Organizational Setting and Reporting

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission will be guided by ECA’s five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. This position is located at ECA's Security and Safety Service (SSS). Under the overall command of the Chief of SSS, the Security Officer is required to perform security functions and reports directly to the Security Sergeant or supervising officer in the assigned working area.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Security Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

1. Provides security services for the protection of persons and property during specified working hours including night and weekends in any of the following areas: a. Tour and security control by checking ID cards and car permits or other relevant documents for proper identification of all persons entering the premises and ensuring that unauthorized persons and vehicles do not enter the premises; b. Ensures that all outgoing UN properties have valid gate passes and that personal belongings and UN properties (equipment, materials and packages etc) entering the complex are screened and inspected; c. Makes regular inspection of the grounds and buildings to identify any security risks and exposure as well as violation of security rules and regulation; controls the flow of traffic and enforcing parking regulations in the premises; d. Operates a wide range of security equipment including closed circuit television (CCTV) system, walk-through and luggage inspection machines, explosive vapor detector machines, other hand-held metal detector devises and radio communication equipment; e. Monitors electronic surveillance equipment or detecting any suspicious movements, incidents and persons and drawing attention to the relevant higher level security officer; and f. Controls, receives, and records radio messages.
2. Fire and Safety Unit to maintain fire and safety precautions inside and outside the building: a. Routinely patrols the ground and building to identity fire and safety hazards and checking to make sure all alarm systems are in working condition; b. Inspects and tests firefighting equipment, hydrant systems, hose reels and foam inlets, portable fire extinguishers; c. Ensures that all firefighting equipment are in their locations and precautionary signs and notices are not removed; d. Ensures that used fire extinguishers are recharged; e. Ensures that all fire/exit doors are not locked or obstructed, making regular inspection of all emergency exit doors, routes and walkways etc for safe and smooth movement at all times; f. Conducts firefighting and building evacuation drills as scheduled; g. Responds immediately to fires, rescue operations or other emergencies including undertaking evacuation of persons and property; and h. Investigates causes of fire and damages to lives and property, and compiles comprehensive reports concerning all the essential elements of the accidents, submits appropriate reports for administrative or legal actions and provides recommendations with a view to reduce future accidents of this nature.
3. Conference squad provides special security to conferences and other events: a. Provides special security coverage for conferences and meetings including checking and inspects conference facilities for detection of bomb and explosives, b. Screens and checks all persons entering; c. Provides delegates with the necessary security and safety information; d. Controls the flow of traffic and enforces the appropriate officer for safe keeping; e. Investigates incidents interviewing of witnesses and interrogates parties involved; and f. Prepares reports and communicates findings to appropriate higher level security officer.
4. Special security protection and escort services for the Executive Secretary, other dignitaries and for delivery of sensitive materials: a. Provides special security coverage and protection to the Executive Secretary within and outside of the complex, including escorting him/her to all official functions as well as to and from the airport; b. Arranges and provides security protection and escorts for Heads of States and visiting dignitaries; c. Organizes and provides escort for the delivery of valuable UN properties, stamps, diplomatic pouches, official document and funds; d. Arranges and provides security assistance and escort for staff, delegates, participants to report cases to Police and public offices
5. Assists in supervising subordinate security officers in the special security unit including assigning tasks, co-coordinating monitoring and following up on assignments; and maintaining records, files and registers of actions and activities.
6. Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. 7.Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. 8. Carries out any other task as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Skill and background knowledge to operate sensitive security equipment such as computers, cameras, handheld metal detectors, etc. Shows pride in work and in achievements. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Passing the United Nations Security Officer Test (SOT) administered at the Duty Station is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration for this post.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least three (3) years of experience in security-related works, in the public or private service areas, such as national security, military, police, private security or in a corporate environment is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to one (1) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Basic computer skills, such as basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel is desirable. Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO 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 another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Passing the United Nations Security Officer Test (SOT) administered at the Duty Station is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration for this post.

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. 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. 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. Passing the United Nations Security Officer Test (SOT) administered at the Duty Station is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration for this post. 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.