SECURITY COORDINATION OFFICER (PORT SUDAN) – OHCHR
Job Description
| Organization | Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights |
| Posting Title: | SECURITY COORDINATION OFFICER |
| Job Opening ID: | 255839 |
| Department/Office: | Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights |
| Duty Station: | PORT SUDAN |
| Posting Period: | Apr 4, 2025 |
| Deadline | May 3, 2025 |
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Sudan Country Office, based in Port Sudan. The Security Coordination Officer reports directly to the OHCHR Head of Office and to the Senior Security Manager in OHCHR Geneva through the Field Safety and Security Coordinator. Functional responsibility for security rests with the OHCHR Head of Office supported by the OHCHR Safety and Security Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Security Coordination Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews and monitors the situation in the country of assignment with specific regard as to how it relates or may have an impact on OHCHR operations in the country. • Advises the Head of Sudan Country Office with regard to all security and related matters and develops tactics, techniques and procedures in accordance with the provisions of the UN Security Management System for the safe conduct of OHCHR operations in the country of assignment. • Accompanies staff members to the field as a part of special activity such as monitoring missions, Commissions of Inquiry and Investigation missions. • Prepares draft of security plan for the Country Office and operations in the designated country, including all aspects related to elaboration, development, implementation and updating of the plan. • Maintains continuing lines of communication with security focal points and all other UN agencies involved in humanitarian and other missions to ensure maximum-security coordination. • Conducts regular Security Risk Assessments of field activity and analysis of the security situation in locations where OHCHR is or intends to operate to enable appropriate security responses with regard to safety and security of staff in coordination with UN DSS (United Nations Department of Safety and Security). • When requested by the Head of Sudan Country Office, participates in the United Nations Security Management Team, contributing to implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the security plan. • Assesses prevailing local security conditions, identifying security trends and advising OHCHR staff deployed in the country, project personnel and dependents on potential security risks, such as mines, kidnapping, armed attacks, arrest and detention. • Maintains an ongoing evaluation of air, land and sea evacuation routes and resources for use in emergencies, in coordination with UNDSSS, taking into account the availability of vehicles, aircraft, vessels, fuel supply and accessible roads. • Ensures that fire detection devices and fire-fighting equipment are available on all OHCHR premises. Maintains fire evacuation plans and conducts fire drills and training as necessary. • Maintains the security of all OHCHR offices’ in-country by conducting physical security inspections of facilities, issuance of identity cards, if possible, background checks, and entry control. • Provides advice and training to all OHCHR staff and dependents in-country on residential security measures such as guards, alarm systems and locks to minimize burglar intrusions. • Maintains dialogue, as delegated, with authorities and international institutions such as Red Cross/Red Crescent in the event of natural disasters. • Ensures availability of emergency communications system by making periodic checks to determine if system is functioning properly; arranges for necessary repairs or adjustments. • Investigates accidents involving OHCHR vehicles and prepares report of findings. • Investigates security-related incidents involving OHCHR staff members, project personnel or eligible dependents. • Conducts security training in such subjects as the security management system, responsibilities of Area Coordinators and Wardens and personal security awareness. • Performs other functions as directed.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of security management combined with solid background of military or other security specialization and some political and social knowledge of country of assignment.
Ability to deal effectively with stress factor when encountered in security management.
Ability to apply technical skills to understand and consolidate the varying specializations such as electronics, communications, mechanics, explosives and other sophisticated devices encountered in security system management.
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
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, business administration, political/social science, psychology, international relations or a related field. A first level university degree with a focus on security management or related disciplines, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Military or Police Academy degrees (at officer’s level), may also be considered in lieu of the first level university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in military, police, security management or related area is required. Out of the five years, three years of experience working in the field is required. Experience with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) is desirable. Experience in the area of human rights or international humanitarian law is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
