Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for Da’esh / ISIL (UNITAD) and will be based in Baghdad, Iraq. The Close Protection Officer reports to the Chief Security Officer through the Close Protection Team leader.

UNITAD was established by the Secretary-General pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017), according to which it is mandated to support domestic efforts to hold ISIL (Da’esh) accountable by collecting, preserving and storing evidence in Iraq of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed by the terrorist group ISIL (Da’esh) in Iraq.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the general supervision of the Chief Security Officer (CSO), the Close Protection Officer at the FS-4 level will carry out the following duties: (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Close Protection Officers/Team Leaders at the FS-4 level)
•Conducts close protection operations for the Senior UN Official;
•Remains within the proximity of the Senior UN Official at all times and implements mitigating measures to preserve his/her security, safety and wellbeing;
•Remains vigilant and alert in case of threat to the Senior UN Official;
•Maintains effective and efficient security coverage for the working office and personal residence of the Senior UN Official;
•Conducts close protection operations and performs the Security Liaison Officer functions as outlined in the UN close protection policies and guidelines;
•Coordinates activities with relevant parties to include the Security Operations Unit and other appropriate security organizations as required;
•Co-ordinates with local authorities during close protection operations;
•Conducts advance work and implement pre-established security arrangements;
•Contributes to pre-deployment briefings;
•Operates all close protection equipment to ensure equipment readiness;
•Assists in training session on close protection subjects to keep abreast with current tactics and techniques;
•Whenever necessary, supervises the Close Protection Unit drivers in the performance of their assigned duties;
•Contributes to making determination of equipment, facility and supply needs based on operational requirements;
•Perform duties of witness/victim protection officer when directed by CSO.
•Perform any other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
•Close Protection and Security Officers in the mission and other UN agencies
•Staff in the Office of the Senior UN Official
•Staff in the Mission Support
•Representatives of mission military and police components
•Project Managers and other project personnel
•Local security officials
•Security officials of other national and international organizations

Results Expected:
•Professionally competent close protection operations within the mission, which meets the needs of Senior UN Official and the Close Protection Officer (Team Leader).
•To provide the proper implementation of the SOPs in accordance with the UN standards in close protection

Competencies

Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of close protection tactics and techniques combined with a solid background of military, police or security specialization; able to recognize and appropriately react to threats; ability to effectively deal with stress factor when encountered in close protection operations; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate
A valid driver’s license is required
UNDSS Close Protection Officer Certification (CPOC) is highly desirable (and will be expected for future advancement in this field)
Completion of an international, national or commercial close protection training is desirable
Recent (within two years) successful completion of an emergency trauma bag certification or equivalent of an first aid certification is desirable
High standard of physical fitness is desirable
Training in martial arts and/or specialised security practices is an asset.

Work Experience

A minimum of six years with high school diploma or equivalent of experience in the military, police or security management is required.
Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required.
At least one year experience and exposure at the international level and in a conflict or a post conflict environment is required.
Proficiency in the use of close protection weapons, communications, surveillance equipment, and vehicles is required.
Close protection of one or more principals; static and mobile protection; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; conduct of close protection training.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and in Arabic is required.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Priority consideration for vacancies at the FS-4 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive examination. 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.

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

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.

United Nations Considerations

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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

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.