Close Protection Officer - Mali

Employer: United Nations 
Location: Tombouctou, Mali
Closing: 18 March 2014

Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). 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: (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Close Protection Officers/Team Leaders at the FS-4 level)
• 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.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
• Close Protection and Security Officers in the mission and other UN agencies
• Staff in the Office of the Senior UN Official
• Staff in the Mission Support
• Representatives of mission military and police components
• Project Managers and other project personnel
• Local security officials
• Security officials of other national and international organizations

Results Expected:
• Professionally competent close protection operations within the mission, which meets the needs of Senior UN Official and the Close Protection Officer (Team Leader).
• To provide the proper implementation of the SOPs in accordance with the UN standards in close protection


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.

• 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 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 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)
• 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 of 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(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written French and English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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

Special Notice
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
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, 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 and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.


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