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. The Department has embarked on a series of reforms to reconceptualize security as an enabler of UN programmes within acceptable risk. New strategic initiatives focus on improving the quality of evidence-based planning and foresight scenarios required to strengthen UN programmatic delivery in the field and ensure the Department’s preparedness and operational resilience in complex emergencies and deteriorating security situations. This role provides is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and changing organization. This position is located in the Operational Resilience Section (ORS), under the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, based in New York. The Senior Programme Management Officer will coordinate and manage the overall implementation of the strategic initiatives. S/he will report to the Chief of Staff. 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/ PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.1(B) OF ST/AI/2025/2 ON THE "STAFF SELECTION SYSTEM," ONLY A CANDIDATE ENDORSED BY THE CENTRAL REVIEW BODY, APPROVED FOR SELECTION BY THE HEAD OF ENTITY, AND WHO ASSUMES THE POSITION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ROSTER.

Within delegated authority, the Senior Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties: •Operationalize strategic plans through oversight, coordination, implementation and monitoring of activities intended to meet the urgent needs and enable UN delivery in changing security contexts, including: develop appropriate strategies for achieving goals; develop concrete detailed project plans for the strategic initiatives, and manage progress and reporting against the plan in line with UN Secretariat rules and regulations. •Reviews critical activities and systems of selected UNDSS field locations against the Results Chain and support strengthening of foresight scenarios and contingency planning. Lead field missions, including the provision of support and guidance to Principal/Chief/Security Advisors •Develop the ability for the Department to anticipate needs and support readiness for increased operational tempo through effective quality assurance so that programme and security results are achieved. •Ensure close engagement across the Department, with other UN Secretariat entities, Agencies, Funds and Programmes, as well as Member States on strategic innovation. •Support innovation through partnerships, including engagement with the Standby Partnership mechanism to leverage cross-cutting technology and subject matter expertise to improve UNDSS preparedness and response. •Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines into strategic initiatives by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. •Directs research, lessons learned, and best practice initiatives with regards to strategic initiatives and presents information gathered from diverse sources. •Coordinates policy development for the new strategic initiatives; manage a rectification programme to create and proliferate global UNDSS standards; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies, •Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. donor reports, background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. •Manages and directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, workshops, seminars, , etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. Designs and conducts training workshops on security risk management, scenario planning, Results Chain, and security integration into the country plans. •Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials and stakeholders at all levels inside and outside the organization on strategic initiatives. •Performs other duties, as assigned.

•Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Strong people and partnership management skills. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to security. Excellent drafting skills in English and strong attention to detail. Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues, staff members and stakeholders. 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. •Planning and 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. •Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. •Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. •Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, management, law, humanities, social sciences or a related field. A first-level university degree in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, international security, diplomacy, development, conflict resolution, law, humanitarian affairs, or related field, at least five of which must be at the international level is required. Experience in security-related programme management, with inter-agency groups, is required. Experience providing strategic advice and direct support to a senior UN or other public official in relation to international humanitarian, development, human rights, or peace and security programmes is required. At least five years of management experience in the UN system or a comparable international organization including effective and inclusive management in a multi-cultural setting and of cross-functional teams is required. Specialized experience in the development and use of security risk management tools and analysis is required. Experience in planning and development and/or implementation of strategic innovation related to operations impacted by insecurity in a large international organization is desirable. At least three years of field experience in the past ten years working within the UN Common System or comparable international organization or nongovernmental organization in a conflict, post-conflict or natural disaster setting is desirable.

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

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

•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. •For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 November 2025, are strongly encouraged to apply: Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Andorra, Angola, Belize, China, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America. •The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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. •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. •An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. •Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter. •Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. •At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. •Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. •The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2025/2 on the "Staff Selection System" and include the compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuance governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English.

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.