Posting Title: CHIEF SECURITY ADVISER, P5

Job Code Title: CHIEF SECURITY ADVISER

Department/Office: Department of Safety and Security

Duty Station: NIAMEY

Posting Period: 01 August 2023 – 15 August 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Security-DSS-215163-F-Niamey (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and ReportingThe 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 achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Simply, all humanity will be benefiting from your work. Together, we can make the world a better place. 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/ The Chief Security Adviser will report directly to the Division of Regional Operations of Department of Safety and Security at UN Headquarters in New York. The post is presently located in Niamey, Niger and this duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as an “E” hardship and family duty station.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief Security Adviser may be responsible for the following duties:

•  Serves as Principal Adviser to the Designated Official and/or Head of Mission and to the United Nations Security Management System organizations on all security risk management matters, security policies and procedures.
•  Serves as a member of the Security Management Team.
•  Chairs the Security Cell, building consensus to ensure alignment and support for security operations and initiatives to best enable UN activities.
•  Ensures forecasting of the evolving security environment and, the UN’s security and operational responses. Supports the DO and SMT to plan and prepare to respond to crisis events that directly or indirectly impact the UNSMS; in the event of crisis on behalf of the DO serves in a leading role to mitigate the negative impact and to enable UN programs. Contributes to the analytical processes and products of the UNSMS, at the regional level, in Burkina Faso and Chad
•  Supports and enables humanitarian access, in close coordination with OCHA, UN humanitarian agencies, and implementing partners, using methods that are consistent with security risk management.
•  Engages with representatives of the national security forces and other security stakeholders to enable access that is consistent with UN CM-COORD and Security Risk Management.
•  Leads the development of inclusive risk management strategies and drives planning using situational awareness, critical thinking, and logic to detect and interpret early signals, emerging trends and analysis of multi-dimensional threats that may impact security. Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
•  Leads the preparation, review and implementation of security planning, security risk management documents and security solutions through innovation and creativity. Ensures written analysis of security trends and timely reporting of incidents. Participates in meetings, committees, and task forces, prepares papers on security issues, delivers briefings provides responses, as needed.
•  Advises on the inclusion of security in all stages of United Nations activities and programmes. Provides operational and strategic advice and support to line managers responsible for security. Enables the delivery of mandates and programmes through direct operational assistance.
•  Oversees complex security-related projects, prioritizing work to meet deadlines and following defined processes, policies, procedures and guidance, fostering alignment with colleagues and across organizations.
•  Monitors and contributes to activities that relate to the implementation and evaluation of preparedness and compliance; drives results that help support operational efficiency and effectiveness. Guides the definition of policies, methodology and processes for the implementation of the substantive activities of the relevant teams, (Security team, Division, Unit or Section).
•  Ensures effective communication and trust through active collaboration, consultation and exchanges with UN system organizations and other stakeholders, for information sharing, coordination of responses, provision of security briefings, taking into account operational activities and risks.
•  Collaborates closely with peers and colleagues, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, and Host Government representatives.
•  Develops specific cross border collaboration with UNDSS in near-by countries that are in the interest of the security and safety of the UNSMS in consultation with and at the direction of the Division of Regional Operations.
•  Strengthens awareness and capacity of personnel by supporting the development, updates and delivery of contextually relevant security training and advice. Provides coaching and mentoring support to develop the capacity building skills, at the regional level and on request or as directed by the Division of Regional Operations, of UNDSS staff deployed in Burkina Faso and Chad.
•  Ensures the conduct of security surveys and assessments, creatively leveraging tools and processes, identifying and recommending simple, reasonable, inclusive, effective and efficient security measures, including when there is incomplete, contradictory and/or fluid information.
•  Ensures implementation and maintenance of a functioning Security Communication System.
•  Ensures conduct of budget, finance and logistical planning for the security office and participation in relevant United Nations administration, finance, and logistics forums. Supports resource mobilization.
•  Leads and manages the security team, develops strategic goals, objectives, plans for the delivery of the substantive activities of the unit or section and implements corresponding outputs; anticipates human resources needs through workforce planning; assesses performance and supports the development of security personnel under his/her supervision.
•  Ensures implementation of departmental approaches to mainstreaming gender, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the work as well as ensuring the implementation of people-centred security risk management approaches considering specific threats or vulnerabilities of personnel and adapting practices and measures in support of diversity and inclusion.
•  Upon request by the Division of Regional Operations, UNDSS, following consultations with the Designated Officials for Security in Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad, be prepared to respond and support crisis management in the latter two countries.
•  Performs other functions as directed.

CompetenciesProfessionalism: Demonstrates respect and sensitivity towards diversity in all its forms, in all cultural, gender and religious settings. Takes responsibility for incorporating different perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Contributes to an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues and stakeholders. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, including self-awareness and contextual intelligence. Shows openness to learning and commitment to self-development. Identifies issues, researches, collects data, demonstrates situational awareness, conceptual analytical and evaluative skills and participates in the resolution of issues/problems demonstrating critical thinking, perceptiveness, judgement and decision-making. Demonstrates an ability to implement policies. Ability to make quick decisions in emergencies or when rapid response is needed. Communicates complex concepts effectively both verbally and in writing. 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. Shows ability to prioritize, manage, and implement multiple high-level projects in a timely manner, even in fast-changing contexts. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Takes ownership of accountability and supports strategies to ensure compliance with all security risk management decisions and regulations. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. 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. 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 improvements; 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.

EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, political/social science, psychology, criminal justice, law, international relations, security management or a related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree may be substituted with a diploma from a police or military education institution, college or academy obtained over a minimum of a three-year period.

Work ExperienceA minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk or disaster or emergency management and preparedness in the public or private sector areas responsible for responding to emergency situations that directly impact security is required. Of these, experience in planning, design, implementation, or review of risk mitigation measures related to operations impacted by insecurity is required. Five (5) years of experience in managing personnel or teams is required. Three (3) years experience in field operations is desirable. International experience is desirable. Specialized experience in such areas as security programmes, risk assessments, or analysis is desirable. Experience in using applied analytics, business intelligence, information management to advance decisions, strategies and execution is desirable. Knowledge of and working experience within the region is desirable A minimum of two years international security experience in humanitarian settings is desirable

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of an additional official United Nations language is desirable.

AssessmentPreviously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special NoticeThis position has limited regional responsibilities. 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. 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. This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. 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. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral or geographical move(s) requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note. 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. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English

United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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 FeeTHE 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.