Close Protection Officer

Close Protection Officer

United Nations Secretariat

March 8, 2026March 16, 2026KinshasaDemocratic Congo
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which was established to support the Congolese government in maintaining peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in the region. MONUSCO operates in various capacities across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on protecting civilians, supporting the stabilization process, and assisting in the implementation of peace agreements. The mission employs thousands of personnel from various countries, reflecting a diverse workforce committed to international peacekeeping efforts.

Job Overview:
The Close Protection Officer position is critical within MONUSCO's Close Protection Unit, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of Senior UN Officials. The role requires constant vigilance and readiness to respond to potential threats, maintaining a secure environment for officials both in their offices and residences. Officers will work under the guidance of the Close Protection Coordinator and Team Leader, executing close protection operations in line with established security protocols. The position demands a proactive approach to security, including conducting advance work and coordinating with local authorities and other security entities. Officers are expected to be physically fit, emotionally stable, and capable of making sound judgments in high-pressure situations. This role not only involves direct protection duties but also includes training and supervising other security personnel, ensuring that all operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Close Protection Officer will be responsible for conducting close protection operations for Senior UN Officials, ensuring their safety at all times. Key responsibilities include:
  • Remaining in close proximity to Senior UN Officials and implementing security measures to mitigate risks.
  • Maintaining security coverage for the officials' offices and residences.
  • Conducting operations in accordance with the UNDSS Manual of Guidance.
  • Coordinating with relevant security organizations and local authorities during operations.
  • Performing advance work and implementing pre-established security arrangements.
  • Contributing to pre-deployment briefings and training sessions on close protection matters.
  • Operating and maintaining close protection equipment and logistics.
  • Supervising drivers and local security assistants as necessary.
  • Performing any other duties as required by the Close Protection Team Leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent technical or vocational certificate. Successful completion of the UNDSS Emergency Trauma Bag certification is desirable. Relevant training in the UNDSS Revised Close Protection Officers Course or Close Protection Officers Course is required. Additional qualifications in paramedical or emergency medical training are also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of internal security policies and procedures, particularly those relevant to the mission area, and possess the ability to gather information from various sources while applying good judgment in security contexts.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or an equivalent technical or vocational certificate. Additional certifications in close protection training and emergency medical training are highly regarded and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

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 essential, along with experience in static and mobile protection, command post operations, and conducting close protection training.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages according to the UN Language Framework. This proficiency is crucial for effective communication and coordination in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until June 30, 202
  • It is important to note that applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. The selection process for this temporary assignment will not affect the future incumbency of the post. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and only UN-recognized nationalities will be considered for eligibility. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.
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