Background

Under the overall guidance and supervision of Security Adviser (SA), the Local Security Assistant assists in the implementation of security operations, all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in the country or in the region of assignment.

The key results have an impact on the accurate and timely implementation of the overall UN security programme at the country level.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

  • Assists SA in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country;
  • Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists;
  • Supports the SA with the assessment of Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) for the duty station;
  • Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets;
  • Organizes and delivers training courses on security awareness and preparedness;
  • Assists in ensuring residential (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards – MORSS)and office safety, and security preparedness;
  • Provides administrative assistance to the SA.

Assists the SA in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country:

  • 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;
  • Helps to 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 SA;
  • Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies and provides host country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of the SA, as required;
  • Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
  • May be requested to provide technical assistance at SMT meetings, in the absence of the SA.

Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists:

  • Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan;
  • Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required;
  • Assists the SA 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 Program;
  • 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 and the Quarterly Incident Report;
  • 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 general efficient administrative assistance to the SA:

  • 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;
  • Prepare financial data for estimates of expenditure;
  • Support the CSA/SA with the UNDP Coordination en relation to HR and finance matters, updates and reporting.

Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the SA:

  • 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;
  • Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences;
  • Administers a pass and ID system;
  • 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.

Competencies

  • Commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s core values Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity.

Planning and Organizing:

  • 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.

Creativity:

  • 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.

Teamwork:

  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communication:

  • Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Secondary Education level;
  • University degree is desirable.

Experience:

  • 6 years’ work experience in the security field or fieled of work related to security;
  • Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Language:

  • Fluency in the national language of the duty station.

Other Skills and Requirements:

  • Possession of a valid driver’s license;
  • Immediately available;
  • Experience in administration;
  • 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);
  • Ability to travel;
  • Physically fit.