and MORSS standards.

Financial Management

Manage the funding of the Security Unit by ensuring that adequate funding is provided through the security fund contributions from all Country Office projects and programmes;
Monitor the establishment and approval of Country Office projects within ATLAS ensuring the allocation and transferring of the Security Unit funding allocation;
Formulate and manage the annual Security Unit budget ensuring that costs and expenses remain within budgeted and approved limits through the monitoring of monthly ATLAS budget reports;
Manage any additional funding that may be allocated for the purposes of upgrading or implementing security measures and structures;
Provide regular budget reports to the Country Director and Deputy Country Director as and when required;
In collaboration with the Operations Unit, provide guidance on the procurement and hiring of all security related materials, goods and services.

Staff Management

Ensure that the Security Unit is adequately staffed by competent and proficient personnel with the appropriate skills and expertise required to enable the successful achievement of Security Unit and Country Office goals and objectives;
Manage, supervise and execute the work programmes for the Security Unit, coordinating and preparing inputs, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery;
Responsible for the full scope of human resources management of the Security Unit taking due account of geographical and gender balance and other institutional values;
Manage the performance of the private contractors, suppliers and consultants providing security services and support to the Country Office.

General

Undertake regular missions of undetermined duration within Afghanistan, or anywhere else, as and when required, in support of UNDP operations and activities;
Be prepared to travel at short notice;
Any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

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.

Management Competencies:

Judgment/Decision-making

Good judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact;
Ability to ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve the goals and objectives of the Security Unit.

Leadership

Strong managerial and leadership skills;
Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial or administrative management policies;
Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment;
Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor and transfer knowledge/skills.

Managing Performance

Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work of others;
Ability to make timely decisions;
Ability to coach, mentor, motivate and develop staff and encourage good performance.

Task Management

Plans, prioritizes and delivers a variety of tasks on time;
Exercises sound judgment/analysis;
Develops creative risk management solutions;
Is able to operate and function at a senior level.

Building Trust

Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues and staff;
Recognized and respected by peers, clients and staff.

Core Values and Ethics

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and commitment to the principles of respecting in the workplace a climate of diversity;
Support the organizations corporate goals and values;
Comply with UNDP Rules and Procedures and code of conduct;
Demonstrate a high degree of integrity.

Teamwork

Build effective client relationships and partnerships, both within and outside the organization;
Display excellent interpersonal skills;
Building and sharing knowledge;
Provides guidance and support to others;
Make valuable practice contributions to the Security Unit, the Country Office and the organization.

Communication

Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Listens actively and responds effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably with a focus on security risk management, in social sciences, management, or a related security field with a minimum of seven years relevant experience; or
A first level University degree (Bachelors or equivalent) and nine years of relevant experience in security matters, police or military service with extensive command or leadership experience;
A Police/Military War College/Junior Command and Staff Course may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree”.

Experience:

Of those, a minimum of two (2) years of international exposure in a security management function in the United Nations;
Direct experience in the United Nations Security Management System with proven crisis response capabilities;
Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment.

Technical Expertise:

In-depth knowledge of security management and risk management;
Knowledge of UNDP business, operations and programme cycle;
Knowledge of UNDP Country Office structure; roles and responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator, Resident Representative, Designated Official, Security Management Team, UNDSS and UN Security Management System.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

Note:

Interested and qualified international candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at UNDP Afghanistan Vacancy Announcement and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at UNDP Personal History Form (P.11 Form);
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted;
For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af;
Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 6 weeks of the offer of appointment;
Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.