Fire Safety Assistant

Background

Office/Unit/Project Description 

This position is located in the UNDSS office in Erbil/ Iraq, locally administered by the UNDP. 

The Fire Safety Assistant will be performing variety of tasks while ensuring Safe and Secure environment for UN Premises personnel and assets. Fire Safety Assistant duties are performed in eight (8) hours five days per week, and may require rotating shifts with other Security Guard Unit functions at discretion of supervisors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work 

Administrative Support:

• Assist with data consolidation and dissemination of relevant security information required for the analysis of the security situation by the GU Supervisor;
• Maintain productive and efficient liaison and cooperation with authorities of host government fire, disaster relief and emergency services (Civil Defense):
• Ensure effective management of a 24/7 Fire Service capable of controlling fire incidents, vehicle accidents, HAZMAT spills and other emergency situations.
• Provide supervision and coordination as per the respective facilities Fire Safety Plan.
• Coordinates with mission's facilities personnel, host country authorities and organization management on fire safety issues.
• Assist in drafting specifications for all equipment and devices, including FDAS and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as: protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA incl. filling compressors), fire extinguishers, hoses and nozzles, portable, immobile, and fixed pumps, rescue equipment, etc. and provides for the maintenance of their continuous full state of readiness.
• Assist in planning static installations and systems such as: FDAS, over standpipes, water supply, extinguishing systems, spill basins, construction components (partition), lightning protection, explosion proof installations, smoke extraction systems, public address systems, etc., and drafts corresponding concepts.
• Engage in fire/emergency intervention in a supervisory position, as and when required and as set forth in the Fire Safety Plan.
• Ensure that a competent certified entity conducts periodic inspection and maintenance of fire safety and fire suppression devices, systems and installations and maintains corresponding records.

 Fire Preventions and Safety Compliance:

• Conduct regular fire risk assessments and fire safety inspections; reports all shortcomings and makes recommendations aimed at the rectification of shortcomings and the elimination of potential hazards in order to meet applicable fire safety standards.
• Perform other fire safety and/or emergency response related duties as directed, such as frequent interaction with UN personnel in the compound, project personnel, Security personnel, Fire Safety Officers in other UN bodies, Local fire safety and emergency service officials and Fire safety officers of other national and international organizations

Training and Awareness:

• Assist in drafting the Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Evacuation Plan, coordinates Fire drills and training sessions.
• Conduct fire safety training (basic, advanced and for fire fighters/responders) for UN Systems personnel as part of the Fire Safety Plan.
• Plan and supervise fire drill rehearsals at least twice a year.

Fire Equipment Maintenance:

• Maintain and supervises a functional Fire Warden System.
• Conduct technical assessments/evaluations of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS)

The incumbent shall perform other duties within their functional profile, as deemed necessary, for the efficient functioning of the of the Office, Organization and the Guard Unit (GU). 

 Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Security Guard Unit Supervisor, the Fire Safety Assistant will be responsible for the above mentioned tasks.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required.
• University Degree (bachelor´s degree) in  Fire Safety or a related degree (Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering), or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in fire safety, emergency response, or relevant field is required.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, Power BI and other computer based, web and smartphone applications.
• Prior relevant working experience within the UN system, an international organization or an international NGO in a fire safety supervisory position.
• Knowledge of fire safety regulations, fire detection and suppression systems, and emergency procedures. 
• Experience in coordinating with host government fire department, drafting Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Evacuation Plan.
• Experience in conducting fire risk assessments and fire safety inspections, and coordination/facilitation of basic fire prevention training, 
• Experience in providing fire safety trainings both to fire fighters and public.
• Specialized experience and substantive specialized training in fire safety.
• Experience in engaging with stakeholders.
• Ability to perform physical tasks

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English and Kurdish or Arabic is required. 

Professional Certificates:

• Relevant technical or vocational certificate in areas such as fire safety, fire protection, security and information security is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.