Background

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) provides leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System. UNDSS in Somalia supports all UN Agencies in Somalia through security advice and guidance so as to enable the UN Agencies to conduct their operations in the safest way possible.

Main tasks include liaison with the national and provincial police counterparts, gathering information on security matters affecting UN staff and programs in various locations in the country, and providing advice and relevant reports to the FSCO. The LSA will also assist UN agencies in investigation of criminal incidents/traffic accidents involving UN staff/premises in the AOR and other UN locations in Somalia as directed by SFSCO in the areas. 

Under the technical guidance and supervision of the UNDSS area SFSCO, the LSA will assist the Field Security Coordination Officer in the execution of security responsibilities in the region of operation in Somalia, and the day-to-day security operations for UNDSS.  He/she will demonstrate a client-oriented approach to security management with a high sense of responsibility, courtesy and tact. He/she will work with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds in a complex security and political environment.

Note:

• This post is funded from locally cost-shared security budget and not from core UNDSS budget.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Assists FSCO in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country;
• Maintains the Security Plan  including updating staff lists;
• Ensures effective and efficient functioning of UNDSS Operations;
• Reports Security Incidents affecting UNDP Staff, Offices and Assets;
• Provides general administrative assistance to the FSCO.

Ensures effective and efficient collection, updates and communication of  information regarding the security situation in the country focusing on the achievement of the following:

• 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;
• 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 FSCO;
• Communicates security information to the heads of United Nations agencies and provides host country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of the FSCO, as required;
• Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
• Provides technical assistance at A/SMT meetings, in the absence of the FSCO as required.

Ensures maintenance of  the Security Plan, including updating staff lists focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Maintains  the security plan and updates the staff list of UN agencies;
• Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan as required.

Ensures effective and efficient functioning of UNDSS Operations, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Manages security at satellite locations within incumbent area of responsibility including supervision of guards at the satellite location;
• Keeps abreast with the security situation in the area of responsibility and gives early warning in case something is wrong;
• Provides safe and secure relocation of UN personnel to the safe haven in situations where security at the satellite locations is not sustainable;
• Provides security orientation to newly assigned staff members and security briefings as required;
• Provides support in organizing and conducting trainings on security awareness and preparedness;
• Conducts security surveys and provides advice on security measures for the residences of UN staff and UN offices;
• Coordinates with Somalia National Police and Military on UN movements by B6 convoys;
• Supports FSCO in conducting UN missions  at the area of operations;
• Supports FSCO in conducting Security Assessments at the area of operations;
• Provides security briefings, assessments, tracking and support to UN National staffs’ mission;
• Supports UN national staff with protocol arrangements at the airport as necessary.

Reports Security Incidents affecting UNDP Staff, Offices and Assets to the FSCO/CSA focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Assists in the preparation of security reports including Security Incident Reports and Security Assessments as required;
• Reports security incidents affecting UNDP staff, offices and assets;
• Ensures implementation of security procedures and protocols;
• Maintains regular contacts with Project Security Focal Points;
• In conjunction with the FSCO/CSA, collects and disseminates information regarding security situation to all UNDP Staff as received from UNDSS.

Provides general administrative assistance to the FSCO focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• 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;
• Identifies Emergency Communications equipment needs and informs the relevant authority for action.

Impact of Results

The duties performed by the Local Security Assistant have a direct impact on the security and safety of UN staff operating in the field as well as the UN property. The contingency plans and monitoring of the implementation of security policies and procedures improves the efficiency functions of UNDSS in Somalia and assist in achievement of UNDP goals.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:         

• Completion of Secondary Education;
• University Degree or equivalent in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field is highly desirable, but is not a requirement.

Experience:       

• 6 years relevant experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work;
• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Language requirements:             

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is essential, including the ability to draft, edit and finalize documents in English.

Other requirements:     

• UNDP reserves the right to conduct background checks on applicants;
• UN employees are NOT allowed to carry firearms while on duty;
• The use of any drugs, including but not limited to “khat” during working hours is not tolerated;
• Candidates considered for the post may be required to undergo a drug test;
• Valid and clean driving license, experience in driving armored is an advantage;
• Knowledge of mechanics is desirable.