Employer:United Nations
Location: Geneva
Chief, Safety and Security Service, P5
Closing: 29 November 2015
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move(s) requirements, or geographical to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Security and Safety Service (SSS) of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
Responsibilities
Under the overall security and safety policy guidance by the Director, Division of Headquarters Security and Safety Services (DHSSS) in the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) in New York and the overall direction for the Director-General of UNOG the incumbent:
1. Directs and manages the Security and Safety Service of the United Nations office at Geneva and serves as the Chief Security Advisor for Switzerland, and other countries in Europe, which includes but is not limited to the following :
- Defines security and safety policies and standards at UN premises;
- Initiates and reviews all operational planning and standard operational procedures (SOP) applicable to the conduct of security operations at the headquarters, including specific procedures for special events;
- Supervises and controls the functions of SSS according the defined organizational structure, directs and deploys supervisors and officers to ensure the most effective and efficient provision of security and safety services;
- Elaborates recruitment policy in consultation with the Human Resources Management Service, and in accordance with the professional Standards for security personnel for recruitment and retention of qualified security personnel, procedures for screening and evaluating new candidates, and identifies new recruitment sources;
- Ensures prudent financial resource management.
2. Coordinates effective security provision with local police/security services for UNOG staff and premises, special events and conferences to include the following:
- Establishes contacts at the strategic (Federal level), operative (Swiss mission) and tactical (cantonal authority) and determines, in cooperation with host country counterparts, threat levels and criteria for enhanced security measures, and coordinates their implementation;
- Organizes special training sessions for UN staff and security personnel;
- Makes special security arrangements for visiting Heads of State, the Secretary-General and other high level officials and for special events and conferences;
- Establishes contracts, through the appropriate channels, with Permanent Missions, on special security arrangements.
3. Directs the Programme Management Team, by supervising the development and/or implementation of each security related project together with appropriate entities of the Division of Administration UNOG..
4. Maintains regular and effective communications with the Director General and the Director, Division of Administration, the Designated Official in Switzerland, DSS, security/emergency management groups or crisis operations groups, and resident UN and other international organizations and advises on all security-related matters.
5. Based on quarterly and ad hoc threat assessments, develops a risk mitigation/management strategy for the UNOG, and for all locations in which UN activities are carried out at the duty station, including major events, such as conferences, meetings, VIP visits. He/she also makes recommendations for risk management to those annexes where UNOG security and safety services are provided.
6. Within H-MOSS framework and DSS overall strategies and policies, supervises, organizes, develops and updates, local security policies, plans and procedures and their implementation.
7. Evaluates the effectiveness of physical and security and safety installations, and in the context of the organizational resilience management framework (ORMS) and with guidance from the UN Crisis Management Team Geneva, evaluates the effectiveness of crisis response and security procedures, including, but not limited to incident response planning and mass casualty planning, and adopts preventive and/or proactive measures to remedy potential deficiencies.
8. As the chief technical expert on security and safety, advises offices and services involved in the implementation of security strengthening projects and H-MOSS compliance. As such, he/she oversees the preparation and updating of the physical security “operational plan”.
9. Develops and implements security and safety training programmes, including weapon training and security related information technology.
10. Coordinates security measures pertaining to travel of the Director-General or other VIPs, as required, and manages the provision of additional security services, including security risk assessments and conference security, outside the duty station, if so requested by the Department of Safety and Security in consultation with the Director-General, UNOG. Participates in UN and other regional and international conferences/meetings on security and safety.
11. Performs other duties as directed by the Director-General or requested by UNDSS.
Competencies
Professionalism
Demonstrated expertise in security and safety management in context of an international organization, combined with solid background of military, police or other security specialization; proven ability to develop security plans and conduct security assessments; proven record of negotiation and collaborative skills; ability to operate and remain calm in stressful situations/environment; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Accountability:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Leadership :
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING:
Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
Advanced university degree in law, criminal justice, criminology or equivalent specialization in security or police management or in security-related fields. A first level university degree with at least two years of additional qualifying experience in a senior position in security management or related area or graduate of a police or military academy (at senior officer's level) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible operational and administrative experience in security or at the commissioned officer level in civilian or military police forces, of which at least five years’ experience in senior command or leadership position is required, preferably in an international organisation or a national security service. At least two years of international experience is an advantage. Experience in working with country teams and senior management teams as well as in maintaining appropriate contacts with law enforcement agencies of different nationalities is desirable. Direct experience in UN Security Management System with proven crisis management experience is also desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
The assessment process may include a written test followed by a competency based interview.
How To Apply:
Chief, Safety and Security Service, P5
Closing: 29 November 2015 Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move(s) requirements, or geographical to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Security and Safety Service (SSS) of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
Responsibilities
Under the overall security and safety policy guidance by the Director, Division of Headquarters Security and Safety Services (DHSSS) in the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) in New York and the overall direction for the Director-General of UNOG the incumbent:
1. Directs and manages the Security and Safety Service of the United Nations office at Geneva and serves as the Chief Security Advisor for Switzerland, and other countries in Europe, which includes but is not limited to the following :
- Defines security and safety policies and standards at UN premises;
- Initiates and reviews all operational planning and standard operational procedures (SOP) applicable to the conduct of security operations at the headquarters, including specific procedures for special events;
- Supervises and controls the functions of SSS according the defined organizational structure, directs and deploys supervisors and officers to ensure the most effective and efficient provision of security and safety services;
- Elaborates recruitment policy in consultation with the Human Resources Management Service, and in accordance with the professional Standards for security personnel for recruitment and retention of qualified security personnel, procedures for screening and evaluating new candidates, and identifies new recruitment sources;
- Ensures prudent financial resource management.
2. Coordinates effective security provision with local police/security services for UNOG staff and premises, special events and conferences to include the following:
- Establishes contacts at the strategic (Federal level), operative (Swiss mission) and tactical (cantonal authority) and determines, in cooperation with host country counterparts, threat levels and criteria for enhanced security measures, and coordinates their implementation;
- Organizes special training sessions for UN staff and security personnel;
- Makes special security arrangements for visiting Heads of State, the Secretary-General and other high level officials and for special events and conferences;
- Establishes contracts, through the appropriate channels, with Permanent Missions, on special security arrangements.
3. Directs the Programme Management Team, by supervising the development and/or implementation of each security related project together with appropriate entities of the Division of Administration UNOG..
4. Maintains regular and effective communications with the Director General and the Director, Division of Administration, the Designated Official in Switzerland, DSS, security/emergency management groups or crisis operations groups, and resident UN and other international organizations and advises on all security-related matters.
5. Based on quarterly and ad hoc threat assessments, develops a risk mitigation/management strategy for the UNOG, and for all locations in which UN activities are carried out at the duty station, including major events, such as conferences, meetings, VIP visits. He/she also makes recommendations for risk management to those annexes where UNOG security and safety services are provided.
6. Within H-MOSS framework and DSS overall strategies and policies, supervises, organizes, develops and updates, local security policies, plans and procedures and their implementation.
7. Evaluates the effectiveness of physical and security and safety installations, and in the context of the organizational resilience management framework (ORMS) and with guidance from the UN Crisis Management Team Geneva, evaluates the effectiveness of crisis response and security procedures, including, but not limited to incident response planning and mass casualty planning, and adopts preventive and/or proactive measures to remedy potential deficiencies.
8. As the chief technical expert on security and safety, advises offices and services involved in the implementation of security strengthening projects and H-MOSS compliance. As such, he/she oversees the preparation and updating of the physical security “operational plan”.
9. Develops and implements security and safety training programmes, including weapon training and security related information technology.
10. Coordinates security measures pertaining to travel of the Director-General or other VIPs, as required, and manages the provision of additional security services, including security risk assessments and conference security, outside the duty station, if so requested by the Department of Safety and Security in consultation with the Director-General, UNOG. Participates in UN and other regional and international conferences/meetings on security and safety.
11. Performs other duties as directed by the Director-General or requested by UNDSS.
Competencies
Professionalism
Demonstrated expertise in security and safety management in context of an international organization, combined with solid background of military, police or other security specialization; proven ability to develop security plans and conduct security assessments; proven record of negotiation and collaborative skills; ability to operate and remain calm in stressful situations/environment; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Accountability:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Leadership :
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING:
Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
Advanced university degree in law, criminal justice, criminology or equivalent specialization in security or police management or in security-related fields. A first level university degree with at least two years of additional qualifying experience in a senior position in security management or related area or graduate of a police or military academy (at senior officer's level) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible operational and administrative experience in security or at the commissioned officer level in civilian or military police forces, of which at least five years’ experience in senior command or leadership position is required, preferably in an international organisation or a national security service. At least two years of international experience is an advantage. Experience in working with country teams and senior management teams as well as in maintaining appropriate contacts with law enforcement agencies of different nationalities is desirable. Direct experience in UN Security Management System with proven crisis management experience is also desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
The assessment process may include a written test followed by a competency based interview.
How To Apply: