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Head of the Security and General Assistance Division
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
P-3 Mid-level Professional Full-time Internationallly Recruited
Close on 15 Dec 2025
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Posted Yesterday
Job Description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is composed of 15 judges, elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Court has a twofold role: first, to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States; and, second, to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The Court is the only principal organ of the United Nations not serviced by the Secretariat. The Court has its own administration, the Registry, which provides judicial support to the Court and acts as a permanent administrative organ. The Registry is headed by a Registrar, elected by the Court. The incumbent is appointed by the Court upon the recommendation of the Registrar (Rules of Court, Art. 25). The position is located in the Registry’s Security and General Assistance Division. The Head of the Security and General Assistance Division reports directly to the Deputy-Registrar.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy-Registrar, the Head of the Security and General Assistance Division will be in charge of the various aspects of physical security at the Court, ensuring the security of the Judges and Registry officials and of the Court’s property. The incumbent will also be responsible for overseeing general assistance matters, including driving services, messenger and mail services, providing security related assistance for the Court’s meetings and hearings. The main duties of the Head of the Security and General Assistance Division include: • Assume leadership and overall direction of the division, carry out managerial and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the division, including preparation of budget, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS); • Advise on policy, strategic and operational aspects of the physical security of the Court in compliance with United Nations security policies, practices and procedures as well as audit and expert recommendations; • Assume responsibility for the security of the Court’s personnel and property in accordance with applicable United Nations Security Management standards; • Conduct the security risk management process; establish security and safety policies and procedures; and oversee emergency preparedness and crisis management; • Liaise with Dutch authorities and the Carnegie Foundation on security related matters; • In the absence of any UNDSS presence in The Netherlands, perform the functions of the UN Security Advisor role within the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) framework. In this regard, provide security advice to those UNSMS offices in the Netherlands that do not have an in-house security professional. • Assist the Deputy-Registrar in the performance of his functions as United Nations Designated Official for Security Matters for the Netherlands, including liaising with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and members of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) in the Netherlands; • Coordinate and supervise logistical and security aspects of high-level visits to the Court; • Organize and supervise logistical and security aspects of the Court’s public hearings; • Assume leadership and overall direction concerning the general services requirements of the Court, including driving services and vehicle fleet management, messenger and mail services, ceremonial duties and support to meetings of the Court; and • Coordinate the Court-wide business continuity activities.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter and relevant rules and policies; in depth knowledge of security risk management, especially of the UNSMS. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is required. 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, law, law enforcement, public administration, international relations or related discipline is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
UNDSS Security Certification Programme is required. A qualification in business management is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years (seven years with a first level university degree) of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in the various areas of security operations including investigation, physical security, strategic and operational planning, is required. Experience within a UNSMS organization is required. Experience in dealing strategically with business continuity and confidentiality matters is required. Experience in general service matters, in particular the organization and supervision of driving and mail services, is desirable. Experience in an international judicial environment is desirable. Experience of management and supervision in an international and multicultural environment is required.
Languages
English and French are the official languages of the Court. For this position, UN Level III (Advanced) in English is required and UN Level I (Basic) in French is required. Knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations would be an asset. 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

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
EnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
FrenchUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I

Desirable Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
ArabicUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I
Chinese (Mandarin)UN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I
RussianUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I
SpanishUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I
Assessment
The assessment of qualified candidates will include written tests and a competency and/or knowledge-based interview.
Special Notice
The Court is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a staff member. The selected candidate may be subject to security clearance, including verification of the information provided and a criminal record check. All candidates should be prepared to submit an electronic copy of their passport and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested. The Registrar reserves the right not to appoint any candidate to the post, or to appoint one at a lower level or on the basis of a modified job description. Applications that are found by the Court to meet the vacancy announcement criteria may be added to a reserve list in case a similar vacancy arises in the future. Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. The Court's salaries are calculated in US dollars but paid in euros. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in the Netherlands and the euro/dollar exchange rate. In addition, the Court offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days of annual leave, home travel every two years, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan and subsidized medical insurance. If the selected candidate is a staff member from an organization applying the United Nations Common System of Salaries and Allowances, the provisions of the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan shall apply.
United Nations Considerations
In accordance with the ICJ Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 ICJ 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. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow 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 based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable 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 in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
ICJ does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICJ are fraudulent and should be disregarded.
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