Hiring Organization: United Nations Department of Safety and Security
Job Location: Kabul Afghanistan
Principal Security Adviser , D1
Closing: 26 January 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Security-DSS-199242-F-Kabul (R)
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.
This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place.
For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/
The Principal Security Adviser (PSA) reports to the Division of Regional Operations, through Desk Chief and Deputy Director, at New York Headquarters at UN Headquarters in New York. The post is located in Kabul, Afghanistan and this duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as an "E" non-family duty station.
Principal Security Adviser , D1
Closing: 26 January 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Security-DSS-199242-F-Kabul (R)
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.
This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place.
For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/
The Principal Security Adviser (PSA) reports to the Division of Regional Operations, through Desk Chief and Deputy Director, at New York Headquarters at UN Headquarters in New York. The post is located in Kabul, Afghanistan and this duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as an "E" non-family duty station.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent of the post will serve as the principal security adviser to the Designated Official (DO) and to the Security Management Team (SMT). He/she will advise the DO and the Security Management Team on all aspects of the safety and security of personnel of UNSMS organizations, their eligible dependents as well as premises, assets and operations of United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations. In particular, the PSA leads and directs security operations with the following duties in the country/mission/designated area under his/her responsibility.
Security Risk Management:
Leads the application of UNSMS approach to risk management and ensures timely development and review of the Security Risk Management (SRM) process, the management of resultant inclusive security risk management measures and Residential Security Measures, and other relevant requirements of UNSMS security policies and guidelines, using situational awareness, critical thinking, and logic to detect and interpret early signals, emerging trends and analysis of multi-dimensional threats that may impact security, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems, to enable the continued delivery of UN programmes particularly in crisis situations while ensuring the safety, security and well-being of personnel, and security of UN premises and assets.
Management of Personnel and Assets:
Manages all security personnel under his/her supervision; directs the mission’s security section and units, including executive protection and fire safety. In the context of integrated peace missions, manages related security budgets, resources and assets, and oversees investigations and the performance of security contractors. Ensures implementation of departmental approaches to mainstreaming gender, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the work as well as ensuring the implementation of people-centred security risk management approaches considering specific threats or vulnerabilities of personnel and adapting practices and measures in support of diversity and inclusion.
Security Coordination:
Establishes, chairs and leads the Security Cell comprising of Security personnel of UNSMS organizations; coordinates safety and security arrangements with representatives of UNSMS organizations; establishes and maintains a liaison mechanism with NGOs under the “Saving Lives Together” framework; develops and maintains contacts with appropriate host country authorities on issues related to the safety and security of UNSMS personnel, assets and operations.
Security Planning:
Ensures timely development and review of Security Plans and their integral components through innovation and creativity, including, but not limited to, contingency and crisis response plans, standard operating procedures, emergency communications, warden systems and staff lists, as per requirements of UNSMS security policies and procedures.
Compliance Monitoring:
Oversees adherence of all UNSMS personnel and organizations to security policies and procedures, including Security Plan, SRM Process, promoting understanding and support for security requirements, driving results, that help support operational efficiency and effectiveness, and reporting cases of non-compliance to the DO and the SMT; monitors and analyzes trends of security incidents affecting UNSMS personnel and organizations, identifying problems and solutions in a timely fashion.
Security Awareness:
Ensures that the DO, SMT and UNDSS are kept regularly updated in a timely manner on security developments, providing required briefings and reports; ensures that all UNSMS personnel receive timely security updates, alerts and warnings when the security situation warrants it; shares security information with NGOs under the “Saving Lives Together” framework, as appropriate.
Security Training:
Directs in-country security training programmes, ensuring that all UNSMS personnel and their eligible family members receive the required security trainings and briefings.
Resources for Security:
During emergency/crisis situations, is responsible for UNDSS inputs for security resources to Flash Appeals, Consolidated Appeals, Central Emergency Response Funds (CERF) and bilateral donor requests; is responsible and accountable for the management of extra-budgetary (XB) funding and resources relating to security.
Within delegated authority, the incumbent of the post will serve as the principal security adviser to the Designated Official (DO) and to the Security Management Team (SMT). He/she will advise the DO and the Security Management Team on all aspects of the safety and security of personnel of UNSMS organizations, their eligible dependents as well as premises, assets and operations of United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations. In particular, the PSA leads and directs security operations with the following duties in the country/mission/designated area under his/her responsibility.
Security Risk Management:
Leads the application of UNSMS approach to risk management and ensures timely development and review of the Security Risk Management (SRM) process, the management of resultant inclusive security risk management measures and Residential Security Measures, and other relevant requirements of UNSMS security policies and guidelines, using situational awareness, critical thinking, and logic to detect and interpret early signals, emerging trends and analysis of multi-dimensional threats that may impact security, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems, to enable the continued delivery of UN programmes particularly in crisis situations while ensuring the safety, security and well-being of personnel, and security of UN premises and assets.
Management of Personnel and Assets:
Manages all security personnel under his/her supervision; directs the mission’s security section and units, including executive protection and fire safety. In the context of integrated peace missions, manages related security budgets, resources and assets, and oversees investigations and the performance of security contractors. Ensures implementation of departmental approaches to mainstreaming gender, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the work as well as ensuring the implementation of people-centred security risk management approaches considering specific threats or vulnerabilities of personnel and adapting practices and measures in support of diversity and inclusion.
Security Coordination:
Establishes, chairs and leads the Security Cell comprising of Security personnel of UNSMS organizations; coordinates safety and security arrangements with representatives of UNSMS organizations; establishes and maintains a liaison mechanism with NGOs under the “Saving Lives Together” framework; develops and maintains contacts with appropriate host country authorities on issues related to the safety and security of UNSMS personnel, assets and operations.
Security Planning:
Ensures timely development and review of Security Plans and their integral components through innovation and creativity, including, but not limited to, contingency and crisis response plans, standard operating procedures, emergency communications, warden systems and staff lists, as per requirements of UNSMS security policies and procedures.
Compliance Monitoring:
Oversees adherence of all UNSMS personnel and organizations to security policies and procedures, including Security Plan, SRM Process, promoting understanding and support for security requirements, driving results, that help support operational efficiency and effectiveness, and reporting cases of non-compliance to the DO and the SMT; monitors and analyzes trends of security incidents affecting UNSMS personnel and organizations, identifying problems and solutions in a timely fashion.
Security Awareness:
Ensures that the DO, SMT and UNDSS are kept regularly updated in a timely manner on security developments, providing required briefings and reports; ensures that all UNSMS personnel receive timely security updates, alerts and warnings when the security situation warrants it; shares security information with NGOs under the “Saving Lives Together” framework, as appropriate.
Security Training:
Directs in-country security training programmes, ensuring that all UNSMS personnel and their eligible family members receive the required security trainings and briefings.
Resources for Security:
During emergency/crisis situations, is responsible for UNDSS inputs for security resources to Flash Appeals, Consolidated Appeals, Central Emergency Response Funds (CERF) and bilateral donor requests; is responsible and accountable for the management of extra-budgetary (XB) funding and resources relating to security.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement security operations in the field. Ability to implement a wide range of United Nations Security Management System measures, or that of a similar international organization.
- Serves as a role model, lead, manage and coordinate activities/operations relating to security, including disaster crisis management.
- Ability to make difficult decisions under pressure and to implement proposals
- Ability to build and manage large and diverse teams;
- 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.
Planning and 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.
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.
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.
Judgment/ 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.
Professionalism:
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement security operations in the field. Ability to implement a wide range of United Nations Security Management System measures, or that of a similar international organization.
- Serves as a role model, lead, manage and coordinate activities/operations relating to security, including disaster crisis management.
- Ability to make difficult decisions under pressure and to implement proposals
- Ability to build and manage large and diverse teams;
- 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.
Planning and 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.
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.
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.
Judgment/ 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 (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in risk, disaster or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law or related area.
A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen (15) years progressively responsible experience in security, risk and disaster management in the public or private areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required. Of the aforementioned years:
1) At least ten (10) years of command or leadership experience is required.
2) Of the most recent ten (10) years of experience, at least five (5) years must be experience of field operations in senior leadership positions, including contingency planning and crisis management, is required.
3) At least two (2) years of Security experience in the field in the United Nations or similar organization is desirable.Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in risk, disaster or emergency management, social/political science, military science, public administration, law enforcement, law or related area.
A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen (15) years progressively responsible experience in security, risk and disaster management in the public or private areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required. Of the aforementioned years:
1) At least ten (10) years of command or leadership experience is required.
2) Of the most recent ten (10) years of experience, at least five (5) years must be experience of field operations in senior leadership positions, including contingency planning and crisis management, is required.
3) At least two (2) years of Security experience in the field in the United Nations or similar organization is desirable.Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Assessment
Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.
Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.
Special Notice
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
• Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. 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. Candidates applying for this Job Opening will normally be required to rotate among duty stations with different designations and classifications. This duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as a Non-Family Duty Station.
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.
• Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.
• This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.
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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
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.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The 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 according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
Apply Now
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
• Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. 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. Candidates applying for this Job Opening will normally be required to rotate among duty stations with different designations and classifications. This duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as a Non-Family Duty Station.
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.
• Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.
• This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.
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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
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.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The 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 according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
Apply Now