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). The position is located within the UN Headquarters at Nairobi and within the Division of Field Operations, Department of Safety and Security, (UNDSS). UNDSS is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles. UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations System programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system operations through trusted security leadership and solutions. Under the overall command of the Chief of Security and direct supervision of the Chief Security Information Operations Centre (SIOC) and Operations Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Supervise Operational Staff at the UN Security Operations Center on operational matters pertaining to the UN Security Communications System (SCS) and ensure technical support is accorded to the Kenya UN ICT-Working Group. • Manage a Country wide call sign & Selcall allocation system and give guidance on the UN standard configuration/ programming of security telecommunications equipment and services for the supported agencies. • Installation and repair of communications equipment and providing technical support to UN organizations for the implementation of Minimum-Security Standards (MISTs) and Emergency Communication Systems (SCS), Install and programme Very High Frequency (VHF) and High Frequency mobile communications equipment and repeaters (VHF), Maintain all telecommunications equipment for UN organizations. • Render technical advice and support on the wide frequency usage, control, licensing and management over Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) & High Frequency (HF). • Provide Security Communications training and orientation to new, and refresher for other users and operators on radio handling, satellite mobile service, Vehicle Tracking Systems including setup and connectivity establishment with proper communications procedures on the UN networks. • Provide security communications capabilities in support of staff security, including providing a focal point for inter-agency field security communications liaison. • Ensure the Security Operations Centre (SOC) personnel maintain SCS contacts with all organizations involved and agencies. • Ensure efficient communications and information flow for all involved organizations and agencies. • Ensure that users on UN network comply with the standard SCS procedures and maintain discipline on the same. • Ensure a log for all communications is maintained and that messages are dispatched without delay to the receiving offices. • Ensure strict confidentiality of messages transmitted and received through the SOC/SCS system. • Ensure SOC personnel are familiar with the correct operation of all office equipment. • Undertake the necessary actions to provide a prompt re-establishment of the services in case of faults within the telecommunications network. • Oversee/assist in the inter-agency setting, technical staff or contracted technicians on new security telecommunications installation and arrangement of equipment when required. • Prepare/arrange the SOC/Security Communications Systems (SCS) monthly duty roster (24/7) for maximum efficiency. • Liaise with other UN SOC's/Radio Rooms e.g. UNHCR, UNICEF and IOM to maintain correct contact information database and standardized call sign, Selcalls and telephone numbers. • Inform the Operations Officer on the Security Standard (TESS) status of the UN field SOCs/radio rooms and assist with the recommendations on upgrades for TESS when required. • Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of radio networks and the use of satellite equipment in the emergency communications service and integrated operations of a radio room in crisis operations; demonstrated use of computer skills; 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; 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. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Completion of Secondary education/High school diploma or equivalent, is required. Additional training and recognized certificates in radio communications theory and radio telephony practical is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

UNDSS Field Security Associate certification is required. Certification from the TESS (Telecommunications Security Standards) is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in radio communications, telex, facsimile and radio operations with progressively responsible experience in installation and maintenance of communication equipment, providing technical support in radio communication systems is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in installing and programming Very High Frequency (VHF) and High Frequency mobile communications equipment and repeaters (VHF) and maintenance of all telecommunications equipment for UN or similar organizations is required. Knowledge of safety and Security rules, procedures and methods used in the United Nations or similar organizations and ability to use special security equipment is desirable. Experience as Emergency Communications Centre/Supervisor in a UN or similar organizations Radio Room is desirable. Work experience of one (1) year or more in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include other assessments which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and any 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. 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. 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. 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.