Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is in the Security and Safety Section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in Goma. Goma is classified as "D" category and is a non-family duty station. The Close Protection Officer reports to the Chief Security Officer or equivalent on all close protection coordination issues. The technical line of communication is maintained with the UN Department of Safety and Security, Protection Coordination Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Close Protection Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Coordinates all personal protection planning, operations and training in accordance with UN personal protection policy, guidance and standard operating procedures. • Provides direction and guidance to close protection units, as required. • Produces and coordinates close protection operational plans. • Liaises with and coordinates close protection operations with Host Country, other mission components (military and police) and other organizations, as necessary. • Ensures that close protection operations are conducted in accordance with UN methodology and standards. • Prepares post-operations reports and recommendations. • Coordinates close protection briefings to principals. • Prepares security risk assessments on principals. • Coordinates close protection training and exercises to ensure that operational competencies are maintained to UN standards. • Assesses the performance of close protection officers. • Provides inputs related to close protection to the mission’s budget proposal. • Provides risk briefings to principals. • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of internal security policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to the place of assignment; knowledge of local laws and practices related to mission area. Ability to ability to gather information from a variety of sources; demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to detect and identify dangerous objects and knowledge of how to deal with such objects; ability to remain calm in an emergency situation; willingness to work shifts; trustworthy; high sense of responsibility; alertness; physically fit for duty; emotional stability and neatness; good knowledge of the location of organizational units, functions and key personnel. 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. 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. Planning and 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

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

UNDSS Close Protection Supervisor Certification (CPSC) is desirable Agency trauma bag certification or equivalent of a first aid certification is desirable. High standard of physical fitness is desirable Relevant training in military or police procedures and practices along with training in self-defense techniques is required Training in martial arts and/or specialised security practices, certification in UN weapons training, and training in investigation technique is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years with high school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate (A minimum five years with a first level University degree) of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required. A minimum two (2) 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: close protection of one or more principals; static and mobile protection; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; conduct of close protection training is desirable.

Languages

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. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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. 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.

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.