UNDP-SUB-REGIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR, EAST AFRICA

SUB-REGIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR, EAST AFRICA

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Performs coordination function with the RSA Africa and Country Offices in the sub-region
• Develops sub-regional UNDP security mechanisms and guides the mainstreaming security in the sub-region
• Provides advisory function as an expert on field security matters
• Monitors sub-regional events and keep the ST abreast of security-related developments and other issues with potential impact to the security/safety of UNDP staff, premises and assets in the sub-region
• Provides coaching and mentoring to newly recruited UNDP field security advisors / local security advisors and sub-regional oversight on UNDP security activities
• Risk management and analysis of risks and threats to UNDP operations in the sub-region
• Knowledge management; sharing of best practices and development of sub-regionally sensitive guidance and documentation to support key clients
• Support and provide guidance to management on the development and implementation of business continuity plans
• Support the development and use of simulation exercises to ensure that plans and policies are practiced and institutionalized respective to security and business continuity in crisis

Tasks and activities:

• Collect, analyze and disseminate security centric information on a sub-regional basis. Promote information exchange with UNDSS, other agencies and organizations to enhance coordination and implementation of security management arrangements. Monitor international events and information sources in order to assess their security-related trends and implications on UNDP operations and staff.
• Undertake regular missions to countries within the sub-region to become familiar with specific situations, address specific security issues, perform security assessments etc.
• Contribute to sub-regional SRAs, independently or in collaboration with UNDSS
• Determine sub-regional UNDP security needs
• Support sub-regional UNDP initiatives
• Coordinate UNDP training on a sub-regional basis
• Collect and disseminate information on best practices fro security activities in the sub-region
• Formulate sub-regional contingency plans and support CO contingency plans
• Provide tangible and timely support to CO SRAs, SRM and mainstreaming of security in all programmes and activities
• Respond to UNDP sub-regional programmes and Country Offices’ specific requests for assistance (by telephone, mission, meeting, correspondence, etc.) including assessing the security-related problems and preparedness of UNDP country offices, and by formulating appropriate solutions required to overcome problems with implementation of security measures or other aspects.
• Liaise with UNDSS, other agencies and role players regarding the implementation of specific assistance to Country Offices within the sub-region.
• Review the impact of security factors on UNDP programme designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that programmes might have on stability and security, make recommendations regarding possible UNDP support needs and improvements.
• Conduct security compliance evaluations. Assess the levels of compliance of UNDP offices with UN security planning and UNDP’s implementation requirements and determine what support BOM/ST might provide in cooperation with the UN Department of Safety and Security.
• Monitor Country Offices’ ability to ensure effective common services are being provided to the security machinery in-country and assist them as required (budget, local staffing, procurement, fund management, communications equipment and maintenance, physical security measures, UN House aspects, etc)\
• Follow-up on the implementation of any security recommendations.
• Compile reports with recommendations on the continuation of the security function in assigned countries, assist with and monitor implementation of recommendations.
• Will serve as the UNDP Security Team’s first-line of crisis response in the sub-region.

Will dedicate up to a maximum of 20% of his/her time and effort to the UNDP security tasks of the duty station CO. See FSA tasks below.

Summary of Key FSA Functions to Be Performed at the Duty Station:

• 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;
• Ensuring that 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 established by DSS.

Tasks and Activities

• At Headquarters level, UNDP BOM/Security Team (ST) will, through the RSA Africa, provide policy and technical advice to the UNDP SRSA EA regarding the safety and security of UNDP staff, eligible dependants, property and operations within the context of UNDP’s development role, while dovetailing with and respecting DSS’s mandate and role, and working within the UN and UNDP security policy and framework.
• At the field level, the SRSA EA is accountable to the UNDP Country Director for UNDP security support and implementation. The SRSA EA works under the direction of and in close collaboration with DSS regarding the implementation of UN security policy and the country specific security plan. The SRSA EA performs the following in support of and on behalf of the UNDP Country Director:

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.
• Assist/provide inputs to DSS, in preparing a comprehensive threat and risk assessment of the country to include all locations where UNDP staff, dependants and equipment are present.

Formulation of the Security Plan

• Formulate a security plan for UNDP CO.
• Provide inputs and assist DSS establishing, maintaining and updating the country specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with the UN Field Security Handbook (FSH).

Programming

• Advising the DRR (P) regarding the inclusion of security as a factor in the Country Programme Document.
• Advising the DRR (P), programme managers and CTA’s to mainstream security in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• To review the impact of security factors on UNDP programme designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that programmes might have on stability and security (both positive and negative), making recommendations, including to BOM and RSA Africa regarding possible UNDP support needs and improvements.

Security Plan and Minimum Operating Security Standards

• Work closely with DSS, to ensure that UNDP procedures conform to the UN security framework.
• See to it that all UNDP personnel are included in the Security Plan of the respective duty stations, (including UNDP sub offices) being prepared by DSS.
• Update the UNDP component within the country-specific security plan and contingency plans in accordance with UNDSS
• Train UNDP wardens and follow up on their specific needs accordingly for both international and national staff.
• Ensure a functional emergency business continuity plan for the CO, in accordance with the UN CT business continuity plan.
• Take necessary action to secure security clearances for all UNDP staff traveling in security phase areas.
• Ensure that UNDP personnel and equipment are MOSS compliant.
• Ensure that staff members are provided with; and proficient in the use of, safety equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
• Establish internal communication systems and ensure UNDP communications are integrated into the appropriate UN Security Communications System.
• Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.)
• 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 DSS 24-hour response to all security related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents.
• In coordination with DSS, ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.

Sharing of Information

• Provide timely and accurate security advice to the UNDP CO Management, CTA’s, project managers and visiting consultants.
• Immediately report all security – related incidents involving UNDP staff and eligible dependents to the Country Director, DRR (O) and DSS.
• Ensure that UNDP programme staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security related information generated by DSS.
• Maintain updated UNDP staff lists, including details of visiting missions and consultants.
• In coordination with DSS, 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 DSS, conduct investigations of death of a staff/family member under suspicious and unclear circumstances.
• Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts.

Office and Residential Security

• Conduct periodic appropriate security assessments of UNDP premises and equipment and advice on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions.
• Assist UNDP in developing and implementing office security requirements for regional offices and offices of UNDP-implemented projects.
• Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for UNDP regional and project offices based on the security phase.
• 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.
• Coordinate the establishment of the UN House system in all duty stations and project locations, from a security point of view

Resource Mobilization
The UNDP SRSA EA is expected to provide the following inputs:

• Ensure that the security cost of doing business is included in all appeals and project descriptions.
• Participate in the drafting of CAP, to be presented to donors for the continuation of security support.
• Coordinate with programme staff, to inter-act with donors in their programme development activities.
• Provide inputs for “mid-term” reviews.
• Provide inputs to donor reports.

General

• In terms of functional matters related to UNDP security, the SRSA EA will report to the UNDP Security Team through the Regional Security Advisor
• The SRSA EA will, in consultation with the Country Director, respond to all requests from the DO/DSS, to perform UN system related security tasks.
• Any other security related tasks assigned by RBA, the UNDP Resident Representative and Country Director.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Masters degree in management, international politics, development and security studies or equivalent (such as senior military command and staff course)
• Formal training in security risk management

Technical Experience

• In-dept knowledge of security management and risk management practice
• Knowledge of UNDP business, operations and programme cycle
• Knowledge of UNDP Regional Bureau and Country Office structure, roles and responsibilities of Resident Coordinators, Resident Representatives and Designated Officials (DO), Security Management Team and UNDSS
• Familiarity with up-to-date ICT connectivity technology.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of appropriate security and development-related experience of which a minimum of three to six years security management experience at the middle management level

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English

How to apply:

visit UNDP site and apply.....