Head, Security Unit

Introduction

The position is located in the Security Unit (SECURITY) within the Internal Services and Administration Department (INTSERV). INTSERV is responsible for the general management of facilities, environmental sustainability; safety and security; logistics and services, including printing, publishing and distribution, mail handling, diplomatic privileges. 

The position will be responsible for leading and managing the SECURITY Unit and for the worldwide coordination of all aspects regarding safety and security of ILO personnel, programmes, premises and assets. The portfolio of ILO offices consists of the headquarters building in Geneva, and approximately 69 locations outside Geneva and around 171 project Offices. The position will serve as the principal security advisor to Senior Management and the Department Director on security risk management, including security risk analysis, risk mitigation, emergency planning and security related crisis management. 

The position will report to the Chief of Project and Resilience Management, INTSERV. 

Specific Duties

1.    Prepare conceptual, policy and strategy papers for senior management in conformity with the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) policies and refine and implement a global security strategy and action plan aiming at establishing and maintaining a robust and cohesive risk-based security management system and a sustainable security culture in the ILO.  Oversee the implementation of the Security Risk Management Process and provide expert technical advice to senior management on safety and security for headquarters and field locations, emergency preparedness, crisis management. Prepare and update internal governance documents, security plans and security notices for headquarters and field offices. 

2.    Plan, manage and coordinate the work of the SECURITY unit. Establish priorities, develop workplans, assign performance parameters and monitor progress against these parameters. Provide guidance, feedback and coaching to staff. Oversee complex security related projects, prioritize work to meet deadlines and follow defined processes, policies, procedures and guidance, foster alignment, and collaboration with colleagues and across the Organization. 

3.    Guide the development and implementation of the procedural and human resources components complementing the physical security and technological components as defined in the new security concept for headquarters and ensure an integrated security system. Ensure that security and safety of headquarters premises, staff, visitors, and events are compliant with the required UNSMS standards in the most effective and efficient manner.  

4.    Manage and monitor the effective and efficient use of resources and assets allocated to the SECURITY Unit and advise on minimum security resource requirements for field locations and programmes.  Determine staffing requirements, equipment and security tools and systems and review funding requests for security requirements. 

5.    Lead the development and maintenance of security and emergency plans for headquarters; monitor and report on the situation in field and project offices and initiate appropriate action.  
    
6.    Supervise and guide the work of the field security officers. Ensure timely delivery of security appraisals for development cooperation projects, the timely implementation of Security Risk Assessments and security advice and the coordination with regional and country security focal points, regional directors, country directors and programme managers. Implement the assessment and monitoring of the ILO security measures in field and project offices, the level of compliance with UNSMS policy provisions and with the measures as defined in the local Security Risk Management and Residential Security Risk Management.      

7.    Monitor the proper registration of all security incidents in an ILO database and the United Nations Safety and Security Incident Recording System (UN SSIRS). Provide regular reporting and ensure follow-up of the reported incident and the provisioning of appropriate support and services that may be required. 

8.    Monitor developments globally and report on those that may impact the security of ILO staff and programme delivery. Manage security-related aspects in emergency and crisis situations and provide timely information, analysis and advice related to the security of staff and impact on programme implementation to enable senior management to take timely decisions.  Participate in the ILO’s Country Crisis Cell meetings and provide its members with regular security updates. Participate in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) crisis and emergency coordination when required.  

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9.    Develop, implement and maintain a staff security training strategy that increases skills, security awareness and security knowledge of all personnel across the Organization. Collaborate with the UNDSS Training and Development Section and with other UNSMS organisations on the planning and organisation of trainings. 

10.    Collaborate as the owner of the core element “safety and security of personnel, premises and assets” on the implementation of the UN Organisational Resilience Management System policy in the ILO with the various stakeholders responsible for other core elements.  Support the Chief of Project and Resilience Management in implementing ILO’s Organizational Resilience Management System (ORMS).

11.    Collaborate with headquarters and the field on the development and implementation of office-wide security related policies and procedures and with heads of units in the INTSERV Department and other relevant departments on headquarters specific procedures and projects.   

12.    Collaborate and coordinate with UNDSS other UNSMS entities and security representatives as appropriate to establish efficient collaboration and channels for the collection and analysis of security information, intelligence and threat analysis. Act as the Security Focal Point of the ILO as defined in the UN Framework of Accountability and represent the ILO in the Inter Agency Security Management Network.    

13.    Ensure that security analysis and recommended measures for implementation take into consideration gender equality and non-discrimination in performing duties.

14.    Perform other relevant duties as required

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, business or public administration, law, disaster or emergency management, sciences, law enforcement, security management or a related field. The United Nations or other formal training in security risk management.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Possession of an UNDSS certification “Security Certification Programme” is an asset. 

Experience

At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in security risk management, emergency and disaster preparedness or law enforcement or military service, including at the international level. Experience in the implementation of security strategies and plans and demonstrated experience in providing security services alongside other staff and support services in an integrated and coordinated manner.  Experience in the design and implementation of security strategies and plans.  At least five years of managerial responsibility. Relevant experience in the UN system is a distinct advantage. Relevant work experience in or concerning several geographic regions. At least three years of field experience within the UN Common System or similar international, governmental, or non-governmental organization within security or related area is desirable. 

Languages

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of French. Knowledge of Spanish is considered an asset.  

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical Competencies

Excellent knowledge of security risk management methodology and tools, including security risk analysis. Knowledge of physical security systems and technologies and management of security operations.  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing on complex and technical subjects in a clear and structured manner.  Ability to integrate gender and diversity considerations in security planning and operations.   Excellent project management skills. Strong analytical skills, decision making and problem-solving skills. Ability to identify priority activities and assignments, to adjust priorities as required, to foresee risks and plan for contingencies.  Ability to develop and manage a strategic direction and transform it into a results-oriented work programme. Demonstrated ability to manage problems or programmes.  Knowledge of UN security management policies, procedures and regulations would be considered an asset.  

Excellent skills in programme development, execution, monitoring and evaluation. Proven skills and ability in advising and guiding staff on policies, procedures and practices. Demonstrated skills and ability in coordinating activities and formulating guidelines and policies. Excellent writing skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Negotiation skills. Computer skills.  Excellent supervisory, organizational and management skills. Tact and persuasiveness in dealing with people. 

    
Behavioural Competencies
High standard of integrity. Strong leadership skills. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, including self-awareness and contextual intelligence. Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships and working relations. Communicate effectively and appropriately with staff, management and external stakeholders. Role models effective client-oriented behaviour; positively promotes the need to respect clients and work in a client-centric manner. Shows persistence when faced with difficult situations or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations.  Actively promotes collaboration and fosters teamwork and communication within the Unit/Department and with other departments at headquarters and with field and project offices. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.