Close Protection Officer

Employer: United Nations (DPKO)
Location: Various Field Locations
Closing: 31 January 2017

Job Opening Number: 16-Security-FMADPKO-69841-P- (M)


These positions are located in United Nations field Peace Operations and Special Political missions. The Close Protection Officer (Detail Leader) at FS-6 level reports to the Chief Security Adviser or equivalent or to a Protection Coordination Officer with delegated authority from the Chief Security Adviser, on all close protection issues. When a Protection Coordination Officer is not appointed, the technical line of communication is maintained with the UN Department of Safety and Security, Protection Coordination Unit. Applicants will be expected to serve in hardship duty stations with difficult working and living conditions. An updated list of missions and additional information on working in the field can be found at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/about/dfs/



Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the general supervision of the Chief Security Adviser (CSA) the Close Protection Officer (Detail Leader) at the FS-6 level will carry out the following duties: (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Close Protection Officers/Detail Leaders at the FS-6 level).
•Manages the Close Protection Unit (CPU) in accordance with UN close protection guidance;
•Gathers and analyses information relevant to the tactical level of close protection operations, in coordination with the relevant security units and Protection Coordination Officer or equivalent;
•Assists in the preparation of the threat and tactical risk assessments reports recommending close protection specialized mitigating measures based on the threat identified;
•Implements mitigation strategies to deter or deny any identified threat to preserve the security, safety and well-being of the Senior UN Officials
•Produces and coordinates his/her unit operational plans, exercises and reviews courses of action in conjunction with the assessed threat and in accordance with UN close protection policy, guidance and standard operating procedures;
•Conducts all close protection operations as outlined by the UN close protection policies and guidelines;
•Establishes and deploys close protection teams tactically trained to meet the assessed threat;
•Ensures that close protection operations are conducted in accordance with UN methodology and standards;
•Within delegated authority, liaises with relevant host country civilian police, military, law enforcement officials and others as necessary;
•Coordinates with other mission security, military and/or police components and support services;
•Accompanies the Senior UN Official during official travels and/or coordinates all related security requirements;
•Prepares regular operational reports with analysis and recommendations;
•Establishes clear lines of authority between members of the CPU;
•Provides risk briefings to Senior UN Officials and security managers on close protection concerns for the official travels or daily activities;
•Ensures effective and efficient security coverage for the working office and personal residence of the Senior UN Official;
•Determines equipment, facility and supply needs based on operational requirements;
•Plans, coordinates and conducts close protection training and exercises to ensure that operational readiness and competencies are maintained to UN standards;
•Supervises the performance of individual team members;
•Establishes a rotational schedule for CPU team members, in and out of the unit;
•Identifies gaps in existing capability and make recommendation for amendment where necessary;
•Monitors equipment in use by CP personnel and ensures minimum equipment requirements are supplied, maintained and deployed in accordance with relevant policy;
•Coordinates with the Protection Coordination Officer or equivalent in drafting the Statements of Requirement and provides technical specifications for the procurement of unit and team equipment;
•Provides inputs related to close protection to the mission’s budget proposal;
•Performs other duties as required.


Competencies

•Professionalism:
Excellent knowledge of close protection technique combined with a proven background of military, police or security specialization; well-developed analytical skills; ability to recognize and evaluate the seriousness of threats; capacity to effectively coordinate close protection operations; ability to effectively deal with stress factors when encountered in security management and 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.

•Planning & 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.



Education

•High school diploma or equivalent;
•UNDSS Close Protection Officer Certification (CPOC) or comparable international, national or commercial recognized accreditation is desirable.


Work Experience

•A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the military, police or security is required for candidates holding high school diploma or equivalent.
• The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five years for candidates who possess a first level University Degree.
•A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required.
•A minimum of two years of experience in close protection management at least at the level of a close protection team leader with a national, private or international security organization is required.
•At least one year of experience and exposure at the international level is required.


Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Arabic or French is desirable.

Assessment

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

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, 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 or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.


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