UNDP Jobs - 57847- Security Project Specialist (DPS/MOI) UNDSS

Security Project Specialist (DPS/MOI) UNDSS

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

15-Jul-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year

Languages Required :

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 Afghanistan Mission statement

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.

Organizational Context

The Security Gap Project was a UNDP led capacity building effort, designed to develop and create a sustainable security force within the Ministry of Interior (MOI), Government of Afghanistan to sufficiently protect United Nations (UN) facilities, staff and assets in Afghanistan. The MOI assigned the Directorate for the Protection of International Institutions (DPII) to the United Nations (UN) in Afghanistan as a dedicated force for the UN based primarily in Central Region.

The Security Gap Project concluded late 2013 and under an MOU, the MOI in accordance with the UN Country SRA, established the Directorate for Protection & Security (DPS) and outlined plans for further deployment of DPS in other parts of the country solely for the protection of the UN. DPS is now deployed in several regions and further deployment to other regions is expected to proceed further in line with the existing MOU.

It is expected that the Security Project Specialist (DPS/MOI) would work very closely with UNAMA and the UN Country Team (UNCT), providing technical expertise and support to the now in place DPS that is a part of the Afghan Ministry of Interior (MOI).

The Security Project Specialist (DPS/MOI) position also enables the UNSMS in Afghanistan to have a dedicated manager to assist the UNSMS, through the office of the Chief Security Adviser (CSA), to coordinate and implement the DPS elements IAW with this Project’s Key Results.

Under guidance from the CSA, the Security Project Specialist (DPS/MOI) is the Point of Contact (POC) for the continued deployment of DPS country wide and related operational, training and administrative issues.

In addition, the incumbent is expected to work in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Operations team in the CO, Program staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff, Government officials, technical advisors and experts to successfully implement the deployment of the DPS in all regions in Afghanistan. Further detailed administrative guidelines are contained in an Administrative MOU which guides such requirements.

The MOI POC for the DPS is a Brigadier-General who is the commander of DPS. The commander is involved an all management and deployment functions of the force and is expected to be communicating with the DPS Security Project Specialist (DPS SPS) regularly.

Furthermore, the DPS SPS must communicate with UNAMA and AFP Security Officers / Field Security Advisors at the professional constantly whilst also providing briefings to the Security Management Team (SMT) meetings and UNCT as required. Although not a financial manager, the DPS SPS is required to monitor the DPS budget implementation to ensure efficient measures remain in place.

Note: UNDP Afghanistan reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP Afghanistan at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key Functions:

Management for delivery of results;
Provision of policy advice and guidance;
Capacity development and training;
Coordination, Cooperation and Reporting.

Management for delivery of results:

Develop and implement procedures that introduce enhancements in DPS procedures, contributing to its independence, sustainability and functionality;
Introduce measures related to ensuring the proper translation of the procedures into action, with a focus on requirements to support the Host Government in meeting its security/protective obligations to the UN system;
Facilitate the deployment of DPS elements (in concert with the needs of the UNSMS and requirements of the MOI), ensure their associated training is undertaken and that there is effective coordination of activities with counterparts;
Extend activities, where practical and possible, to the wider humanitarian community through DPS, with a view of maintaining the project beyond 2015;
Manage delivery of results by using up-to-date best practices and know-how in the subject area and accordingly plan delivery of actions, activities and resources;
Prepare and implement the relevant plans of action for the Project’s continued development;
Provide leadership through identification of key policy issues and formulation of best practices in concert with the DPS commander, the CSA and his Staff, and the UNDP FSS;
Apply all the guidelines, formulations and instructions as defined in the MOU.

Provision of policy advice and guidance:

Provide overall policy advice to the implementation of the DPS Project, in collaboration with the relevant UN senior management, on how to strengthen the role of DPS in the protection of the UN system and wider humanitarian community;
Recommend amendments and revisions to existing DPS policies and procedures to enhance the ability of the Host Government, through DPS and MOI hierarchy, to meet those expected and developing levels of protection to the UN system;
Participate in operational planning of activities and ensure consistency with identified priorities and creative responses to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Capacity development and training:

Oversight, guidance and advisory services to DPS to ensure applicability and implementation of required training programs and quality control to the operationalization of training at each location;
Prepare capacity development plan for the dedicated DPS taking into consideration the needs of the UN system;
Promote the capacity development approach developed by UNDP and implement transfer of know-how through a series of training and learning events;
Document the experience of capacity development initiatives and amend relevant policies and procedures accordingly;
Monitor the achievements of capacity development initiatives and ensure follow-up support;
Develop and implement, in coordination with the DPS commander, training and assessment sessions for the DPS officers and the deployment of their equipment under simulated conflict conditions.

Coordination, Cooperation and Reporting:

Ensure efficient coordination and operational cooperation between the UN system and DPS;
Identify opportunities to enhance team-work within the project and coordination with counterparts;
In cooperation with DPS assist with operational integration/administrative installation of the body with regional FSCO and UN entities;
Visit all DPS sites regularly to ensure the required level of coordination and implementation on the ground.

Impact of results

The key results have an impact on the overall success of the country program. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design, operation and programming of activities, creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

The key results have an impact on the overall success of the provision of dedicated security services to the UN throughout Afghanistan.

In particular, the key results have an impact on the security of the United Nations by enabling the organization’s program delivery and implementation.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Integrity:

Professionalism and Respect for Diversity are the United Nations core values.

Vision:

Ability to identify strategic goals, objectives, opportunities and risks;
Ability to inspire and motivate others to pursue the same.

Teamwork:

Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Judgment/decision-making:

Demonstrate sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems.

Building Trust:

Ability to deal honestly, openly and directly with personnel and sensitive issues.

Functional Competencies:

Planning and Organizing:

Proven ability to plan and organize work following identification of strategic priorities of relevant partners;
Versatility in planning and organizing a wide range of international activities in support of law enforcement.

Leadership:

Set clear goals;
Delegate responsibility, clarify expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work;
Support creativity and initiative;
Proactively develop strategies to accomplish objectives;
Promote the development and career of staff under her / his supervision.

Communications:

Diplomacy, negotiation and excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style.

Technology awareness:

Proficiency in the use of computer and relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, presentation, graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, Internet, et. familiarity with and knowledge in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.

Gender Mainstreaming:

Provide leadership and take responsibility for ensuring appropriate attention to both gender balance and geographic representation in staffing and incorporating gender perspectives into the substantive work.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Military / Security/ Management/ Police Administration, related & pertinent field.

Experience:

With Master’s degree 5 years and with Bachelor degree 7 years of active police, military or security experience, most of which in operational and administrative issues;
In-depth understanding of police functions, military functions and security reform;
Previous experience with bi-lateral cooperation and joint-training activities in a conflict/post-conflict environment would be an asset;
Previous experience in managing specialized security services, diplomatic protection activities or dynamic physical security operations in the context of serving international community clients or the UN system is essential;
Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to democratic policing, good knowledge of the conditions prevailing in Afghanistan and the region, with the ability to appraise and evaluate the implications of security, political, economic, developmental, cultural and historical sensitivities.
Previous experience within the UN system would be an advantage

Language:

Fluency in English, written and spoken is mandatory
An ability to communicate in Dari and/or Pashto is desirable

Interested and qualified International candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/jobs/ and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/jobs/ in the relevant field of the on-line application

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.