UNDSS - Security Operations Centre (SOC) Assistant (Open to all applicants except non-nationals)

Background

The Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a cost-shared resource established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets and operations working for various organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS) within Zambia. Additionally, responsibilities can include maintaining administrative data supporting security communications, such as aggregating contact information for UNSMS personnel, offices, and emergency services.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the SOC Clerks. 
   •    Coordinate and guide SOC personnel on appropriate use of the SCS.  
   •    Coordinate the shift system to ensure effective coverage hours as defined in SRMM or as applicable, considering coverage during personnel absences or where additional support is required during an emergency. 
   •    In coordination with the most senior security professional, ensure SOC Assistants are trained and capable of delivering services at the expected level. Ensure regular refresher training is provided as and when required. This must also include SOPs and training components related to supporting gender-based security incidents, initial actions and response to same, and handling sensitive information cognizant of confidentiality requirements. 
   •    Monitor individual team members’ performance; provide guidance and instruction when required. 
   •    Monitor the usage of the SCS and ensure it is used according to established SOPs; report non-compliance in the usage of the SCS to the most senior security professional. 
2. Oversee daily operations 
   •    Coordinate the reception, transmission and relay of security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official (DO)/Senior Security Personnel, as applicable, via all identified means of communication to personnel. 
   •    Oversee the monitoring of the movement of field missions in accordance with the identified measures from the security risk management (SRM) process and appropriate local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
   •    Ensure all incoming/outgoing information messages to concerned UN personnel/entities are registered, timely distributed and logged appropriately. 
   •    Coordinate the undertaking of personnel headcount and communications checks in accordance with instructions from the DO/Senior Security Professional, as applicable, or an established SOP in a timely and accurate manner. 
   •    Supervise the SOC personnel to direct UNSMS personnel to the nearest response team emergency services and support structures of the host government and local authorities during security or safety incidents. 
   •    Ensure that the SOC notifies the respective UNSMS organization or NGO security focal point when their personnel are involved in a security or safety incident.  
   •    Responsible for daily routine service checks of all equipment maintained by the SOC and logging the serviceability status; report any problem observed to the appropriate authority and notify affected users in a timely manner.  
   •    Ensure that a current /updated UN warden list is provided to the SOC.  
   •    Ensure availability of the current contact details of the response team emergency services and support structures of host government and local authorities, working closely with the senior security professional to maintain accurate and up-to-date information.  
   •    Ensure that actions and communications undertaken to support security or safety incidents, or any other critical communications, are recorded and logged.  
   •    Review SOC SOPs, as appropriate.  
   •    Train and inform SOC personnel on the latest version of the SOC SOP.  
   •    Monitor the adequate implementation of the SOPs by SOC personnel.
3. Provide Technical Telecommunications support and advice
   •    Technical programming of UN radios on the communications channels.
   •    Periodically provide regular Technical maintenance of repeaters, radios and equipment.
   •    In coordination with the SA and FSA transmits security information to update UN staff in the field on the development of the current security/emergency situation in the areas where they operate
4. Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing
   •    Conduct communication training and briefings to staff increasing their communication and/or telecommunication awareness and ability to operate more efficiently.
   •    Circulates new communication and/or telecommunication policies and procedures to staff ensuring they comply with the UNDP rules and regulations
   •    Shares information creating a telecommunication and ECS network with other UN agencies, INGO/NGO partners and governmental security partners to ensure an accurate flow of information.
5. Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the Senior Security Professional/ Field Security Associate
   •    Provides support in conducting security evaluations and provides advice on Residential Security Measures of UN personnel, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security.
   •    Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences.
   •    Administers a pass and ID system.
   •    Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences, in order to ensure the effective and efficient use of the guard force.
   •    Support the Senior Security Professional Security Planning and Security Risk Assesemets.
    

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning 
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously 
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships 
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making  
   

Business Direction & Strategy    - Strategic Thinking

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions
• Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP

Business Direction & Strategy   - Effective Decision Making 

• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority area of expertise and resources

Business Development   - Integration within the UN 

• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Entrepreneurial Thinking

Security Services   - Security risk management 

• Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans

Security Services    Security advice, planning and coordination  

• Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

Security Services   - Security incident management & monitoring

• Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events

Security Services   - Security information management 

• Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Completion of secondary education required.  
• University degree (bachelor’s) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement
• Technical telecommunications and/or related disciplines (computer science, engineering) is desired

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with high school diploma) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in operational communications required
• Experience in computer skills and information management/processing;
• Experience with radio, satellite and web-based communications.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills/experience
• Prior working experience within the UN system, an international organization or an international NGO .
• Experience supervising small and medium-sized teams is required, including developing workplans, and providing feedback on performance for individual team members. .
• Possession of a valid Zambia’s driver's license and demonstrated ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle independently.
• Proven experience in interacting with a broad range of clients is required. 
• Solid experience in computer skills and information management/processing. 
• Demonstrated ability to deliver safety and security training as directed by the most senior security professional.
• Experience with radio, satellite and web-based communications.

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.

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