Background
A Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a cost-shared resource, established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets and operations working for various organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS), within one or more operational areas. Additionally, responsibilities can include maintaining administrative data supporting security communications, such as aggregating contact data for UNSMS personnel, offices, vehicles and emergency services.
This position will be supporting key functions and operations of the United Nations. The role of a SOC Assistant can be challenging and unpredictable as they may be required to respond and assist callers in need of immediate assistance. They will have the responsibility to pass key information and instructions in a timely and calm manner to UNSMS personnel and others, as required. At times, the work will be fast paced and intense but highly rewarding as the Assistants will be part of a response and support team which contributes to the work of the United Nations. The selected candidate will gain valuable experience and skills while working with people from a broad range of cultures and professional backgrounds.
Under the overall supervision of the most senior security professional in the operational area, the SOC Assistant is responsible for supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS.
Duties and Responsibilities
Operational:ย
Receives, transmits or relays security and safety messages and information as directed by the Security Adviser/Senior Security Personnel (as applicable) via all identified means of communication to personnel; when specially directed by the SA or UNDSS Security Personnel, provides direct support to incident management. On receipt of notifications of security and safety incidents, escalates these via theยappropriate and defined channels for follow-up and support.ย Using the SCS, monitors the movement of field missions, as defined by the Security Riskย
Management (SRM) process and appropriate local standard operating procedures (SOPs). Based on the local SOPs facilitates the provision of immediate support to the UNSMSย
and NGO personnel involved in security or safety incidents: alerts the response andย
support functions through the appropriate and defined channels, gives the necessaryย
feedback and input to the personnel involved in the incidents, maintains theย
communication link to personnel, acts in an overall supportive role. Records allย
information and communications related to these incidents.ย Notifies the respective UNSMS organization or NGOs security focal points when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident.ย Monitors the usage of the SCS and ensures it is used according to established SOPs.ย
guide personnel on appropriate behaviour when using the SCS;ย Verifies the operational status of the SCS to ensure that personnel can use or access theย
SCS and that the SCS is functioning properly. Reports any anomalies to the appropriateย
authority for further action or guidance.ย Undertakes personnel headcount in accordance with instructions from the Designatedย
Official / Senior Security Professional or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner.
Administrative:ย Maintains the contact details of the response team emergency services and support structures of host government, local authorities and contracted private security companies; direct personnel to the nearest one during times of security or safety incidents.ย Maintains records and logs of actions and communications undertaken to support security or safety incidents or any other critical communications.ย Prepares and submits reports, and facilitates routine UNDSS functions as directed by the most senior security professional Perform other duties, as directed by the most senior security professional.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the overall supervision of the most senior UNDSS security professional in the operational area, and the direct supervision of the SOC Supervisor the SOC Assistant and the Local Security Assistant works in shifts as part of the SOC and is responsible for Supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS. ย
Competencies
Core
Achieve Results:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย
Learn Continuously:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย
Act with Determination: ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย ย ย ย LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationย
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Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition Business Direction Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in lineย ๔ith UNDPโs objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutionsย Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP Business Development Knowledge Generationย Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audienceย Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Security Services Security information managementAbility to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activitiesย Security Services Security risk management
Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plansย Security Services Security incident management and monitoring
Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/eventsย Security Services Safety management (include Air, Road, Fire)
Knowledge of air, road, and fire safety programmes/systems and ability to assess risks and identify mitigation measuresย
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary education is required. University degree (Bachelorโs degree) in any field of study will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.Experience:
Minimum four years for secondary education and one year for bachelor's degree of work experience related to operational communications and direct interaction with a broad range of clients.ย Prior working experience within the UN system, an international NGO, or another international organization is desirable.Required skillsย
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Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
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Required Language(s)
Excellent command (written and spoken) of the working UN language(s) used for official communications in the operational area is essential.ย Knowledge of local language(s) used in the operational area is essential.ยEqual opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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