UNICEF seek to recruit a staff security officer, P-4, Fixed Term Appointment, Khartoum, Sudan

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

 

For every child, www.unicef.org

Sudan, surrounded by the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and South Sudan, positioned next to East, West, South and North Africa, is surrounded by complex conflicts in an unpredictable, volatile and rapidly evolving region. Sudan is by size the third biggest country in Africa, with a diverse population of around 42 million people. Sudan’s children make up half of the total population, and the past two decades have seen their lives significantly improve: fewer girls and boys are dying before their fifth birthday, primary school attendance is increasing, immunization coverage is high and the country remains polio free. Still, millions of children continue to suffer from protracted conflict in Darfur, the Kordofans, and Blue Nile, from seasonal natural disasters, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, and from under-investment in basic social services. More than three million of Sudan’s school aged children are not in the classroom. UNICEF has been in Sudan since 1952 and continues with a presence in 12 of Sudan’s 18 states.

 

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of the post

Under the guidance of the Representative, responsible for security issues regarding UNICEF staff members and their eligible family members and property :

• Provide weekly assessments of the security situation in Sudan in general and in Khartoum in particular and inform the UNICEF Regional Security Advisor for MENA about those security issues that most affect UNICEF ;
• Identify and report potential security hazards to the UNICEF Representative, UNICEF Operations Officer, UN FSO and Regional Security Advisor MENA and OPSCEN. Assess the nature, degree and likelihood of threats to UNICEF interest (personnel, facilities and other assets) and determine the vulnerabilities of UNICEF interest to those threats ;
• In coordination with the UN Field Security Officer(s) and accompanied by the gendarmes from the Interagency Gendarmerie Rapid Response Team, liaise with local security forces at the scene of emergencies incidences involving UNICEF staff and/or property. A quick response can be critical for international staff members, especially, as they can have languages difficulties and/or be unfamiliar with local laws and customs. UNICEF, as a UN Agency concerned with child rights and non-violence, is adamant that its Khartoum Security Advisor be unarmed. The primary responsibility for safeguarding UN personnel and property will continue to rest with the local Sudanese security forces ;
• With the knowledge of the Representative, develop goof contacts with Sudan Security Forces, Non-governmental Organizations, other UN agencies, foreign embassies and any other organization or individual deemed appropriate and necessary to obtain he most timely and accurate information possible concerning security threats and preventative measures ;
• Supervise the UNICEF radio room and periodically assess the rationale of its existence with regard to security situation. Coordinate with the UN Communication and Security Cell. Ensure good state of repair of all UNICEF security and communications equipment ;
• Regularly test the Crisis Management Center to ensure its effectiveness. All deficiencies found should immediately be communicated to the Representative and Chief of Operations and action taken to address them in a timely manner. Ensure the necessary equipment for rapid activation and sustained operations for an emergency ;
• Develop detailed plans and procedures for handling emergency situations. Communicate to UNICEF staff the applicable procedures to employ during a crisis situation and “best” practices to be used for their own personal security ;
• Conduct security briefings for new staff and undertake appropriate emergency exercises (fire drills, communication tests, assembly rehearsals, etc.) ;
• In the unlikely event that is necessary to relocate UN staff within or outside of Khartoum, assist the Representative in taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of UNICEF national and international staff. In coordination with UNFSO ensure the proposed UN safe heaven is equipped as appropriate. It is not contemplated that national staff members would be relocate outside of Sudan.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences ;
• Training security issues or/and in army desirable ;
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in security issues ;
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset ;
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge Arabic language is an asset.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The competencies required for this post are….

View our competency framework at : http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks :

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.