Background

The threat against the UN and in particular the terrorist threat transcends borders and therefore requires a boarder approach in addition to country security risk assessments. This in turn necessitates an analysis and dissemination of threat information often in broadly defined regions. UNDP programmes, taking into account the inter-dependence of economics and development needs of countries, are often formulated in the context of coherent regions, again grouped together to form the Regional Bureau. Security support delivery to countries and regions can better be improved with services more closely situated to such regions and countries. UNDP service delivery can be enhanced by having a broader footprint, more responsive and better informed interaction with its clients.

Based within the area of responsibility, the Sub-Regional Security Specialist (SRSS) will focus on providing support and advice to UNDP Resident Representatives/Country Directors, Deputy Resident Representatives/Deputy Country Directors and managers. The incumbent will liaise directly with Resident Representatives on security related issues. 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. S/he will also provide field security support to Country Offices as and when required. S/he will carry out the activities listed below to facilitate the safety and security of UNDP staff within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS’ mandate and role, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.

The primary objective of the deployment of the UNDP Sub-Regional Security Specialist is to advise on the protection of, and minimizing the risk to, UNDP staff, eligible dependants, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout countries within the region of responsibility. This will be achieved through:

• Advising that UNDP security support feature in the programming process at the country office level as well as in the case  of each individual project, from project identification, planning, budgeting, implementation and right through to monitoring and evaluation;
• Strengthening the security arrangements of UNDP and maintaining a security network of international and national security personnel.

In terms of functional matters related to UNDP security, the SRSS will report to the UNDP Security Office through the Regional Security Advisor, who will serve as the primary supervisor.

At Headquarters level, UNDP BOM/Security Office (SO) will, through the Regional Security Advisor (RSA), provide policy and technical advice to the UNDP SRSS regarding the safety and security of UNDP staff, eligible dependents, property and operations within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS’s mandate and role, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Programming;
• Threat and Risk Assessment;
• Security Plan and Business Continuity;
• Minimum Operating Security Standards;
• Information Management;
• Funds Management;
• Resource Mobilization;
• Office and Residential Security;
• General.

Programming:

• Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Country Directors 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, as well as the possible impact that programme design might have on the stability and security, ensuring that possible support needs are identified and improvements are implemented;
• Liaise and coordinate activities of partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority;
• To 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;
• Maintain a security network of international and national personnel;
• Participating as a member of the security cell established by DSS in country (only at CO where SRSS is based);
• Monitor Country Offices’ ability to ensure effective common services are being provided to the security machinery in-country and assist them as required (budget, local staffing, procurement, communications equipment & maintenance, physical security measures, UN House aspects, etc.).

Threat and Risk Assessment:

• Conduct a threat and risk assessment of operations in the districts and regions where UNDP projects are implemented, identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures;
• Assist/provide inputs to UNDSS in preparing a comprehensive threat and risk assessment of the country to include all locations where UNDP staffs, dependants and equipment are present;
• Assist/provide inputs to the Security Management Team through the UNDP Country Director (CD);
• Assist local UNDP travel managers with risk assessments related to air travel;
• Follow up on the implementation of any security recommendations.

Security Plan and Business Continuity:

• 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 plan and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Field Security Handbook (FSH);
• See that all UNDP personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective duty stations, (including UNDP sub offices) being prepared by UNDSS;
• Update the UNDP component within the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with UNDSS;
• Train UNDP wardens and follow up on their specific needs accordingly for both international and national staff;
• Provide security related contributions to the CO Business Continuity Plan, with guidance from the RSA;
• Facilitate security clearances for all UNDP staff travelling in areas where required.

Security Compliance:

• 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 and determine what support BoM/SO might provide, in cooperation with UNDSS;
• Oversight of UNDP personnel and equipment for security compliance;
• Ensure that Country Office management is briefed sufficiently on security requirements in order to take decisions and provide adequate resources so that staff members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field;
• Establish internal communication systems so that UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System;
• Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.);
• Provide advice on the security of transportation and logistics;
• Provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews, restricted and dangerous areas;
• Coordinate with DSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents;
• In coordination with UNDSS, and on behalf of the CD, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.

Information Management:

• Provide timely and accurate security advice to the UNDP Management, programme managers, project managers and visiting consultants;
• Immediately report all security -related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents to the Country Director, RSA and UNDSS in country;
• Ensure that UNDP programme staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security-related information generated by UNDSS in a timely and efficient manner;
• In cooperation with the HR unit, maintain updated UNDP staff lists, including details of visiting missions and consultants;
• In coordination with UNDSS in country, establish good relationships with national law enforcement, military and civil intelligence authorities, counterparts in the Diplomatic Missions and municipal/civic/traditional leaders;
• Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation
• In coordination with UNDSS in country, conduct investigations of death of a staff/family member under suspicious and unclear circumstances;
• Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts;
• In coordination with UNDP HQ and as assigned by the CD, conduct preliminary investigations in cases of breach of UN code of conduct by UNDP staff.

Funds Management:

• Support mainstreaming of security costs. Monitors that all projects/programmes contribute resources to implementation of security measures;
• Formulate and manage the annual work plan and related budget, initiates budget revisions;
• Monitor that allotted UNMSM funds are budgeted in ATLAS in a timely fashion;
• Ensure that costs and expenditures remain within budgeted and approved limits through the monitoring of monthly ATLAS budget reports.

Resource Mobilization:

• Ensure that the security cost of doing business is included in all appeals and project descriptions;
• Participate in the drafting of CAP and CAP reviews, to be presented to donors (as required);
• Provide inputs to donor reports, as required.

Office and Residential Security:

• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions;
• Assist UNDP in developing and implementing office security requirements for regional (regional or sub-) offices and offices of UNDP-implemented projects;
• Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for UNDP and project offices based on the security level;
• Represent UNDP security interests in any common premises that UNDP occupies ensuring that staff safety and security are primary considerations;
• Ensure that UNDP premises and international staff residences are MOSS and MORSS compliant.

General:

• The SRSS will, in consultation with the CO mgt. at duty stations in the designated area of responsibility, respond to requests to perform UN system related security tasks.

Competencies

Core Values:

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.

Core 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.

Creativity

• Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; Demonstrates resourcefulness by finding new solutions to address operational or strategic problems.

Commitment to Learning

• Keeps abreast of new occupational/professional developments; Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; Provides constructive security advisory, training, coaching and feedback for others.

Managerial Competencies:

Vision

• Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks.

Leadership

• Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives;
• Empowers others to translate vision into results; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.
• Empowering Others:
• Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Building Trust

• Operates with transparency; Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Judgment/Decision Making

• Identifies key issues in complex situations;
• Considers potential positive and negative impacts of decisions on others and on the Organization;
• Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:          

• University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent), preferably in social sciences, management, or a related security field, or formal multi-year education in Security Management, such as military or police, Junior Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full time) qualification with command experience;
• Formal training in security risk management.

Experience:       

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant security and development related experience (5 years if candidate is in possession of a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline);
• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset;
• In-depth knowledge of security management and risk management; 
• Knowledge of UN/UNDP business, operations and programming cycle; 
• Knowledge of UNDP Country Office structure; roles and responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator, CD, DO, SMT, UNDSS and UN Security management System.

Language Requirements:            

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish is required;
• Working knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable, but is not a requirement.