Employer: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Deadline Date: Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Based within the designated area of responsibility, the Sub-Regional Security Specialist (SRSS) will focus on providing support and advice to UNDP Resident Representatives/, Deputy Resident Representatives/ and managers. The incumbent will liaise directly with Resident Representatives and Agency Country Security Focal Points (ACSFP) on security related issues. Through a keen understanding of the UN and UNDP security policy, its interpretation, and the application of security best practices, s/he ensures that security enables safe UNDP programme delivery and activities. S/he will also provide field security support to Country Offices as and when required. S/he will carry out the activities listed below to facilitate the safety and security of UNDP staff within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS’ mandate and role and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.
The SRSS will directly support CO programmatic and operational issues regarding security in the sub-region and will conduct security support missions to Country offices based on specific needs and with a clear term of reference. Additionally, the SRSS will provide focused security coverage initially to countries at risk or in high security level with significant programmatic activity. The SRSS will also be the first line of UNDP security crisis response in their area of responsibility as directed by the Regional Security Advisor (RSA) and Security Office (SO) Director. Changes to this security coverage plan will be discussed with the Regional Bureau but approved by the RSA with SO concurrence. The SRSS will also provide limited direct security support to the CO where they are based.
In terms of functional matters related to UNDP security, the SRSS will report to the UNDP Security Office through the RSA, who will serve as the primary supervisor.
At Headquarters level, UNDP BMS/Security Office (SO) will, through the RSA, provide policy and technical advice to the UNDP SRSS regarding the safety and security of UNDP staff, eligible family members, property and operations within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS’s mandate and role, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.
The incumbent will be based in Suva, Fiji with the Fiji with responsibility to look after UNDP Operations in Suva and would be covering UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji and its sub-Offices and JPOs (Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu), Samoa (Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau), as well as Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.
Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Resident Representatives and management teams of UNDP offices within the designated area of responsibility (AOR), enabling effective programme planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures.
Ensure the mainstreaming of security into all levels of programme design, implementation and delivery through the substantive monitoring of ongoing and future projects and programmes providing innovative and proactive support, direction and solutions where required.
Review the impact of current as well as future potential security factors and trends on UNDP planning, programme design and delivery, as well as the possible impact that programme design might have on the stability and security, ensuring that possible support needs are identified, and improvements are implemented.
Liaise and coordinate activities of partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority.
Protect and minimize the risk to UNDP staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout.
Maintain a security network of international and national personnel.
Monitor Country Offices’ ability to ensure effective common services are being provided to the security machinery in-country and assist them as required (budget, local staffing, procurement, communications equipment & maintenance, physical security measures, UN House aspects, etc.)
Conduct threat and risk assessments of UNDP Country Offices and operations in the districts and regions where UNDP projects are implemented, identify and where appropriate implement risk mitigation measures. The SRSS should undertake regular missions to countries within the designated area of responsibility to familiarize themselves with current issues/situations confronting UNDP.
Assist/provide inputs to UNDSS in preparing comprehensive threat and risk assessments of countries to include all locations where UNDP staff members, eligible family members and equipment are present.
Assist/provide inputs to the Security Management Team through the UNDP RR/DRR and UNDP Agency Country Security Focal Point (ACSFP).
Assist local UNDP travel managers with risk assessments related to air travel.
Follow up on the implementation of any security recommendations.
Work closely with UNDSS to ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN security framework.
Provide inputs and assist UNDSS in establishing, maintaining and updating the country specific security plans and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Security Policy Manual (SPM) and Security Operations Manual (SOM).
Ensure that all UNDP personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective duty stations being prepared by UNDSS.
Update the UNDP component within country-specific security plans and contingency plans in coordination with UNDSS.
Provide security inputs into functional business continuity plans for UNDP offices, in accordance with the UNCT business continuity plan.
Support the UNDP offices in ensuring that UNDP premises and international staff residences are MOSS and RSM compliant. Oversight of UNDP personnel and equipment for MOSS compliance.
Conduct security compliance evaluations for UNDP offices and programmes within the designated area of responsibility. Assess the levels of compliance of UNDP with UN security planning and UNDPs implementation of requirements and determine what support BMS/SO might provide, in cooperation with UNDSS;
Ensure that UNDP personnel are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment, maritime travel safety equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
Establish internal communication systems and ensure UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System.
Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, PPE, Maritime Safety Equipment etc.).
Provide advice on the security of transportation, including maritime travel, and logistics;
Coordinate with DSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible family members.
In coordination with UNDSS, and on behalf of the RR, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.
Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions for UNDP offices in the designated area of responsibility; including ensuring physical security measures in accordance with framework of the UNSMS Premises policy.
Represent UNDP security interests in any common premises that UNDP occupies ensuring that staff safety and security are primary considerations.
Collect, perform required analysis and disseminate security centric information pertaining to the designated area of responsibility. Promote information exchanges with UNDSS, as well as other agencies and organizations, to enhance coordination and implementation of security management arrangements. Monitor international events and information sources in order to assess their security-related trends and implications on UNDP operations and personnel. Ensure that analysis of major events is highlighted to the RSA, Security Office and regional and local UNDP office management.
Ensure that UNDP programme personnel are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security-related information generated by UNDSS in a timely and efficient manner.
Where required and in coordination with UNDSS, establish good relationships with national law enforcement, military and civil intelligence authorities, counterparts in the Diplomatic Missions and municipal/civic/traditional leaders within the designated area of responsibility.
Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation.
Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.
On special request and in coordination with UNDP HQ, assist in the conduct of preliminary investigations in cases of breach of the UN code of conduct by UNDP staff.
Provide ongoing mentoring to and coordinate appropriate security training for security personnel in the region
In coordination with UNDSS, provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement.
Contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Support mainstreaming of security costs. Monitors that all projects/programmes contribute resources to implementation of security measures.
Liaise with UNDP Offices to enable the completion and management of security annual work plans and related budgets.
Monitor that allotted UN Mandated Security Measures (UNMSM) funds are budgeted in ATLAS in a timely manner.
Support Country Office Management and Project Management in ensuring that the security cost of doing business is included in all appeals and project descriptions for UNDP Offices in the designated area of responsibility.
Where appropriate, participate in the drafting of CAP and CAP reviews, to be presented to donors, as well as provide inputs to donor reports.
Assist in the performance evaluation of the private contractors, suppliers and consultants providing security services to UNDP offices, as required.
Participate in the assessment processes for locally recruited staff assigned to the security functions, and, in collaboration with the HR unit, ensures that recommended candidates meet all qualifications.
Serve as Regional Security Advisor ad interim, as and when required.
Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Ability to persuade others to follow
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement
Knowledge of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and UNDP's role in addressing security issues.
Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities.
Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations.
Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents and events.
Ability to design and implement meaningful security testing and agility to create pro-active enhancements.
Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Disaster or Emergency Management, Political Science, Military Science, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Law or related fields.
A first level university degree, in combination with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Formal training in security risk management.
A minimum of 7 years of relevant security and development related experience (9 years if applicant is in possession of an Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field).
Formal multi-year education in Security Management, such as military or police senior Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full time) qualification, with command experience at senior level, may be considered equivalent to an Advanced University Degree.
Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.
In-depth knowledge of security management and risk management.
Knowledge of UNDP business, operations and programming cycle.
Knowledge of UNDP Country Office structure; roles and responsibilities of the RR, RC, DO, SMT, UNDSS and UN Security management System.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.