Oct 1, 2017

Security Officer (six posts), Geneva

Employer: United Nations
Location: Geneva



Special Notice
These positions are subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.
The posts are subject to funding availability.

Internal and external candidates with the required qualifications must pass the written entrance test for United Nations security and safety staff. An invitation to sit the test will be sent by e-mail to candidates with the required qualifications. Candidates will have to pass a written and practical qualification on weapon(s) used by UN Security Officers within the first 6 months of employment. In case candidate does not pass the written test and practical qualification on weapons, please note that the contract will not be extended. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any task or function in the organization. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions during their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Physical condition: Must be in excellent physical and mental shape. Candidates must pass a medical exam that includes a psychological test. Weapons handling: Candidates must pass a written and practical test in handling the firearms used by United Nations security officers within six months of being hired. If the candidate fails this test, his/her contract will not be renewed.
The incumbent is required to work irregular shift hours on 24/7 basis. May be required to work extended duty shifts on short notice based on the exigencies of the service.

Vacancies at G1-G4 levels are open to both internal and external candidates, including staff members on temporary appointments. However, priority consideration will be given to existing serving staff members. New external candidates will only be considered when a serving staff member holding a Permanent, Continuing, Fixed-Term or Temporary Appointment at the time of application cannot be identified.

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Org. Setting and Reporting
These six (6) vacant positions are located in the Security and Safety Service in United Nations Office at Geneva.

Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Service or a security lieutenant, the incumbent is required to carry out the following duties:
- Carries out security and safety tasks, including the enforcement of access control regulations on vehicles and pedestrians, the surveillance of the premises and the response to incidents and accidents. In this regard, operates security screening, and handles security and safety surveillance and detection equipment.
- In the absence of a Sergeant or when required due to the needs of the service, coordinates the work of a team of security officers by ensuring their proper uniformity and the adequate discharge of their duties.
- Provides information and directions to all persons associated with the organization.
- Maintains alertness for any potential or actual breaches of security and any disturbances or unusual activity, and reports these immediately.
- Controls the circulation and parking of vehicles, reports violations and prepares accident reports.
- Plays an active role in evacuations and evacuation drills by directing staff and visitors to safety and by ensuring the complete evacuation of the premises, and intervenes in the occasion of incidents or accidents by providing first aid when required.
- Takes part in fire and safety prevention by implementing the measures set out in the safety rules and instructions, including safety patrols, both during and off normal working hours.
- Intervenes in case of fire by using existing fire extinguishing elements in accordance to standard procedures.
- Conducts mobile and foot patrols of the UNOG premises and Annexes locations.
- Writes preliminary reports on incidents, accidents or anomalies within the area of responsibility, and takes basic measures to support investigations, to include securing evidences and obtaining the identity of witnesses.
- May be called upon to complete administrative tasks in one of the Service units.
- Could be called up to provide basic training, coaching and mentoring junior officers on post.
- May be assigned on voluntary basis for temporary deployment to external security assignments including field missions.
- May be assigned to other units of the service as required.
- All duties are performed in uniform, although the officer may be asked to perform his/her duties in civilian clothes for the close protection unit.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of computers and technology skills including surveillance systems. Must have a level of physical fitness to enable discharge of assigned duties with due diligence and effectiveness. 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.

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.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent. Must hold a valid driving licence.

Work Experience
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in police or military service is required, preferably with two (2) years of experience within a security service of the United Nations System.

Languages
Fluency in English or French and knowledge of the other language are required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) is an advantage.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise, to be taken prior or after the security and safety officers test. This assessment would be composed of several parts - one on security expertise and another one on physical conditions - to be followed by a competency-based interview.


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.

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