SECURITY INFORMATION ANALYST
Istanbul
- Organization: UNDSS - United Nations Department of Safety and Security
- Location: Istanbul
- Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
-
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Security and Safety
- Closing Date: 2025-09-29
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for 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 position is in the newly established Roving Field Support Unit of the Emergency Response Team, under the Division of Field Operations, based in Istanbul, Turkey, and reports to the Head of the Emergency Response Team. This duty station has been designated by the International Civil Service Commission as an "A" hardship and a family duty station. The Roving Field Support Unit provides immediate surge support, strengthening the Department’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging, unforeseen, or urgent security capacity needs. When deployed, members of the Unit are required to carry out the responsibilities outlined in the surge Terms of Reference (ToR) and to operate under the direction of the Principal/Chief/Security Adviser (P/C/SA) for the period of the surge assignment. The Security Information Analyst will be responsible for the management of information relevant to security, including collection, collation, analysis and dissemination, to be used as a decision-making and planning tool by the UN Designated Official and Security Management Team to enhance the safety and security of UN personnel, assets and operations. The Security Information Analyst will maintain security information awareness of all aspects which could potentially affect the safety and security of the UN, including up-to-date knowledge of events relating to the security environment through monitoring of security incidents, daily situation reports, local media and other open sources, and the cultivation of an information gathering and sharing network in accordance with policy and guidelines. The incumbent will be required to extensively travel to the field to support UNDSS response to emergencies and protracted crises. Deployments will typically last for three months, with incumbent expected to deploy on average three times per year. 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 delegated authority, the Security Information Analyst may be responsible for the following duties, including when deployed as part of the Roving Field Support Unit: •Advises the CSA/CSO/SA or equivalent on threats affecting the United Nations contextualized to the deployment context. •When assigned during deployments, supervises the Security Information and Operations Centre or similar entity. •Identifies and coordinates security information requirements, collection, collation and dissemination of security threat information in the deployment context. •Analyzes security information, identifies trends of threats and security incidents affecting United Nations system personnel, assets and operations tailored to the deployment context. •Develops trend analysis, gathers comprehensive information on all factors of insecurity, determines the relevance and validity of security information and the reliability of information resources; maintains situational awareness by monitoring incidents, open sources, reports, and cultivating information networks, tailored to the specific context, when deployed and during off-deployment periods. •Assists in the development of specific security risk assessments, and scenario planning, offering evidence-based recommendations for UN programmes and activities in countries and regions, or in preparation of rapid threat and risk assessments tailored to the deployment context. •Develops corresponding security advisories and recommendations on security operating procedures tailored to the deployment context; Ensures timely dissemination of security threat information to mission leadership and Security Personnel. •Develops country-wide security risk analyses, briefing materials and presentations to on security matters tailored to the deployment context. •Tailored to the deployment context, conducts and coordinates research on specific threat factors, support activities of the Crisis Management Team in response to specific security incidents. •Establishes effective communication channels, fosters trust and networks with security authorities of host countries, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, partners, and other interlocutors. •Develops reports on analyses of security incidents affecting United Nations system personnel, assets and operations tailored to the specific context, when deployed and during off-deployment periods. •Develops regional threat assessments with UNDSS field offices in neighboring countries tailored to the specific context, when deployed and during off-deployment periods. •When assigned during deployments, supervises the activities of the Security Information Analysts (if available) in the SIOC as well as any national staff assigned to the information cell. •Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting, when deployed and during off-deployment periods to support emergency response. •When deployed as part of the Roving Field Support Unit and Emergency Response Team reserve, serves as a second wave of emergency response support to ensure continuity, sequencing, and handover in crisis contexts, including supports the operationalization of emergency mechanisms. Produces analytical products, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations; providing context-specific, conflict-sensitive analysis to inform operational security decisions and support real-time adaptation of UN responses; identifying and mapping strategic access points for humanitarian operations; establishing collaborative security information-sharing processes for the UN and SLT partners; and preparing and delivering security briefings to relevant forums. •Drafts after-action reports following each deployment or emergency response, identifying gaps, highlighting good practices, and contributing to the UNDSS knowledge base for continuous improvement. •Supports readiness initiatives for UNDSS countries on the watchlist during off-deployment periods, in coordination with the ERT; contributes to anticipatory action and early warning efforts, advises on inclusive, data-informed security strategies, enhances operational readiness through collaboration with ORS on foresight and preparedness, and prioritizes sustained assistance to P/C/SAs to ensure security plans, SRMs, and contingency plans are complete and operational. •Performs other duties as directed by the Head of the Emergency Response Team.
Competencies
Professionalism: Excellent knowledge and understanding of methodologies for information collection, collation and analysis; ability to develop research projects and perform studies on practical security matters; knowledge of security management, combined with solid background (training, education and experience) in security information management; Ability to understand security threats and challenges in a conflict and post-conflict environment; 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. Always acts ethically and with integrity. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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. Judgment and Decision-making: Demonstrated sound judgment, ability to differentiate assumptions, inductions and deductions from conclusions and proven facts. Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, information management or business administration, law, political/social science, international relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Certification in the UN DSS Security Analysis Process and Practice (SAPP) course or equivalent Member State or INGO analytical training is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years with advanced university degree (nine years with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in security information analysis or political analysis, conflict prevention or resolution, peace and security, international relations, or related field is required. At least two years in the last five years working within the UN or similar international organization or nongovernmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict environment at the international level is required. Experience in political, security and regional analysis with expertise in scenario planning and trend analysis is required. Experience in substantive engagement, information-sharing and/or coordination and liaison with the international humanitarian organizations is desirable. Experience in contributing to the response in a crisis or emergency situation in the UN or similar international organization is desirable. Experience enabling or working in humanitarian programmes in complex crisis contexts is desirable. Experience in information management to support decisions, strategies and execution, especially in assessing and forecasting threats, mitigating measures, forward planning and crisis readiness is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French
or
Arabic
or
Chinese (Mandarin)
or
Russian
or
Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult
https://languages.un.org
for details).
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Required Languages
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Desirable Languages
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
French
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Arabic
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
Chinese (Mandarin)
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
Russian
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
Spanish
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
UN Level I
Assessment
Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.
Special Notice
The incumbent will be required to extensively travel to the field, possibly for extended periods of time, to support UNDSS response to emergencies. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 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. 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. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook
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.
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Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.