CLOSE PROTECTION OFFICER

This position is located within the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). Pursuant to Security Council resolution 2793 (2025), UNSOH has been mandated to provide support; primarily to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the Haitian Armed Forces in the context of any joint operations with the GSF. Additionally, UNSOH is tasked with delivering technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS). This position is based in Port-au-Prince and is located in the Close Protection Team of the Safety and Security Section. The Close Protection Officer (FS-4) reports to the Close Protection Team Leader (FS-5), or to another official designated by the Chief Security Adviser/Officer, on all matters related to close protection operations. The incumbent performs close protection duties in support of designated personnel, participates in the planning and execution of protection operations, and contributes to the safe and effective delivery of close protection services in accordance with established security policies, procedures, and operational requirements.

Within delegated authority, the Close Protection Officer (FS-4) will apply professional close protection knowledge and expertise in the performance of the following duties: • Conducts personal protection operations for designated officials while on duty and maintains close proximity to the protected person as required. • Remains vigilant and alert to potential threats and security incidents affecting the protected person and takes appropriate action in accordance with established procedures. • Conducts close protection operations in accordance with the UN Close Protection Manual of Guidelines, applicable security policies, procedures, and operational instructions. • Coordinates operational activities, as required, with the Security Operations Unit, Close Protection Team Leader, and other relevant security personnel and organizations. • Assists with the planning, preparation, and execution of close protection operations and movements. • Operates all issued personal protection and communications equipment and ensures that equipment is properly maintained, serviceable, and ready for use. • Carries and properly utilizes all issued equipment while on duty. • Provides guidance to and, when required, supervises drivers attached to the Close Protection Unit in the performance of assigned operational duties. • Participates in and may conduct training, briefings, and practical exercises on close protection-related subjects, as assigned. • Reports security incidents, observations, and operational matters through the established chain of command. • Performs other duties as assigned. Results Expected: Effective and professional delivery of close protection services that contribute to the safety and security of designated officials. Close protection operations and movements are conducted in accordance with established UN security policies, procedures, guidelines, and operational requirements. Threats and security incidents are identified, assessed, reported, and appropriately addressed. Assigned equipment remains operational and ready for deployment, and all operational activities are effectively coordinated and documented through the established chain of command. Frequent Interactions: The Close Protection Officer (FS-4) maintains frequent operational contact with the Close Protection Team Leader (FS-5), Close Protection Coordinator (FS-6), Chief Security Officer (CSO), Security Operations Unit, Security Section personnel, drivers, and other security personnel involved in protection operations and movements. The incumbent also interacts, as required, with designated officials, mission personnel, HNP, GSF, and other relevant security and operational counterparts in the execution of close protection duties.

Professionalism: Knowledge of internal security policies, processes, and procedures, particularly those related to close protection and the mission area; knowledge of local laws, practices, and security conditions relevant to the place of assignment. Ability to gather and assess information from a variety of sources and apply sound judgment in the performance of assigned duties. Ability to identify potential threats and dangerous objects and take appropriate action in accordance with established procedures. Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency situations. Willingness to work shifts and under demanding operational conditions. Demonstrates trustworthiness, a high sense of responsibility, alertness, physical fitness for duty, emotional stability, and professional appearance. Good knowledge of the location of organizational units, functions, and key personnel. Shows pride in work and achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and knowledge of close protection principles and practices. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages, and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify information and demonstrates interest in effective two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style, and format to the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing relevant information and keeping supervisors and colleagues appropriately informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear objectives for assigned close protection tasks consistent with established security procedures and operational requirements. Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate time and resources to complete assigned tasks effectively. Anticipates potential risks and takes appropriate measures to address contingencies. Monitors activities and adjusts actions as necessary. Uses time and resources efficiently. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues and contributes effectively to the achievement of team objectives. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues and other security personnel. Respects the views and expertise of others and is willing to learn from them. Supports team decisions and accepts shared responsibility for achieving operational objectives. Places team objectives ahead of personal interests and provides assistance to colleagues when required. Demonstrates reliability, cooperation, and flexibility in a demanding operational environment.

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Technical training in military or police procedures, as well as training in close protection, self-defense, and security techniques, is required. Relevant training in the UNDSS “Revised” Close Protection Officers Course (RCPOC) or Close Protection Officers Course (CPOC) with experience in Haiti, or an equivalent internationally recognized close protection training programme is required. Completion of Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB), Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), or equivalent medical training certification is required. IFAK Training of Trainers (ToT) certification is required. Field Security Associate (FSA) certification or equivalent is required. A valid driving permit is required, while Driving Permit Category C is an asset. Previous or current certification in the G36, MP5, and Glock weapon systems is required. SSAFE-HEAT or equivalent training to operate in high-risk and volatile environments is required. Security Incident Reporting and Security Information Reporting System (SSIRS) training is desirable. Armored vehicle training is desirable.

A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the military, police or security is required. At least three (3) years of experience operating in high-risk / conflict environments at the international level is required. Experience and proficiency in the use of close protection weapons G36, MP5, and Glock is required. Experience in supporting close protection operations in a high-risk or complex security environment is required. Experience in close protection operations involving one or more principals; static and mobile protection; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; and the conduct of close protection training is desirable. Experience in supporting the implementation of close protection operational plans, security plans, standard operating procedures, contingency plans and emergency response arrangements is desirable. Experience in the use, maintenance and operational readiness of close protection equipment is desirable. Experience in crisis management, emergency response, casualty evacuation or medical evacuation procedures is desirable.

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

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. 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. An appointment may be terminated, or post level adjusted in accordance with the Staff Rules for such reasons as abolition of post or reduction of staff or committee funding approvals, for example in the event that the funding for the post is not approved or the mandate of the mission is not extended. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

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.

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