Back Sub-Regional Security Specialist [Open to external applicants]

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below.

Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates).

Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts.

Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

The threats against the UN and UNDP requires an approach that manages in-country security risks while enabling UNDP’s programming. This necessitates the analysis of threats, the assessment of risks and the implementation of security risk management measures to reduce risks to acceptable levels. 

UNDP programmes, considering the development needs of countries, are often formulated in the context of coherent regions, referred to as Regional Bureau. Security support delivery to countries and regions can better be improved with services more closely situated to such regions and countries. UNDP service delivery can be enhanced by having a broader footprint, more responsive and better-informed interaction with its clients.

Based within the sub-region and reporting to the Regional Security Advisor Africa (BMS/SO RSA RBA), the Sub-Regional Security Specialist West Africa (SRSS WA) will focus on providing support and advice to UNDP Resident Representatives, Deputy Resident Representatives and other unit, programme, and project managers in the sub region regarding the safety and security of UNDP personnel, eligible family members, assets, and operations. The incumbent will liaise directly with Resident Representatives in country, with security accountability and responsibility on security related issues. 

Through a keen understanding of the UNSMS and UNDP security policy, its interpretation, and the application of security best practices, the SRSS ensures that security enables safe UNDP programme delivery and activities. S/he will also provide field security support to Country Offices as and when required. S/he will carry out the activities listed below to facilitate the safety and security of UNDP personnel within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS’ mandate and role, and working within the UNSMS and UNDP security policy and framework.

The SRSS WA, based in Dakar Senegal, will directly support CO programmatic and operational issues regarding security in West Africa, in this regard each CO should be visited regularly. Additionally, the SRSS WA will provide focused security coverage initially to countries with heightened security concerns and with significant programmatic activity. The SRSS WA will also be the first line of UNDP security crisis response in the sub-region as directed by the RSA RBA and Security Office (SO).
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent of the position will directly be supporting CO programmatic and operational issues pertaining to security in West Africa, particularly the high-risk areas. He/she will provide advisory services on policy guidance and its implementation, comprehension of programme profiles, support in assessing and mitigating risks through the implementation of risk measures and fostering a security culture through learning. The incumbent’s support will ensure continuous facilitation of safety and security of UNDP personnel, enabling safe UNDP programme delivery and activities within the context of UNDP's development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS' mandate, and working within the UNSMS and UNDP security policy and framework.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

1) Security Advisory and Policy Guidance:

• Advises UNDP Resident Representatives at the country level on security matters including their security responsibilities and keeps them updated on security management issues;
• Provides advice, support, and guidance to UNDP actors within the UNDP Security Framework of Accountability on security matters as well as the implementation of security policies and procedures.
• Contribute to policy development and knowledge management; including the review of UNSMS and UNDP security policies and guidelines and sharing of best practices; 
   

  2)    Security Risk Management (SRM):

  • Reviews the impact of security factors on UNDP programme design and delivery, as well as the potential impact that programmes might have on security; 
  • Participates in programme planning and ensure security is embedded as a core component of all programmes and activities, and resourced from the start of all planning processes and throughout the programming cycle and facilitates the mainstreaming of security;
  • Contributes to UNSMS wide SRM processes in designated/security areas;
  • Conducts ad hoc SRM processes for UNDP-specific programmes, activities, and surveys for premises;
  • Supports the implementation of people centered SRM approaches where security assessments and resultant security measures and procedures are guided by a nuanced evaluation of specific threats or vulnerabilities or personnel supporting diversity and inclusion.

     3)  Security Planning and Support to Business Continuity:

    • Contributes to the formulation of the country/area security plans taking into consideration particular needs of the UNDP, UNV and UNCDF offices, programme or personnel including coordinating regional contingency plans and the implementation of country/area security plans; 
    • Supports efforts to develop, test and implement sound business continuity planning within the region; including the use of simulation exercises to ensure that relevant plans and policies are practiced, and gaps identified and addressed. 
       

      4)  Security Compliance and Information Management:

      • Facilitates the implementation of SRM measures including recommending financial allocations to country offices for security related matters;
      • Conducts security compliance evaluations to assess the levels of compliance of UNDP offices and determine what support the BMS/SO might provide to support the implementation of security risk management requirements
      • Monitors and reports on compliance and non-compliance with security policies, practices, procedures and approved SRM measures.
      • Supports the collection, analysis, and reporting of relevant security information for UNDP senior management within the region and to the Director Security through the RSA; 
      • Promotes information exchange with UNDSS, and other organizations to enhance coordination and implementation of security management arrangements. 
      • Monitors regional/international events and information sources to assess their security-related trends and implications on UNDP operations and personnel.
         

        4.  Ensure Security Management and facilitates knowledge management:

        • Undertake regular security assistance missions to countries within the sub-region to support the implementation of security requirements by offices, programmes and projects, address specific security issues, perform security assessments on offices and residences etc. 
        • Proactively anticipates potential escalation in situation in countries and serve as the BMS/SO’s first-line of crisis response in the sub-region.
        • On behalf of the Security Director, and in close coordination with UNDSS, conducts security assessments and provides security clearance for UNDP premises and common premises managed by UNDP 
        • Support the implementation of physical security/SRM measures for UNDP premises and when delegated to undertake task, ensure security management oversight of common premises when present in country and premise
        • In support of UNDP, UNV or UNCDF, deploys within the region or globally as required and as determined and decided by BMS/SO 
        • When assigned, actively represents the security needs of UNDP, UNV and UNCDF in relevant working groups and other UNDP specific fora;
        • Coordinates participation/attendance in the security cell and SMT with UNDSS and the Resident Representative at the designated area as applicable;
        • Provides advice, briefings, and training to personnel;
        • Provides coaching and mentoring to country level security personnel; 
        • Contribute to knowledge networks and professional communities.
           

          The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

          Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None
           

          Competencies

          Core Competencies - UNDP Core Competencies can be found here.

          • Achieve Results - LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
          • Think Innovatively - LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems  
          • Learn Continuously - LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences 
          • Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands  
          • Act with Determination - LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results 
          • Engage and Partner - LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration 
          • Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity 
             

            Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

            📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

            ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

            Business Direction & Strategy - Strategic Thinking:

            • Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

              Business Direction & Strategy - Portfolio Management:

              •  Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

                Business Management - Risk Management:   

                •  Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks

                  Business Management - Communication: 

                  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
                  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

                    Security Services - Security advice, planning & coordination:

                    •  Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

                      Security Services - Security crisis management & response:

                      •   Knowledge of crisis management and response arrangements as well as the ability to prepare for, respond to, support/manage security crisis events

                        Security Services - Security training:

                        • Ability to design, contribute to, and/or facilitate meaningful security training programmes/courses
                           

                          Required Skills and Experience

                          Education:

                          • Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Counter Terrorism, Conflict and Security and other Social Sciences, Management, or a related Security field, is required, or
                          • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in Risk Management, International Relations, Conflict Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Counter Terrorism, Conflict and Security and other Social Sciences, Management, or a related Security field in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying  experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an Advanced University Degree, or
                          • A formal multi-year education in security management, such as military or police Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full-time) with senior level command experience.
                          • Formal training in security risk management is required.

                            Experience:

                            • A minimum of seven (7) years (with Master’s Degree) or nine (9) years (with Bachelor’s Degree or formal multi-year security management education) of relevant professional work experience in Security Risk Management, security experience gained in an operational environment in public or private service in such areas as national security, military or police service or in a corporate environment and/or security analysis is required;
                            • At least 5 years of international professional experience within the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) is required;  
                            • Experience and in-depth knowledge of security management and risk management practice is required;
                            • International security experience working in high risk, and in conflict/crisis environments is an asset; 
                            • Professional security experience working at the country/sub regional level in West Africa is desirable;
                            • Experience in ensuring oversight, supporting SRM implementation and monitoring compliance is an asset.
                            • Experience in security information/analysis is an asset
                            • Relevant certifications in security or risk management, security training or hostage management is desirable.
                            • Knowledge of UNDP operations and programming is desirable; 

                              Language:

                              • Fluency in English and French is required.

                                Equal opportunity

                                As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

                                UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

                                Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

                                UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

                                Probation

                                For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

                                Right to select multiple candidates

                                UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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