Close Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO was established to support the Congolese government in maintaining peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in the region. The mission aims to protect civilians, support the stabilization process, and assist in the implementation of the peace agreement. MONUSCO operates in various regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, employing thousands of personnel from different countries to fulfill its mandate. The organization is committed to upholding human rights and promoting gender equality within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Close Protection Officer position is critical for ensuring the safety and security of Senior UN Officials in high-risk environments. The role involves conducting close protection operations, maintaining vigilance, and implementing security measures to mitigate potential threats. Officers will work under the supervision of the Close Protection Team Leader and are expected to coordinate with local authorities and other security organizations. The position requires a proactive approach to security, including conducting advance work and ensuring the operational readiness of close protection equipment. Officers will also assist in training sessions and contribute to pre-deployment briefings, ensuring they are well-prepared for their duties. This role is essential for maintaining the safety of UN personnel and requires a high level of professionalism and commitment to security protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Close Protection Officers will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting close protection operations for Senior UN Officials, remaining in close proximity to ensure their safety, implementing security measures, maintaining effective security coverage for official residences, coordinating with local authorities, conducting advance work, and ensuring the operational readiness of close protection equipment. Officers will also assist in training sessions, supervise drivers and local security assistants, and perform any other duties as required. The role demands constant vigilance and the ability to respond effectively to potential threats, ensuring the safety of UN personnel at all times.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent technical or vocational certificate. Relevant training in the UNDSS Revised Close Protection Officers Course (RCPOC) or Close Protection Officers Course (CPOC) is mandatory. Additional qualifications such as completion of international or national close protection training and UNDSS Emergency Trauma Bag certification are desirable. Paramedical or emergency medical training is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of security policies and procedures, particularly those relevant to the mission area.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a high school diploma or an equivalent technical or vocational certificate. Candidates with additional qualifications in security training or emergency medical training will have an advantage. Relevant certifications in close protection training are essential for this role, reflecting the specialized nature of the work involved in ensuring the safety of UN officials.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least six years of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private, or international security organization. This experience should include at least one year at the international level in a conflict or high-risk duty station. Knowledge of close protection operations in high-risk environments is crucial, along with experience in static and mobile protection, command post operations, and response techniques. Experience in conducting close protection training is also desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's capability to lead and instruct others in security protocols.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both English and French, as per the UN Language Framework. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the UN and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a roster recruitment process, meaning it is only open to candidates who are already on pre-approved rosters. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal based on the availability of the post and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions as needed. The UN maintains a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.