Org. Setting and Reporting
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. These positions are located in the Training and Development Section (TDS), Division of Partnerships and Specialized Support (DPSS) in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in New York, USA. TDS’ remit includes the development and implementation of UN system-wide security-related training strategies, policies and programmes for security professionals, managers with security responsibilities and personnel at large. In close coordination with the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN) and the Standing Committee on Learning and Training (SCOLT). TDS works to establish training standards and methodologies. The Security Training Officer reports to the Chief, Training and Development Section. 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 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/
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the Security Training Officers will be responsible for the following duties: • Manages and leads the team’s implementation of a suite of security training courses and security certification programmes for UNSMS personnel, security personnel and/or managers with security responsibilities in accordance with the Learning and Development Strategy for the Integrated Security Workforce and related Implementation Plan and timelines. • Function as programme manager and team leader for the Crisis Management or UN Security Management System’ security personnel portfolios of courses and learning activities. • Monitors and ensures the implementation of programmes at all stages, measuring training project performance using appropriate tools and techniques and escalating implementation difficulties and recommending remedial actions to stakeholders, as needed. • Prepares reports maintaining comprehensive training documentation and data, incl. for the use of senior management, the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), Standing Committee on Learning and Training (SCOLT) and other stakeholders at agreed periods and, as requested. • Plan, organize, manage, and supervise the work of the Team’s work programme and human and financial resources in accordance with the Implementation Plan, providing oversight and ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately so that training is cost-effective and has the maximum operational impact. • Identifies and analyzes learnings needs in coordination with the SCOLT, the Division of Field Operations (DFO) and the field and the Division of Headquarters Safety and Security Services (DHSSS) ensuring alignment with operational priorities and to ensure the timely selection of training participants as well as joint venture trainers who may be assigned to deliver particular courses. • Prepares monitoring reports on staff professional development programmes. • Collaborates with other parts of UNDSS to ensure that they are consistent with the overall organizations goals, and that cross-cutting issues are incorporated into the design and development of training programmes, including new and updated security policies outcomes of the workforce plan, HR Strategy and Gender Strategy. • Evaluates, coordinates and monitors training programmes to ensure effectiveness in learning, impact of staff development and quality assurance and as required recommends ways to enhance effectiveness and impact. • Ensures the establishment and maintenance of a database to track course participants, performance and expenditure to enable timely reporting to senior management and partners, as requested. • Supervises and monitors the work of the junior training officers, including managing the performance of the staff on the team, as well as consultants, vendors and member states’ institutions or personnel who may support the portfolio, to ensure that training and development activities are implemented in accordance with the Implementation Plan and established standards. • Performs any other related duties as assigned.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge in the field of learning or training including assessment, design, delivery, management and coordination. Knowledge of diverse delivery methodologies (e.g. user centered online, blended and face-to-face delivery methods, on the job learning support). Demonstrated ability to manage programmes, resources and external partnerships or complex contracts with large scale vendors. Excellent drafting and communications skills, both oral and written. Proven ability as a training manager, facilitator and trainer to identify strategic and operational issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues, staff members and stakeholders. • Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates 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. • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement, does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. • Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly. • Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in education, learning design and delivery, security management, business or public administration, social sciences, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first level degree or diploma from a police or military education institution in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Additional technical certification in relation to security and risk management such as security management, community security, civilian-military coordination, human rights & protection, counter-terrorism, intelligence management, hostage management, operational planning and investigation, crisis management and emergency or disaster planning is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the assessment, design, development, delivery, and evaluation of online, blended, and in person training programmes in security management or a related area is required. A minimum of two years of experience managing diverse teams, in multinational and global dispersed settings, is required. A minimum of two years of experience working in a multicultural and/or international work environment in a field mission or post-conflict environment outside home country is required. A minimum of three years of experience in security risk management is required. Experience in instructional design using various methodologies or in the design, delivery and management of use of force, close protection, firearms training and certification is required. Prior work experience within the UN common system or a similar international organization is required. Experience in cooperation with multiple stakeholders and coordinating activities with consultants and managing contracts with vendors and partners is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in French, Arabic or Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. 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. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field. • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. • Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. • Those candidates who apply and are subsequently recommended and endorsed for the job opening, but are not selected for the current vacant position, will be placed on the roster for similar functions at the level and category of the job opening for possible future selection. Roster membership does not guarantee selection. • Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. • The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2010/3 on the “Staff Selection System” and include the compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuance governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English.
United Nations Considerations
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. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.