Contract Duration : till 31.12.2026

Background

The Security Information and Operations Centre (SIOC) of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has been established to support United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) security personnel and personnel at large as the central security information and communications hub in Ukraine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The SIOC aims to develop security awareness, identify known and anticipated security threats, analyse such threats in a timely manner, develop recommendations on a variety of security measures and procedures, and provide operational security support to enable organizations to fulfil their mandates ensuring, at the same time, the safety and security of its personnel, premises and assets of UNSMS organizations in Ukraine.

The operations component of the SIOC has a 24/7 operations centre that monitors, facilitates and coordinates written and verbal communications using the security communications system (SCS). The Security Operations Assistants typically work 12-hour shifts, including shifts during the day and at night, to ensure continuous coverage. Their responsibilities include monitoring the ongoing functioning of the SCS, maintaining contact information and personnel list up to date, collecting and processing data and information for incidents of relevance for decision-making, serving as first point-of-contact for security incidents or issues reported by UN personnel, issuing security notifications and advisories, and monitoring personnel movements throughout the country.

The Security Operations Assistant position presents a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environment, requiring prompt and composed responses to urgent situations. This role is both challenging and highly rewarding, as it enables the selected candidate to play a vital part in supporting United Nations personnel and operations. The position offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills and engage with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Although the position is part of UNDSS Ukraine, it is administered locally by UNDP. Funding does not come directly from UNDSS but from the locally cost shared budget or from an extra-budgetary fund. Contract extensions are subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing operational need for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Security Operations Assistant is responsible for the following duties:

a.    Maintain communications with UN personnel on safety and security-related matters
•    Support the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) with the daily operations of the security communications systems (SCS) through a variety of communication tools
•    Monitor the usage and verify operational status of the SCS, including through communication checks
•    Receive, transmit and relay security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official/Chief Security Adviser
•    Use identified means of communication to personnel, escalating to appropriate managers, when necessary

b.    Monitor and support personnel movement in the country
•    Monitor and track mission movements, including the use of GPS/GPRS systems, and reporting mission progress
•    Provide UN personnel with timely information on the security situation, road conditions, locations of checkpoints, nearest medical facilities and other essential information to ensure safe and efficient movement during field missions.

c.    Provide support during incidents and emergencies
•    Provide immediate support to UNSMS personnel involved in security or safety incidents, and escalate, as appropriate
•    Support UNDSS field security officers in headcount, and report accordingly

d.    Collate and maintain data and information for security operations
•    Closely monitor open-source media and UN-provided sources to input and record into database
•    Provide information maintained by the SIOC to security personnel, upon request
•    Maintain accurate and updated lists of UNSMS personnel
•    Maintain contact details of emergency response services and support structures of host government, and local authorities
•    Contribute to the production of maps, analytics, analysis reports and other security-related documents
•    Maintain records and logs of all actions and communications during shift
•    Prepare shift handover reports

e. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the Security Operations Centre Officer and the overall direction of the Chief of the Security Information and Operations Centre (SIOC), the Security Operations Assistant is required to perform the duties and responsibilities indicated above.

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Digital Awareness and Literacy	Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
Business Management	Customer Satisfaction/Client Management	Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns
Business Management	Working with Evidence and Data	Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making
Data	Data Analysis	Ability to extract, analyse and visualize data to form meaningful insights and aid effective business decision making
Digital	Data Collection	Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data)
Security Services	Security information management	Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations
Security Services	Security incident management & monitoring	Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements	Secondary Education is required. University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Information Management, Information Systems, Business Administration, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant work experience	Minimum 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in client-facing services, emergency response, information and data management or other related field is required.
Required skills	Computer skills, including strong proficiency in using office software packages (MS Word, MS Excel, etc.) Prior experience in managing large amounts of data and data entry into spreadsheets and tables.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Experience operating radio, satellite or web-based communications. Experience in UN, I/NGO or international/diplomatic organizations.
Required Language(s)	Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Contract Duration : till 31.12.2026

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Security Operations Assistant, NPSA-5 (2 positions), UNDSS, DS - Kyiv