Jobs and Careers

JOB DESCRIPTION : 

The Country Office Security Associate priority of support and advice should focus on Country Office and UNDP programmes and operations in field locations. It is only through a rigorous support of policy understanding, security risk management and where necessary security training will the application of security management be fully implemented. The Country Office Security Associate support to the Security Office and country programmes will ensure continuous facilitation of safety and security of UNDP personnel, enabling safe UNDP programme delivery and activities working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework. More specifically, the aim of the work of the Country Office Security Associate is to protect and minimize the risk to UNDP personnel, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the country.

RESPONSIBILITIES : 

Summary of Key Functions:
Support to UNDP Programming:
- Responsible for security support for UNDP operations in field environment;
- Responsible for security Risk Management;
- Assist in the implementation of Country Office Security Plan and business continuity;
- Responsible for minimum operating security standards and residential security measures;
- Responsible for security information management;
- Responsible for liaison and security coordination;
- Responsible for emergency response and security/ contingency coordination;
- Provide general assistance to CO SFP and Senior Management;
- Perform general tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Programming:
- Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Resident Representative and CO senior management team enabling effective programme planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures;
- Under the direction of the SFP and in close coordination with UNDSS and the UNDP Management, review the impact of current, as well as future, potential security factors and trends on UNDP planning, programme design and delivery, as well as the possible impact that programme design might have on the stability and security, and makes preliminary recommendations, ensuring that support needs are identified, and improvements implemented;
- Protect and minimize the risk to UNDP personnel, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time, enable UNDP programme delivery throughout the country;
- If required, identify options for office and accommodation locations in field locations and areas where UNDP might be expanding its presence.

Security Support for UNDP operations in field environment:
- Liaise and coordinate activities with relevant counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNDP personnel is the highest priority;
- Participate in field missions with programme/ project personnel;
- In coordination and collaboration with UNDSS, conduct Security Risk Assessments for UNDP offices/ facilities and areas of programme implementation in field locations where UNDP personnel operate. This will also include staff premises, secure accommodation, travel arrangements, including response to Emergency MEDEVAC and CASEVAC situations, in close coordination with the CO Security Focal Point;
- Monitor the submission of TRIP security clearances by UNDP Personnel and timely processing by UNDSS for all travels;
- Establish emergency procedures for all UNDP activities in field locations;
- Investigate and assess travel routes and extraction routes of areas of programme implementation;
- Ensure the availability of necessary security logistic requirements such as communications equipment, vehicles MOSS compliance, tracking filed mission including reporting system, security briefings and UN ID cards, etc;
- Maintain a security communication system for all personnel including international and national personnel in close coordination with UNDSS;
- Assist the UNDP Management to prepare security documentation and reports pertaining to this function;
- Attend security coordination meetings as required;
- Assist with development and implementation of Programme Criticality Exercise, if undertaken by UNCT;
- Ensure quality control of incident reports to confirm all information captured and recorded;
- Ensure appropriate distribution of security information to stakeholders.

Security Risk Management:
- ​Assist/ provide input to UNDSS in the preparation of comprehensive Security Risk Management assessments (SRMs), ad-hoc SRMs, site, project or individual specific, to include all locations where UNDP personnel, eligible family members and equipment are present;
- Under the direction of the CO Senior Management and SFP, and in close cooperation with UNDSS, assists in the conducting of UNDP security risk assessments, evaluations and surveys in all localities where UNDP projects are being implemented, identify, advises and support the implementation appropriate risk management measures.
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Security Plan and Business Continuity:
- Develop, implement and maintain the UNDP Security Plan, including updating personnel lists, communication tree and the full functioning of the security related equipment;
- Provide assistance to the CO senior management in the implementation of the Security Plan, Contingency Plans and the UNDP Security Framework, including ensuring UNDP personnel are covered by relevant Security Plans;
- In conjunction with the HR unit, ensure Staff Lists are maintained and regularly provided to UNDSS;
- Maintain and test UNDP CO emergency/ security communications plan;
- Maintain Entrance/ Exit Check Lists;
- Administer and test the UNDP CO Warden Plan;
- Facilitate security clearances for staff in all UNDP presences in country;
- In coordination with UNDSS, ensure availability of updated and adequate procedures for dealing with emergencies involving UNDP staff in all project locations/ offices;
- In coordination with UNDSS be prepared for 24-hours response to all security and safety related incidents involving UNDP staff;
- Input to ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN security planning framework;
- Provide input and assist UNDSS in establishing, maintaining and updating the area specific security plan and contingency plans, including evacuation and relocation plans, in accordance with the UN Security Management Policies and Procedures;
- Provide inputs into updating the UNDP component within the country-specific security and contingency plans;
- Update the UNDP warden system if necessary, train UNDP wardens and follow up on their specific needs accordingly for both international and national personnel;
- Provide security related contributions to the CO Business Continuity Plan, with guidance from the Regional Security Advisor RBEC;
- Assist in implementation of Business Continuity Management, as required.

Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) and Residential Security Measures:
- Ensure UNDP personnel, offices, residences and equipment are MOSS/ RSM compliant;
- Ensure that locally recruited UNDP personnel is advised on residential security;
- Ensure that all UNDP personnel have completed BSAFE online training and that records of certificates are maintained with the HR Unit;
- Provide advice on the selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc). Monitor the procurement, deployment, and functionality of the same;
- Ensure that personnel members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, personnel protective equipment (PPEs), vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field;
- Use and maintain internal communication systems and ensure UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System;
- Provide advice on the security of transportation and logistics;
- Ensure tracking procedures for field missions are implemented;
- Coordinate with UNDSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP personnel and eligible family members;
- Coordinate with the UNDP CO SFP and UNDSS to conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and provide advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions;
- Coordinate with the UNDP CO SFP, UNDSS and building occupants in implementing UNDP office security measures and procedures (access control if visitors and vehicles);
- Coordinate with the UNDP CO SFP, UNDSS and building occupants periodic implementation of building evacuation drills.

Security Information Management:
- Provide timely and accurate security advice to the UNDP Senior Management Team, CO SFP, Operations Manager, programme managers, project managers, personnel and UNDP visitors;
- Immediately report all security-related incidents involving UNDP personnel and or assets to the CO SFP, UNDP CO Senior Management, UNDSS and UNDP RSA RBEC;
- Ensure that UNDP programme personnel members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security related information as required;
- Encourage an exchange of security related information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation;
- Provide immediate advice and reporting on serious security incidents to UNDP management and RSA RBEC;
- Prepare security reports such as Weekly Security Situation Report, Topic Specific Security Reports, as needed.

Liaison and Security Coordination:
- In close coordination with UNDSS, ensure appropriate professional liaison with host government agencies, local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in UN and diplomatic missions and municipal/ traditional leaders; and report back to the UNDP CO on all relevant information;
- Provide substantive support to the CO SFP in collecting and updating information with regards to security issues and communicating them to key interlocutors;
- Maintain a security network with relevant international and national security counterparts;
- Participate as a member of the Security Cell lead by UNDSS in country;
- Participate and contribute to inter-agency security coordination efforts;
- Represent UNDP security interests in any common premises that UNDP occupies ensuring that personnel safety and security are primary considerations.

Emergency Response and Security/ Contingency Coordination:
- Administer and manage functional UNDP security/ emergency communications system; including call three, Unit's headcount system, Group SMS and other digital platforms;
- Establish and manage of functional warden system for UNDP, including zoning, regular testing, etc.;
- Assist with security procedures in ensuring safety and security of personnel employed by UNDP and their eligible dependents;
- Respond to security incidents affecting UNDP personnel, including providing safety and security assistance, liaison on-site, CASEVAC, emergency MEDEVAC, emergency response, building evacuation, when required.

General assistance to CO SFP and Senior Management:
- In consultation with the CO Security Focal Point and UNDP Senior Management, respond to any requests from the DO/ UNDSS, to perform UN system related security tasks;
- Maintain routine and confidential correspondence files/ documents, related to security issues;
- Take minutes and/ or notes at UNDP Security meetings;
- Provide orientation and training to international and national personnel members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, restricted and dangerous areas;
- In close cooperation with UNDSS, CO Security Focal Point, organise security training for all wardens and UNDP personnel in Armenia.

General Tasks:
- Provide assistance in the conduct and follow up of investigations and incidents affecting UNDP personnel and offices;
- Represent UNDP at security meetings, as appropriate;
- Participate in the security training for the UNDP and affiliated UN agency personnel;
- Contribute to UNDP Security Office knowledge networks and communities of practice;
- Perform UNDP Surge duties in the sub-region under the direction of RSA/ DRSA as required;
- Perform any other security related tasks assigned by the UNDP RR, CO SFP, and RSA RBEC.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS : 

Education:
- Secondary Education. University degree or equivalent in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field is highly desirable but is not a requirement.

Experience:
- 6 years of relevant experience in security, preferably in the security services, military or police context or related field of work. Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is desirable.

Language Requirements:
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Armenian languages; knowledge of Russian language is an advantage.

Other:
- Experience in diplomatic security, protection and intelligence considered an asset;
- Solid computer skills at presentation level (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);
- Ability to travel within Europe and the CIS;
- Driver's License (type B).

APPLICATION PROCEDURES : 

Interested and qualified candidates may view the vacancy announcement and apply via the UNDP E-recruitment system through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/5fs3m3b6.

Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this job opportunity through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am, Thanks.

ADDITIONAL NOTES : 

Competencies
Core
Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work - Level 3: Adapts deliverables to meet client needs

Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow - Level 3: Proactively seeks and recognizes contributions of others.
People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction - Level 3: Appropriately involves team in different stages of work and decision-making.
Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.
Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement - Level 3: Expresses information and views with adaptive reasoning and appreciation for complexity and variation.
Delivery: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement - Level 3: Takes responsibility for addressing critical situations and delivering core value.

Technical/ Functional
Teamwork
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and is willing to learn from others.

Level 3: Implement and Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work.

Accountability
Adheres to organizational rules, regulations and standards; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.

Level 3: Implement and Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work.

Client Orientation
Provides services, support, advice, guidance to internal or external clients, and seeks to see things from their points of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.

Level 3: Implement and Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work.

Creativity
Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; demonstrates resourcefulness by finding new solutions to address operational or strategic problems.

Level 3: Implement and Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work.

Commitment to Learning
Keeps abreast of new occupational/ professional developments; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; provides constructive security advisory, training, coaching and feedback for others.

Level 3: Implement and Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work.

Core Values
Integrity: An ability to work honestly, openly, impartially and in accordance with the values of the United Nations.

Professionalism: An ability to work in a calm, competent and committed manner; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Respect for Diversity: An ability to work effectively, respectfully, and inclusively with people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives.

ABOUT : 

Background
The humanitarian and socio-political impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Armenia pose serious challenges to the UN and UNDP programmatic activities in the country, including challenges related to safety and security of UNDP personnel and Country Office field operations. It is only through a rigorous support of policy understanding, risk mitigations and where necessary security training will the application of security management be fully implemented.
The duties and responsibilities of the Country Office Security Associate (COSA) include actions oriented to ensure the safety and security of all UNDP personnel and their eligible dependants, eligible contractors, resources, assets, facilities and programs.
Overall, it is important to note that the Armenia COSA is a local national with vocational experience in security who works as an integral part of the common premises/ services system and assists in the implementation of security operations and all matters relating to the management of safety and security for UNDP Armenia personnel.