Local Security Assistant (LSA), Mekelle, Ethiopia, Closing date: Sunday, 28 June 2015

• Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
• Country: Ethiopia
• Field location: Mekelle, Ethiopia

Mekelle, Ethiopia

Local Security Assistant (LSA)
Location : Mekelle, ETHIOPIA
Application Deadline : 28-Jun-15
Type of Contract : Service Contract
Post Level : SB-3
Languages Required : English
Duration of Initial Contract : 12 Months with a possibilty of extension
Background
UNDSS Security Advisers are authorized to recruit locally recruited nationals to support the SA office. The Local Security Assistant (LSA) works under the direction supervision of the SA at the duty station and concurrently reports to the Area Security Coordinator (ASC) and Field Security Coordination Officer (FSCO) as applicable.

To provide increased security support to countries without a fulltime SA, UNDSS reallocated a limited number of UNDSS authorized LSA positions to selected countries that do not have a fulltime SA, but nevertheless require additional assistance. In these instances, the LSA works under the direct supervision of the Country Security Focal Point.
It is important to note that the LSA is a local assistant who must always work under the direct supervision of and be accountable to either the SA and concurrently to the ASC.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions

• Liaising and coordinating with the local government security organizations;
• Maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists;
• Maintaining Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) for equipment;
• Assessing the security situation at the duty station;
• Identifying Emergency Communications equipment needs (MISTS);
• Conducting security evaluations and providing advice on security measures for the residences of UN staff and UN offices;
• Organizing training courses on security issues/awareness and preparedness;
• Other security tasks assigned by the SA/ASC/FSCO.

Duties and responsibilities
1. Assists the CSA/SA/FSCO in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in the country

• Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate, with the host government security organizations and/or personnel, including national and local provincial authorities, military, and police officers, as well as non-governmental organizations and other non-State actors in the area of operation;
• Helps to assess the security situation at the duty station and ensures adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation by the CSA/SA/FSCO;
• Communicates information on security to the heads of United Nations agencies and provides host country security advice to UNDSS in the absence of the SA, as required;
• Maintains regular contacts with Security Focal Points of UN agencies;
• May be requested to provide technical assistance at SMT meetings, in the absence of the CSA/SA/FSCO.

2. Assists in maintaining the Security Plan, including updating staff lists

• Helps in the preparation and review of the UN Security Plan;
• Supports actions during the implementation of the Security Plan, as required.

3. Assists the CSA/SA/FSCO in monitoring compliance with Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) established for the duty station. Also assists with the compilation of data required for the MOSS Self-Assessment Programme.
4. Assists in reporting security incidents affecting UN staff, offices and assets, and assists in the preparation of security reports, such as the Security Incident Report, the Security Assessments and the Quarterly Incident Report.
5. Provides support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members. Conducts security briefings, as required.
6. Performs other security-related tasks assigned by the CSA/SA/FSCO

• Conducts security evaluations and provides advice on security measures for the residences (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards - MORSS) of UN staff, as well as on latest trends and threats to staff safety and security;
• Establishes and maintains warden system and keeps update of information related to UN offices and residences;
• Administers a pass and ID system;
• Maintains liaison with commercial companies used for UN security at offices and residences, in order to ensure the effective and efficient use of the guard force.

Competencies
Commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization's core values - Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity
Planning and Organizing: Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor his/her own work plan with minimum supervision. Ability to work under pressure or in crisis situations. Availability to travel within the area of responsibility.
Creativity: Ability to actively seek to improve services, offer new and different options to solve problems/meet client needs, and promote and persuade others to consider new ideas
Teamwork: Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to listen and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
Communication: Proven and sustained communication (verbal and written) skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Diploma in law enforcement, security or social sciences. Substantial relevant practical experience in security or law enforcement required, preferably with a portion in the international context.
Demonstrated abilities in the areas of security and safety required. Ability to assess security plans and practices, propose options, and make recommendations for improvement. Proficiency in computer systems, including word processing and Internet required. Proven abilities to prepare written reports in a clear, concise and compelling manner; and communicate orally in an effective manner.
Applicants must possess a valid Ethiopian driver's license and know how to drive.
Experience
Four years of progressively responsible experience in the field with the UN, international institute, police or military. Experience in the UN or international institute an advantage.
Language Requirements
Fluency in the UN language and knowledge of the local language of the duty station is necessary. For this particular position, Tigrigna language is necessary.
Other Skills and Requirements

• Knowledge of HF and VHF radio operation;
• Knowledge of host country safety codes;
• Solid computers skills (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);
• Possession of a valid driver's license;
• Ability to travel;
• Physically fit.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.