Organization Mission

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), established on 1 January 2005, 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 System programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system operations through trusted security leadership and solutions.

The primary role of the UNDSS CISMS Stress Counsellor will be to develop and maintain a sustainable stress management system applicable to all UN Agencies operating in Sudan and to improve the critical incident stress management preparedness of the UN security system in case of emergencies.

Context

The United Nations 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 resources. To this end, the work for the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions.

This UNV assignment is part of the UNDSS Sudan operations providing professional safety and security services to enable the United Nations and humanitarian partners under Saving Lives Together framework to deliver their programmes in the country. The primary role of the UNDSS Security Training Specialist will be to plan and deliver specialized training to strengthen security awareness and preparedness of the UN Agencies operating in Sudan.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief Security Adviser, the UN Security Training Specialist will lead on the development of safety and security-related training, the coordination with the stakeholders and advocacy, organize the required logistics for training sessions, support the delivery of the training sessions and provide general administrative assistance as required.

Specific tasks include:
· Lead the unit in the design and formulation of the UNDSS Sudan safety and security training programme within the area of responsibility, contributing to the preparation of the annual training workplan and calendar of activities.
· Conduct research on existing training content available internally and externally as requested by supervisors.
· Conduct research on specific topics to assist with training content development.
· Maintain an up-to-date library of training materials ensuring they are kept secure and shared only with the authorization of supervisors.
· Support the development of pre-training and post-training surveys.
· Help to review draft training content for clarity, alignment with adult learning & instructional training design guidelines, and for proofreading.
· Conduct research to support fact-checking and/or to validate training content.
· Gather and analyse information from open sources, Security Information Operations Centre, and discussions with INGOs and UN agencies on security-related issues in different parts of Sudan.
· Recommend how to contextualize training modules based on the security analysis conducted.
· Coordinate with UN agencies and I/NGOs to establish the training gaps and needs.
· Explore opportunities for collaboration e.g. by delivering training jointly with other UN and I/NGO specialists.
· Support outreach to inform beneficiaries of upcoming training opportunities and facilitate registration of participants.
· Support the preparation of visibility materials on conducted training.
· Be ready and available to travel extensively and frequently to support training outside of Port Sudan as requested.
· Provide support in organizing and conducting training courses on safety and security awareness and preparedness to UN personnel and INGOs.
· Develop logistics plans for all training sessions and with the agreement of the supervisors and lead trainers, implement the necessary arrangements for locations, equipment, etc. to ensure professional event management of each training session.
· Proactively assess and identify potential logistical needs and prepare required documentation, such as terms of reference and budget plan.
· Liaise with relevant internal departments on any legal contractual agreements associated with the rental of external venues if needed.
· Set up conference calls as required for remote training sessions.
· Coordinate the invitations and logistical information and track responses from participants for training sessions. Agree on replacements with supervisors for last-minute changes.
· Send follow-up information to participants who attended training as required.
· Support the processes for obtaining required authorization from local authorities for visits and training.
· Provide input for the preparation of ad hoc SRMs if required, for training visits to field locations in Sudan and cross-border if needed.
· Assist with travel arrangements for training in Sudan and cross-border.
· Create and manage the database of the participants and the training conducted.
· Prepare certificates for participants who completed training sessions.
· Support responses to queries about training calendar and registrations.
· Handle training-related issues with diplomacy, respect and confidentiality.
· Depending on the training topic, use Training of Trainers (ToT) experience and qualifications to assist with facilitation of training sessions as requested by supervisors and lead trainers, including but not limited to SSAFE, IFAK, Driver Training, Crisis Preparedness Training and context specific simulations.
· Ensure comprehensive review and rehearsal is conducted in advance of training sessions in agreement with the supervisors and lead trainers to ensure high quality of delivery.
· Actively take responsibility for increasing own knowledge and capabilities to support training design and delivery under the guidance of supervisors and lead trainers.
· Help with the preparation and production of handouts for training sessions.
· Collect feedback from participants to improve the quality of the training.
· Prepare final training reports.
· Provide general administrative assistance to the CSA and the UNDSS team.
· Maintain routine and confidential files and documents.
· Arrange appointments and calls as appropriate, take meeting minutes and notes as required.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Skills and Experience

· A minimum of five (5) years (with a Master”s degree) or seven (7) years (with a Bachelor”s degree or equivalent) of relevant progressively responsible experience in security, preferably in the military or police context or related field of work is required.
Qualifying years of experience are calculated after the receipt of an accredited advanced level degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) or a first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) recognized by the United
Nations.
· Experience in designing training programmes/workshops, preparing training manuals, and delivering training to adults is required.
· Proven experience in conducting training needs assessment is desirable.
· Experience delivering safety and security, and first aid training is desirable.
· Instructor certification from an accredited first aid programme is desirable.
· Experience delivering HEAT, HEIST, SSAFE or equivalent training is desirable.
· Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO (INGO) in safety and security is desirable.
· Proficiency in computer use (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) is required.
· Confirmed availability to travel for up to 50% of the time is desirable.
· A valid driver’s licence is required.

Core Competencies

· Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the field of stress management and counselling; demonstrated adaptability and ability to work in austere, insecure environments and to adjust rapidly to varying social, organizational and geographic settings; good conceptual skills in mental health programming and/or public health; proven ability to provide counselling in stress and stress related issues and treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately; in depth understanding of the strategic directions in critical incident stress management. Candidate also shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observes deadlines and achieving results; 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.

· Teamwork: Coordinates and works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others” ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

· Planning & 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.

· Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

· Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Living Conditions

Sudan is Africa’s third largest country after Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stretching over 1,886,068 km². In 2023, hostilities escalated in Sudan, leading to mass displacement, including evacuation of UN staff and personnel. All UN agencies and other development partners, as well as the government authorities, have relocated from Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, to Port Sudan, the temporary de facto capital. Since the eruption of violence, two thirds of the population require humanitarian assistance, and UNDSS plays a critical role in finding ways for UN personnel and humanitarian partners to deliver to the vulnerable populations at acceptable levels of risk.

The assignment will be for Port Sudan in the Red Sea region, with possible missions across Sudan. Duty station may be changed to Khartoum in the course of the assignment, depending on the security situation. The Red Sea region borders Eritrea and Southeast Sudan to the south, Egypt in the north, Northern Sudan States in the west and is on the Red Sea coast in the east. The population size of the city is assessed at over 500,000. The security situation in the Red Sea region is calm but remains unpredictable. Although the UN is not a primary target, it may witness unintended harm due to collateral damage. The overall threat assessment in the Red Sea region is at Moderate level. All of Sudan is designated as non-family duty station.

The total population of Sudan is over 50 million, composed of various ethnic groups, with 97% practising Islam. UN personnel are cautioned to behave in a manner appropriate to local customs.

Port Sudan has a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers reaching up to 45°C and moderately hot winters with around 25°C. The rainfall season usually occurs between October and January.

Port Sudan is the entry point to Sudan for UN personnel, subject to receipt of a valid visa, which must be pre-arranged prior to travel to Sudan with support from the host agency.

Sudanese Pound is the official currency in Sudan, with the current exchange rate around 2,000 to 1 USD, though it fluctuates from time to time.

As mentioned, the overall safety situation is moderately stable. There is a curfew in place in Port Sudan from 23:00 – 04:00 hours. Fore more details, please refer to the security guidelines provided by the UNDSS office.

The host agency provides accommodation to all international staff and personnel in a dedicated guest house. The agency is also responsible for transporting their personnel to and from the office.

Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory, and taking all priority vaccines is required. The country may experience outbreaks of dengue fever, malaria, cholera and various climate-related diseases.

In summary, the assignment represents an opportunity to support a vital humanitarian operation as part of a multicultural team. It provides an interesting and enriching experience, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in challenging and dynamic conditions, potentially involving some physical hardship and limited comfort, are essential.

International personnel, including UN Volunteers, are entitled to a 4-week Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle, meaning after every four weeks in the mission area, there is a break to travel to either Nairobi (UN Sudan designated R&R location) or another destination outside the mission area. The entitlement consists of five calendar days R&R with two travel days. UN flights from Port Sudan to Nairobi and back can be used at the expense of the organization, but accommodation, food, and other expenses while on R&R are borne by the individual. Approval of R&R is balanced against operational requirements.