Background

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Deputy Chief Security Adviser (DSA) of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), the Local Security Assistant (LSA) assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel. He will be required to undertake administrative functions within his duties. This position is funded by the UN Country Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • 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;
  • Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations Agencies and provides host country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of the Chief Security Advisor (CSA)/DSA, as required;
  • Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
  • Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required;
  • Assists the CSA/DSA in monitoring compliance with Minimum Operational Security Standards (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, the Quarterly Incident Report and the Weekly and Daily SITREPs;
  • 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 Helps to assess and undertake the administrative functions assigned to the SIOC and other entities of UNDSS that are part of the development and functionality of the Department;
  • Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents;
  • Helps in the maintenance of 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;
  • 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;
  • Maintain the Inventory for all UNDSS Offices and projects and any Extra Inventories if any.
  • Support UNDSS of procurement, travel, HR procedures.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements pick up and drop off for all UNDSS Staff and hotel reservations for any visitors.
  • Provide and facilitate visas arrangements and procedures.
  • Support of admin common services.
  • Arrange fuel, maintenance and insurance of all UNDSS Vehicles.
  • Organize and coordinate of shipments documents and any related documents and follow-up actions.
  • Maintain the filing.
  • Provide and assist in all UNDSS Projects Asset and maintain the record of reports.
  • 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;
  • Any other tasks as required by the CSA/DSA.

Competencies

  • Commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s core values – Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity;
  • 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 within the area of responsibility;
  • 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;
  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
  • Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills.
     

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

  • Secondary education. University degree is desirable but not required;
  • Diploma in Security or related fields is desirable.

Experience: 

  • At least 5 years experience in security is desirable;
  • Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is preferable;
  • Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation;
  • Experience in diplomatic security, protection and intelligence considered an asset;
  • Knowledge of host country safety codes;
  • Solid computers skills (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Language Requirements: 

  • Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic required.