Security Operations Assistant, SB3-2, ds Kyiv, (5 positions)

Job Purpose and Context

The Security Information and Operations Centre (SIOC) of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has been established to support United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) security personnel and personnel at large as the central security information and communications hub in Ukraine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The SIOC aims to develop security awareness, identify known and anticipated security threats, analyze such threats in a timely manner, develop recommendations on a variety of security measures and procedures, and provide operational security support to enable organizations to fulfil their mandates ensuring, at the same time, the safety and security of its personnel, premises and assets of UNSMS organizations in Ukraine. 

The operations component of the SIOC has a 24/7 operations centre that monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS). The Security Operations Assistants generally work 12-hour shifts, rotating between the day and at night, to maintain operation of the 24/7 Operations Centre of the SIOC. As part of the work, the Security Operations Assistants monitors the continuous operation of the security communications systems (SCS), maintain contact information and the staff list, collect and process data and information for incidents of relevance for decision-making, act as first responders for security incidents or issues from UN personnel, issue security notifications and advisories, and monitor personnel movements throughout the country.  

The role of a Security Operations 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.

Although the positions are part of UNDSS Ukraine, they are locally administered by UNDP. The positions are not funded by UNDSS but through the locally cost shared budget or from an extra budgetary fund. The contract may be extended subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing operational need for the positions.

Under the direct supervision of the Security Operations Supervisor and the overall direction of the Operations Officer, the Security Operations Assistant is required to perform the duties and responsibilities indicated below.

Functions / Key Results Expected 

1.   Maintain communications with UN personnel on safety and security-related matters
•   Receive, transmit and relay security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official/Principal Security Adviser 
•   Use identified means of communication to personnel, escalating to appropriate managers, when necessary
•   Monitor the usage and verify operational status of the security communications systems (SCS)

2.   Monitor and support personnel movement in the country
•   Approve security clearances on behalf of the Principal Security Adviser, as directed
•   Monitor and track mission movement, including the use of GPS/GPRS systems, and reporting mission progress
•   Provide advice to UN personnel regarding the security situation, conditions of roads, location of block-posts, closest medical facilities and other relevant information for guiding missions in the field.

3.   Provide support during incidents and emergencies
•   Provide immediate support to UNSMS personnel involved in security or safety incidents, and escalate, as appropriate
•   Support UNDSS field security officers in headcount, and report accordingly

4.   Maintain data and information for security operations
•   Closely monitor open-source media and UN-provided sources to input and record into database
•   Maintain accurate and updated staff lists of UNSMS personnel
•   Maintain contact details of emergency response services and support structures of host government, local authorities and contracted private security companies
•   Contribute to the production of maps, analytics, analysis reports and other security-related documents
•   Maintain records and logs of all actions and communications during shift 
•   Prepare shift handover reports

5.   Perform other duties, as directed by the Security Operations Supervisor.

Competencies 

Core values

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals.
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions.
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the United Nations' Core Values and organizational principles.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

Core competencies

• Commits to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s core values and possesses the UN core competencies;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Knowledge management and learning:
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office.
• Operational effectiveness:
  • Demonstrates excellent knowledge of security and incident protocols;
  • Shows operational resilience.
• Self-management:
  • Focuses on results for the client;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains patient, in control, calm, resilient, emphatic and good humoured, even when under high pressure or managing complex incidents;
  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views;
• Teamwork:
  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work and cooperate in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Communication:
  • Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills in the official UN language(s) and the local language(s) used at the duty station;
  • Proven listening skills, including ability to understand different accents.
    
     

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in security management, business administration, law, information technology, engineering, management, social sciences or related field  is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of customer service, emergency response, information and data management or other relevant field is required.
• Strong skills in computer-based tools such as MS Office Suite and other computer, web and smartphone applications. 
• Previous experience in information management with army/police SOC, TOC, or JOC, security services, or emergency services is desirable. 
• Experience with radio, satellite and web-based communications is desirable.
• Experience in UN, I/NGO or international/diplomatic organizations is desirable.
  
  
  Language Requirements
   
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.
• Knowledge of Russian is desirable.
  
  Disclaimer
   

The United Nations is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its personnel. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.