Aug 19, 2017

Chief Security Officer P5

Employer:  United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Location:  Kabul Afghanistan
Deadline: 26 August 2017

Job Opening Number: 17-Security-UNAMA-83780-F-Kabul (M)

This position is located within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Chief Security Officer (CSO) reports through the Principal Security Adviser (PSA) to the Designated Official. The incumbent shall be accountable and responsible for all operations related to the security and safety of UNAMA personnel, eligible dependents and properties at the duty station in accordance with the terms outlined in the Reference.

The CSO is responsible to the PSA to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the UNAMA Security Section. As the DPSA, the incumbent is also responsible to support the PSA in ensuring the safety, security and well-being of the United Nations in Afghanistan. The DPSA will undertake the PSA’s responsibilities when the PSA is not in-country.Responsibilities

Summary of Main Functions

The CSO is to undertake all security management functions for UNAMA, in relation to the United Nations Security Management System, and will execute his/her security responsibilities to enable/facilitate the delivery of UNAMA programs and activities, whilst ensuring the safety and security of UNAMA personnel.

Under the general direction of the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (USG UNDSS) and the Designated Official (DO) for Afghanistan, the incumbent, through the PSA, will also serve as Deputy Principal Security Advisor (DPSA). This includes responsibilities in regard to the safety, security and well-being of all United Nations personnel and their dependents, while enabling effective operations in the field.

Responsibilities

The CSO shall perform his/her specific duties relating to the UNAMA Mission and will formally assist and support the PSA in the efficient discharge of his/her duties and detailed responsibilities. All these duties include;

•Budget Preparation by the Mission in relation to the security component of the Mission’s budget estimates,

•Recruitment, deployment and performance management of Mission security personnel;

•Application of career management framework to the Mission’s safety and security workforce;

•Training and associated budget requirements for the Missions safety and security workforce;

•Serve as primary advisor to the Mission on all aspects of safety and security management, cross utilization of security assets, crisis readiness and preparedness that affect civilian staff members, dependents, their facilities, assets and operations of the Mission, and

•Application of the United Nations Security Management System policy to the Mission.

The CSO’s duties and responsibilities also include the direct support of the PSA in that:

•Supervising all Units within the Security Section in the efficient discharge of their duties;

•Participates in the Security Coordination Cell so that all security officers working for different UN and affiliated organizations at the duty station, including mission appointed security officers, are working together to further inter-agency security coordination;

•Assist the PSA in the country-specific threat and risk assessment process with particular emphasis on the introduction of a risk management methodology that is fully integrated with programming and operations, including the implementation of risk mitigation measures;

•Oversees the collection, interpretation and analysis of security information, as it pertains to the security of UN system staff and operations, including identification of problems and emerging trends and the establishment of country-specific early-warning systems;

•Ensures that security considerations are integrated into the mission country level programs and operational planning, program/project designs and delivery modalities, including required security management and response capabilities and resources;

•Responsible for premises and residence related assessments and measures, including developing and implementing the Minimum Operating Residential Security Standard (MORSS) and promoting understanding and support for security requirements, standards and procedures;

•Oversees adherence to security policies and procedures including preparation, maintenance and updating of country-specific security and contingency plans; supervises compliance and implementation of security standards;

•Oversees establishment of 24-hour response mechanisms to security-related incidents involving UN staff and oversees establishment/maintenance of fully functional emergency communications system.

•Maintains liaison with various mission components and specialized Agencies, Programs and Funds, international organizations, relevant government agencies as well as embassies and NGOs;

•Establishes good contacts with national security agencies with a view to obtaining best possible protection for staff members;

•Ensures that PSA is kept regularly updated in a timely manner on security developments and that required reporting is competed in a timely and efficient manner;

•Undertakes direct investigations involving death of a staff member/family member under suspicious or unclear circumstances, and includes the investigation in abductions and other staff consequences.

•Directs an in-country security training program ensuring that all staff members employed by the Mission and their dependents receive local security training as required;

•Support VIP visits and delegations in coordinating logistical and administrative support to the delegation.

•Undertakes any other duties assigned by PSA.Competencies

Professionalism:
Excellent knowledge of security management, combined with solid background of military, police of security specialization; knowledge, understanding and ability to manage security challenges in conflict and post-conflict environments; ability to appropriately manage multiple and divers security units; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; always acts ethically and with integrity; 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.

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.

Planning & Organizing:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills in managing a security operation. 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 improvements; 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

Judgment and Decision-making:
Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required; 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 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; takes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in political/social science, international relations, law enforcement and/or business management (with a focus on security management). A first level University degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and two additional years of qualifying experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Graduates of Police/Military War Colleges and Senior Staff Colleges may also be considered. Additional certification in related security fields an asset.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, at least 5 years of which should be in command or leadership position, with proven experience in managing crisis situations. Minimum of 4 years’ experience in the United Nations security management system and at least 2 years of experience serving in a special political mission and/or peacekeeping mission is required. Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations relating to security.

Languages

English is the working languages of the United Nations in Afghanistan. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required, whilst knowledge of the other UN languages is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an informal discussion

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. 

The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

Apply Now