CLOSE PROTECTION OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and based in Mogadishu.  The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the security programmes and activities of the United Nations System. Under the overall management of the Principal Security Adviser of UNDSS Integrated Security Workforce, Somalia, the incumbents will report to the Deputy Principal Security Adviser through the Close Protection Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Close Protection Officers will be responsible for the following duties: • Advise the Chief Security Adviser/Chief Security Officer on close protection operations. • Prepare mission close protection policy, direction, guidelines and standing operating procedures. • Develop close protection training programs for all mission close protection staff and, as required, for protected persons (Principals). • Conduct personal protection tactics and techniques training. • Perform resource-mobilization and maintenance duties. • Develop close protection requirements and incorporate them into the mission-budget process. • Operate and maintain close protection equipment. • Supervise the Close Protection Unit, where required. • Coordinate with Host Country authorities and other relevant authorities on close protection operations, where required. • Produce security risk assessments for the Principal, the Principal's residence and office and for specific activities of the Principal, recommend risk mitigation measures and implement these measures, as directed by the leader of the Close Protection Unit. • Coordinate and conduct close protection operations for the protected persons while on duty, in accordance with UN personal protection standards. • Perform other duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Capability to appropriately manage multiple and diverse security units; 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 is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

A valid driver's license is required.    Agency trauma bag certification or equivalent of a first aid certification is desirable.    Certification in UN weapons training and training in investigation technique is desirable.    UNDSS Close Protection Supervisor Certification  is desirable. (and will be expected for future advancement in this field).    Relevant training in military or police procedures and practices along with training in self-defense techniques is required.    Training in martial arts and/or specialized security practices, high standard of physical fitness, is desirable.    

Work Experience

A minimum of eight years with high school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate is required.    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 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.    Experience in close protection of one or more principals, static and mobile protection, close protection command post operations, close protection response techniques, and conduct of close protection training are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

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.  The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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.  The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship.  Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.  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.  Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.   By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).  Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised.  This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.  Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.