This position is open to all applicants (Uganda Nationals Only)

BACKGROUND

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support, and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) and affiliated agencies in Uganda to enable the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission: to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

Position Purpose: 

This position is in Kampala, Uganda. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Security Adviser (SA) or his/her assigned Officer, the Field Security Associate assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UN personnel in the area or region of assignment. 

Summary of key functions:

• Assists the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in collecting, updating, and communicating information regarding the security situation in the duty station.
• Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists.
• Supports the SA/DSA in carrying out Security Risk Assessments for the duty station.
• Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices, and assets.
• Organizes and delivers training courses on security awareness and preparedness.
• Assists in ensuring the Residential Security Measures (RSM) and office safety, and security preparedness.
• Provides general administrative assistance to the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer.

Key Duties and Accountabilities:

1.) Assists the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in collecting, updating, and communicating information regarding the security situation in the duty station: 

• Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the host government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military, and police officers, as well as non-governmental organizations and other non-State actors in the area of operation.
• Helps to assess the security situation at the duty station and ensures adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer.
• Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies in the duty station.
• Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies within the area of responsibility.
• Provides technical assistance at Area Security Management Team (ASMT) meetings and produces minutes for the Area Security Coordinator, always keeping the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer well-informed.

2.) Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists:

• Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan.
• Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required.
• Assists the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in monitoring compliance with Security Risk Measures (SRM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM) established for the duty station, including Office Security and security preparedness. Also assists with the compilation of data required for the SRM/RSM Self-Assessment Programme.
• Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices, and assets, and assists in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report, the Security Assessments, and the Quarterly Incident Report.
• Provides support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and provides security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conducts security briefings, as required.
• Provides general administrative assistance to the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer in support of the Area Security Coordinator
• Maintains routine and confidential correspondence files/documents.
• Maintains a database on contact details in relation to host country security authorities.
• Arranges appointments, receives visitors, places and screens telephone calls, and answers queries with discretion, and takes minutes and/or notes at meetings

3). Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the Security Adviser or his/her assigned Officer

• Conducts security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for the residences (RSM) of UN staff, as well as on the latest trends and threats to staff safety and security.
• Establishes and maintains a warden system and keeps an update of information related to UN offices and residences.
• Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences, to ensure the effective and efficient use of the guard force.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

Competencies:

Achieve Results-LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively-LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 

Learn Continuously-LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility-LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Act with Determination-LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in the face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner-LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion-LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Management-Communication:

• Ability to 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.

Business Management-Professionalism:

• Knowledge in the field 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. 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

Business Management-Creativity:

• Ability to actively seek to improve services, offer new and different options to solve problems/meet client needs, and promote and persuade others to consider new ideas.

Business Management-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 the personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with the 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

Security Services-Planning and organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates an 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.

Security Services-Security information management:

• Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations

Security Services-Security Risk Management:

• Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including the ability to design and test security plans.
• Ability to conduct accurate premises assessments on UN facilities to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. Ability to design, support the implementation, and test physical security systems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Secondary education is required.

OR

• A university degree (bachelor’s or master’s equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management, or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but is not a requirement.
• Applicable security, police, and/or military training is desirable.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum of 6 years (with a high school diploma) or 3 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work. Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable. 
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Experience in the use of radio communications systems and knowledge of Country security codes is desirable.
• A valid driver’s license is required. 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both oral and written English is required. 
• Knowledge of any other UN language or regional language is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDSS 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. 

UNDSS 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

UNDSS does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or 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 UNDSS fixed-term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDSS 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

UNDSS 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 UNDSS at the same grade level and with a similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

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