National Security Officer at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights, capacity development and the empowerment of women.

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:
  
Job Title: National Security Officer

Job ID: 25627
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension

Background

• The nexus of security-humanitarian-development issues around Lake Chad has given rise to an intractable extremist insurgency that has left tens of thousands of people dead, approximately 2.5million displaced, and more than 10 million people in the region affected and in need. While robust national and multi-national military operations have re-taken territory previously controlled by Boko Haram, UNDP recognizes that a new approach is required to coNSAlidate these gains and establish the conditions necessary to transition from military to civilian responsibility for security, and from the provision of humanitarian assistance to the resumption of stalled development processes. In this context, the UNDP is strengthening its presence in Borno state by establishing a sub-office in Maiduguri. The sub-office will serve as the centre of operations for programming which will include a Regional Stabilization Facility, a Disengagement, Disassociation, Reconciliation and Reintegration (DDRR) and Recovery and Resilience programme. The sub-office will also comprise an Operations Service Centre to support management and operations functions related to the effective delivery of programmatic results.
• The duties and responsibilities of the National Security Analyst (NSA) include the safety and security of all UNDP staff of the Sub-office and contractors, resources, assets, facilities, programmes, and projects in addition to promoting, enabling and supporting UNDP programme delivery throughout the northeastern region of Nigeria while ensuring compliance with all United Nations security policies, procedures and regulations.
• The primary function of the UNDP NSA is to advise on the protection of, and minimizing the risk to, UNDP staff, eligible dependants, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the individual country of responsibility. This will be achieved through:
  • Advising that UNDP security support feature in the programming process at the country office level as well as in the case of each individual project, from project identification, planning, budgeting, implementation and right through to monitoring and evaluation;
  • Strengthening the security arrangements of UNDP and maintaining a security network of international and national security personnel.
• In terms of operational matters related to UNDP security, the NSA will report to the UNDP National Security Officer with guidance from the Operations Manager of the Sub-office. The UNDP NSA shall provide policy and technical advice regarding the safety and security of UNDP staff property and operations within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS’s mandate and role, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework in Borno state. At the Field Level, the NSA will be supervised by the National Security Officer (NSO) who will serve as the primary supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:

• Programming
• Threat and Risk Assessment
• Security Plan and Business Continuity
• Minimum Operating Security Standards
• Information Management
• Funds Management
• Resource Mobilization
• Office and Residential Security

Programming:

• Provide security policy guidance and security management support to the Country Office and Sub-office management team to enable effective programme planning, implementation and delivery within the framework of all UN security policies and procedures.
• Ensure the mainstreaming of security into all levels of programme design, implementation and delivery through the substantive monitoring of ongoing and future projects and programmes providing innovative and proactive support, direction and solutions where required, with the guidance of the DRSA. Serves as permanent member of project appraisal committee (PAC).
• Review the potential 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, ensuring that possible support needs are identified and improvements are implemented.
• Liaise and coordinate activities of partner organizations and counterparts in the planning, preparation and execution of missions, ensuring the safety and security of UNDP staff as the highest priority.
• To protect and minimize the risk to UNDP staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout;
• Maintain a security network of international and national personnel;
• Participate as a member of the security cell established by DSS in country.

Threat and Risk Assessment:

• Conduct a threat and risk assessment of operations in the districts and regions where UNDP projects are implemented, identify and implement appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Collaborate with the NSO to assist/provide inputs to UNDSS in preparing a comprehensive threat and risk assessment of the country to include all locations where UNDP staffs, dependants and equipment are present.
• Assist/provide inputs to the Security Management Team through the NSO.
• Assist local UNDP travel managers with risk assessments related to air travel.

Security Plan and Business Continuity:

• Ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN Security Framework.
• Collaborates with the NSO to provide inputs and assist UNDSS to establish, maintain and update the country specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Field Security Handbook (FSH).
• Ensure that all UNDP personnel in the northeast region are included in the Security Plan of the respective duty stations, (including all UNDP offices housing staff covered under the security umbrella) to be prepared by UNDSS.
• Update the UNDP northeast component within the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with UNDSS.
• Train UNDP wardens and follow up according to their specific needs for both international and national staff.
• Provide security related contributions to the Sub-office Business Continuity Plan, with guidance from the DRSA.
• Facilitate security clearances for all UNDP staff covered under the security umbrella when travelling in areas where required.

Minimum Operating Security Standards:

• Oversight of UNDP personnel and equipment in the northeast region for MOSS compliance.
• Ensure that Sub-office management is briefed sufficiently on security requirements in order to take decisions and provide adequate resources so that staff members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety and security equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
• Establish internal communication systems so that UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Emergency Communications System.
• Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.).
• Provide advice on the security of transportation and logistics.
• Provide orientation and training to international and national staff members on security guidelines, communication procedures, travel precautions, emergency procedures and existing restrictions in movement, such as curfews, restricted and dangerous areas.
• Coordinate with the NSO and DSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents.
• In coordination with the NSO and UNDSS, and on behalf of the RR, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.

Information Management:

• Provide timely and accurate security advice to the Management UNDP Sub-office, programme managers, project managers and visiting consultants.
• Immediately report all security -related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents to the Head of the Sub-office, NSO, RSA (or FSS, if present in the duty station) and UNDSS in country.
• Ensure that UNDP programme staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security-related information generated by UNDSS in a timely and efficient manner.
• In cooperation with the HR unit, maintain updated UNDP staff lists, including details of visiting missions and consultants.
• In coordination with UNDSS in country, establish good relationships with national law enforcement, military and civil intelligence authorities, counterparts in the Diplomatic Missions and municipal/civic/traditional leaders.
• Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for UNDP programme implementation.
• In coordination with UNDSS in country, conduct investigations of death of a staff/family member under suspicious and unclear circumstances.
• Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.

Funds Management:

• Support mainstreaming of security costs.
• Monitors that all projects/programmes contribute resources to implementation of security measures.
• Formulate and manage the annual work plan and related budget, initiates budget revisions for approval from the DRSA.
• Monitor that allotted UNMSM funds are budgeted in ATLAS in a timely fashion.
• Ensure that costs and expenditures remain within budgeted and approved limits through the monitoring of monthly ATLAS budget reports.

Office and Residential Security:

• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and provide advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended mitigation measures.
• Assist UNDP in implementing office security requirements for regional offices and offices of UNDP-implemented projects as required by Security Risk Management (SRM) and the local security environment.
• Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for UNDP and project offices based on the local security climate.
• Represent UNDP security interests in any common premises that UNDP occupies ensuring that staff safety and security are primary considerations.
• Ensure that UNDP premises and international staff residences are MOSS and MORSS compliant.

General:

• The NSA will, in consultation with the NSO, and RSA/DRSA, respond to requests from the DO/DSS, to perform UN system related security tasks.
• Any other security related tasks assigned by the RSADRSA (or FSS, if present).

Impact of Results

• The NSA’s priority of support and advice should focus on Sub-office and UNDP programmes and operations in high risk areas. 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. NSA security support to the Security Office and country programmes will ensure continuous facilitation of safety and security of UNDP staff, enabling safe UNDP programme delivery and activities within the context of UNDP's development role, while dovetailing with and respecting UNDSS' mandate, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.
• More specifically, the NSA is to protect and minimize the risk to UNDP staff, project personnel, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the duty station through:
• Ensuring the UNDP security support is included in all aspects of the programming process at country office level as well as throughout individual project life cycles, from project identification, planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and project closure.
• Strengthening the security arrangements of UNDP offices, sub-offices, and guesthouses.
• Maintaining a security network of international and national security personnel.
• Participating as a member of the security cell as established by the UNDSS in country.

Competencies
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. ·

Core Competencies:

• Communications – Clearly and effectively speaks and writes, tailoring language, tone, style and format to different audiences; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• 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.
• Planning & Organizing – Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.
• Accountability – Adheres to organizational rules, regulations and standards; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. ·
• 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.
• Creativity – Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; Demonstrates resourcefulness by finding new solutions to address operational or strategic problems.
• 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.

Managerial Competencies:

• Vision – Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. 
• Leadership – Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.
• Empowering Others – Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; Involves others when making decisions that affect them.
• Building Trust – Operates with transparency; Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Judgment/Decision Making – Identifies key issues in complex situations; Considers potential positive and negative impacts of decisions on others and on the Organization; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.

Respect for Diversity:

• An ability to work effectively, respectfully, and inclusively with people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives.

Required Skills and Experience   
Education:

• University Degree (Bachelors Degree or Equivalent), preferably in Social Sciences, Management, or a related security field, or formal multi-year education in Security Management, such as military or police, Junior Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full time) qualification with command experience.
• Formal training in security risk management an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant security and development related experience (2 years if applicant is in possession of an Advanced University Degree in a relevant security field). Formal multi-year education in Security Management, such as military or police senior Command and Staff College (minimum 9 months full time) qualification, with command experience at senior level, is considered equivalent to an Advanced University Degree.
• Previous experience of working in a conflict/post-conflict or crisis environment is an asset.  In-depth knowledge of security management and risk management.
• Knowledge of UNDP business, operations and programming cycle.
• Knowledge of UNDP Country Office structure; roles and responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator, CD, DO, SMT, UNDSS and UN Security management System.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English as well as fluency in spoken Hausa are required. The ability to communicate effectively in Kanuri is and asset.

Application Closing Date
2nd September, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online