Security Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which operates under the United Nations Department of Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (UNDSS). The UNDSS is tasked with providing leadership, operational support, and oversight of the security management system to ensure the safe and efficient conduct of security programs and activities across the United Nations System. The organization is committed to maintaining a secure environment for UN personnel and operations, particularly in challenging contexts such as Somalia, where security risks are prevalent. The UNSOS plays a crucial role in supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in the region.

Job Overview:
The Security Coordination Officer is responsible for overseeing the preparation and implementation of security plans for the Mission. This includes reviewing and monitoring all aspects related to the development and updating of security plans, advising the Head of Mission on security-related matters, and participating in policy discussions. The officer will establish communication lines with security focal points and other agencies involved in peacekeeping to ensure effective security coordination. The role requires maintaining awareness of local security conditions, identifying threats, and advising UN staff on preventative measures. The officer will also be responsible for establishing evacuation capabilities, monitoring physical security measures, evaluating fire safety measures, and providing training on residential security. The position demands a proactive approach to security management, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect UN personnel and assets in a complex and often dangerous environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Security Coordination Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including: reviewing and monitoring security plans, advising the Head of Mission on security matters, establishing communication with security focal points, serving on security management teams, maintaining awareness of local security conditions, establishing evacuation capabilities, monitoring physical security measures, evaluating fire safety measures, providing training on residential security, establishing dialogue with local authorities for disaster coordination, ensuring emergency communications are functional, supervising investigations of security incidents, managing guard forces, arranging protection details for senior personnel, and conducting security training. The officer will also perform other duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to the evolving security landscape.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in security management, with a solid understanding of military, police, or security specialization. They should demonstrate the ability to manage security challenges in post-conflict environments and effectively oversee multiple security units. Professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize effectively are essential. The officer should also be motivated by professional concerns, show persistence in problem-solving, and remain calm under stress. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, business administration, political/social/military science, or international relations with a focus on security management is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in military, police, or security management may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A diploma from a police or military academy may also be considered equivalent, provided it is combined with four additional years of qualifying experience in military, police, or security management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in military, police, or security management, with at least five years in security operations or administration within a military, police, or security organization. At least one year of international experience is required, along with two years of experience managing diverse military, police, or security units in conflict or post-conflict environments. Experience in Africa with the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable, as is knowledge and experience in administration and contract management.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, but proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in a challenging and dynamic environment. The UNSOS is committed to recruiting internationally, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UN standards, and the role may involve a contract duration that reflects the needs of the mission and the security situation in Somalia.