Close Protection Officer

Employer : United Nations Department of Safety and Security
Location: Field Locations

Deadline: 20 November 2018
Job Opening Number: 18-Security-DSS-102357-P- (M)

United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for setting standards and coordination of Protective Services throughout the United Nations Security Management System. These positions are located in United Nations Field Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions, within Integrated Security Sections, under the overall command and control of a UNDSS Senior Security Professional. The Close Protection Officer at FS-4 level reports to the Close Protection Officer (Team Leader) or delegated authority, on all close protection issues.

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 https://peacekeeping.un.org/en and https://www.un.org/undpa/en/in-the-field/overview.

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;
• Coordinates 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 the 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. 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. Certification in certification in vehicle handling is desirable. Recent (within two years) successful completion of an emergency trauma bag certification, or equivalent first-aid certification, is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of six years of experience in the military, police or security management is required. Of these, a minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required. Operational international experience in a conflict or post-conflict environment is desirable. Experience in the handling of pistol and rifle weapon systems, communication and optical equipment is desirable. Experience in close protection of one or more principals is desirable. Experience in static and mobile protection is desirable. Experience in close protection command post operations is desirable. Experience in close protection response techniques is desirable. Experience conducting close protection training is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic or French is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

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.

The United Nation Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations.

The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Close Protection Officer, FS-4 roster.

The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.

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.

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 or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, 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.

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 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.

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