Security Operations Centre Assistant

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) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables 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. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic, and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit https://www.un.org/undss.

UNDSS Sudan is supporting the UN entities and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) and International Organizations (IOS) so as to enable the conduct of humanitarian relief programmes. UNDSS seeks to fill a number of posts across Sudan. Successful candidates must be able to work within one of these locations. Additionally, successful candidates must be prepared to relocate to other parts of the country and travel on official business, based on evolving humanitarian planning in Sudan.

Scope of Work    

The Security Operations Centre Assistant (SOC Assistant) works in close collaboration with the UNDSS Field Security Coordination Officers/ Field Security Associates and other UN personnel (especially Security Wardens) in providing support on telecommunications-related issues. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The key functions will include:

1. Support daily operations:

• Professionally operate and communicate using UN standard telecommunications facilities, including VHF and HF radio networks, to receive dispatch and relay messages as required.
• Answer all calls, whether on radio or telephone, promptly and efficiently.
• Maintain radio contact with all radio users, stations, and vehicles operating on the United Nations inter-agency radio network(s) under their responsibility.
• Maintain regular communications with staff in the field and HQ, utilizing HF / VHF / Sat phone or any other forms of telecommunication’s equipment and methods at your disposal.
• Track all missions and advise on all security-related issues.
• Provide initial response to all emergency communications to the radio room as appropriate.
• Monitor the news 24/7 and report security incidents and any accident involving UN staff.

       2. Ensure information-sharing:

• Advise all concerned staff members of important incoming radio messages.
• Type, distribute, and respond by a variety of means - email, phone, messenger - and log accurately all incoming/outgoing radio/phone messages to concerned personnel to keep a detailed record of all radio traffic, telephone, and messenger messages that pass through the radio room.
• Disseminate security information and advisories to all agency security officers and security focal points.
• Ensure efficient communications and information flow for all units and agencies.

       3. Monitor compliance with security communications system protocols:

• Ensure all network users are complying with standard radio procedures, and call signs and radio discipline are strictly maintained.
• Implement standard UN Call sign systems, vehicle tracking procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures at all radio rooms.

       4. Support information management:

• Have access to Electronic Daily Staff List at all times. In case of an emergency immediately inform the Field Security Coordination Officers and the radio room supervisor and act accordingly.
• Ensure the radio room has updated staff lists with contact details, and vehicle lists.
• Establish daily contact with UNAFP security to confirm any changes in UN staff movements within their area of responsibility before staff starts the mission.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all relevant messages sent and received through the radio room communications systems.

        5. Ensure functional operability of the SOC:

• Ensure radio rooms are adequately equipped and have up-to-date documentation.
• Maintain properly all radio networks and communications equipment at the user level, reporting problems promptly to relevant staff.
• Analyse the communications requirements, recommend new systems and/or enhancements in the functionality of the existing systems.
• Immediately advise the radio room supervisor or Field Security Coordination Officers on faults in the telecommunications networks and undertake all necessary action to provide a prompt re-establishment of service.
• Assist the ICT officer in the installation and arrangement of equipment and fixtures where needed.
• Provide basic technical support for communications equipment in the field.

       6. Perform other functions as may be required:

• Train UN’s implementing partners on a per-need basis and as time permits.
• Work closely with other agencies telecoms services.  

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL l: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL l: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously:

LEVEL l: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility:

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity and uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination:

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL l: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL l: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.

Cross-functional & Technical competencies

Business Management:

Digital Awareness and Literacy.

Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.

Business Management:

Customer Satisfaction/Client Management.

Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Security Services:

Security Incident Management & Monitoring:

Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Completed secondary education. Certificate in radio telecommunications is an added value.

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years (with secondary education) and 1 year (with a Bachelor’s degree) of experience in radio communications. Good knowledge of computer applications (MS Office, Internet).
• Knowledge of hardware installation and maintenance is desirable.
• Experience as radio operator, call agent or related is desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of Codan VHF and Motorola VHF systems, knowledge of Selective calling and SELV- and programming of the same is required.

Required skills:

Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

• Previous UN experience.
• Proficiency in operating HF and VHF radios.
• Familiarity with the host country's safety regulations.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel.
• Physical fitness.

Required language(s):

Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP 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. 

UNDP 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

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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