Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON supports programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). Those positions are located in the Office of Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Security and Safety Service. The United Nations Security and Safety Service (SSS) is responsible for providing security to delegates, staff, visiting dignitaries and other visitors. Those positions are based at the UNDSS field offices in Dadaab and Kakuma Kenya. Under the overall command of the Chief of Security and the overall guidance and supervision of the Field Security Coordination Officer, the Security Officer will assist in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in UNHCR and WFP Compounds. The Security Officers are required to perform armed security functions and report directly to Security Sergeant or the Supervising Officer. Security officers are required to work on weekends and holidays, overtime, and on various shifts in Security uniform and/or civilian clothes.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Security Officer may be responsible for the following duties: 1. Protects the life of persons in the UNHCR and WFP compounds/complex and preserves UN property by providing security coverage of entry points throughout the United Nations compound to prevent entry to unauthorized persons and the unauthorized removal of UN property; preserves the order by enforcing the application of UN policies and safety and security regulations, in line with ST/AI/5/2019 or a superseding administrative instruction if any. 2. Provides the on-scene response to security and safety incidents, where assigned on a daily basis and during periods of heightened security, ensuring the application of the appropriate levels of force in accordance with the United Nations Use of Force Policy; takes the lead in the absence of a supervisor. 3. Prepares detailed, accurate, and timely written reports of all unusual incidents; uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software in performing work assignments. 4. Provides security coverage for visiting VIPs, provides safety and security for Kakuma and Dadaab airstrips; and provides security and safety for UN personnel to and from Airstrip. 5. Conducts exterior, garage, garden and watch-tour patrols that may require long period standing or walking throughout the duty station and annex buildings for the purpose of intercepting unauthorized persons attempting to have gained entry to the premises, reporting all security, fire, and safety violations to the Security Control Centre. 6. Performs specialized services in technical areas such as investigations, technical counter-surveillance, threat and risk analysis, electronic security, bombing prevention and response, K-9 operations, close protection operations, emergency response, safety, and fire safety, amongst others. 7. Conducts training exercises and drills within their area of responsibility; under the guidance of a Security Sergeant, prepares presentations and briefings and short instructional materials for security personnel and staff members. 8. Screens all personnel, packages and vehicles entering the UN compound including clearance through metal detectors to ensure authorized access; checks packages both visually and with x-ray equipment; identifies and retains custody of weapons entering the premises with the authority to either confiscate or return said weapons upon owners’ exit from the premises. 9. Provides continuous coverage of cameras, telephone and radio communications systems and associated recording units in the Control Centres. 10. Maintains logs and rosters and initiates chronological logs of events during emergency situations. 11. Provides information and directions to all persons associated with the organization. 12. Takes the lead at entry points to control pedestrian and vehicular traffic. 13. Maintains alertness for any potential or actual breaches of security and any disturbances or unusual activity; and reports these immediately. 14. Ensures that all UN property carried from the complex/compound is checked for appropriate documentation by examining property and reviewing documents. 15. Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFFESIONALISM: Knowledge of United Nations Security policies, procedures and practices. Demonstrated sound judgment in applying technical expertise in implementing United Nations Security policies, procedures, and practices. 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 problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. 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
Completion of high school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary post-secondary school training in security or military is required.
Job - Specific Qualification
1) Candidates are required to have a valid and unrestricted UN Weapons Permit and meet and maintain all UN firearms qualification standards. (2) Motor vehicles permit from the Kenyan issuing authorities. Passing of GLOCK-19 operator course is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of (3) three years of experience in security operations, including in civilian police force, military police, or other relevant security operations is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level University degree. A minimum of one (1) year of international experience in specialized security functions such as investigations, technical counter surveillance, threat and risk analysis, electronic security, access control and screening operations, bombing prevention and response,K-9 operations, close protection operations, emergency response and fire safety is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Kiswahili is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult
https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
---|
English | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II |
Desirable Languages
Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
---|
Kiswahili | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II |
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include other assessment methods, followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and extension will be subject to availability of funds. The appointment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred to take-up the appointment. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.
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.