Close Protection Officer - Bangui Central Africa Republic

This position is located in the United Nations Integrated Peace building Office in Central African Republic (BINUCA). The Close Protection Officer at FS-4 level reports to the Close Protection Officer (Team Leader) or delegated authority, on all close protection issues.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and under the general supervision of the Chief Security Advisor (CSA) the Close Protection Officer at the FS-4 level will carry out the following duties:
• Conducts close protection operations for a Senior UN Official;
• Remains within the proximity of the Senior UN Official at all times and implements mitigating measures to preserve his/her security, safety and wellbeing;
• Remains vigilant and alert in case of threat to the Senior UN Official;
• Maintains effective and efficient security coverage for the working office and personal residence of the Senior UN Official;
• Conducts close protection operations as outlined in the UN close protection policies and guidelines;
• Coordinates activities with relevant parties to include the Security Operations Unit and other appropriate security organizations as required;
• Co-ordinates with local authorities during close protection operations;
• Conducts advance work and implement pre-established security arrangements;
• Contributes to pre-deployment briefings;
• Operates all close protection equipment to ensure equipment readiness;
• Assists in training session on close protection subjects to keep abreast with current tactics and techniques;
• Whenever necessary, supervises the Close Protection Unit drivers in the performance of their assigned duties;
• Contributes to making determination of equipment, facility and supply needs based on operational requirements;
• Perform any other duties as required.

Competencies
• Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of close protection tactics and techniques combined with a solid background of military, police or security specialization; able to recognize and appropriately react to threats; ability to effectively deal with stress factor when encountered in close protection operations; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• 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.
• Technological Awareness: Ability to use various technology, weapons and security devices pertinent to the roles and responsibilities of the close protection unit; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the close protection; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education
• High school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate
• A valid driver’s license is required
• UNDSS Close Protection Officer Certification (CPOC) is highly desirable (and will be expected for future advancement in this field)
• A valid UN Certification of weapon qualification
• Completion of an international, national or commercial close protection training is desirable
• Recent (within two years) successful completion of an emergency trauma bag certification or equivalent or an first aid certification is desirable
• High standard of physical fitness is desirable
• Training in martial arts and/or specialised security practices is an asset.

Work Experience
• A minimum of six years with high school diploma or equivalent of experience in the military, police or security management is required.
• A minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required.
• At least one year experience and exposure at the international level and in a conflict or a post conflict environment is required.
• Experience and proficiency in the use of close protection weapons, communications, surveillance equipment, and vehicles is required;
• Desirable experience: close protection of one or more principals; static and mobile protection; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; conduct of close protection training.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written French is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

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