Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Santiago. The Security Officer (Chief of Section) serves as the Chief of the Security and Safety Section and reports to the Chief of Administration on all matters related to the day-to-day security and safety operations at ECLAC, and is under the technical supervision of the Director, Division of Headquarters Safety and Security Services, Department of Safety and Security, New York. The Security Officer (Chief of Section) also serves as the Security Adviser for Chile, and in that capacity, reports to the Designated Official and is under the technical supervision of the Director, Division of Field Operations, Department of Safety and Security, New York. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretrary for the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Security Officer (Chief of Section) will be responsible for the following duties:

Serves as the Chief of the Security Section for ECLAC;
Maintains regular and effective communications with the Designated Official, specific security and crisis management bodies in Chile, resident United Nations offices, and the established counterparts in DSS HQ;
Develops procedures regarding security and safety operations at the ECLAC headquarters and its Sub Regional and National Offices and manages their implementation in accordance with the operational guidance and policy direction provided by the Department of Safety and Security;
Directs security operations of all DSS security personnel at the duty station; manages the personnel, administration and budget provided by DSS in support of the ES/DO, as well as the local budget associated with the security plan and its implementation; establishes and chairs a security coordination cell to ensure that all security officers working for different UN and affiliated organization at the duty station are working together to further inter-agency security coordination;
Implements security and safety policies of the Department of Safety and Security, in consultation with the Executive Secretary, and in collaboration with the local administration/respective points of contact in DSS HQ;
Manages the country and duty station specific threat and risk assessment process with particular emphasis on the introduction of a risk management methodology that is fully integrated with programming and operations, including the implementation of risk mitigation measures; collects, interprets and analyzes security information, as it pertains to the security of UN system staff and operations including identification of problems and emerging trends and the establishment of country-specific early-warning systems; ensures that security considerations are integrated into country level programmes and operational planning, programme/project designs and delivery modalities, including required security management and response capabilities and resources; responsible for premises and residence related assessments and measures, including developing and implementing the Minimum Operating Residential Security Standard (MORSS) and promoting understanding and support for security requirements, standards and procedures; oversees adherence to security policies and procedures including preparation, maintenance and updating of country-specific security and contingency plans; oversees establishment of 24-hour response mechanisms to security-related incidents involving UN staff and oversees establishment/maintenance of fully functional emergency communications system;
Prepares and maintains personal security risk assessments for Senior United Nations Officials in collaboration with the Protection Coordination Unit in the Division of Specialized Services Branch, Department of Safety and Security;
Directs in-country security training programme ensuring that all staff members employed by the UN system and their dependents receive local security training as required; manages all security-related tasks or functions as assigned by DO and the DSS and performs other assignments as required;
Evaluates the effectiveness of physical security and safety installations in the framework of Headquarters Minimum Operating Security Standards, including, but not limited to, emergency preparedness and security procedures, business continuity and crisis management planning, disaster recovery, building safety measures, fire prevention and evacuation planning, and develops and implements measures to mitigate identified risks;
Provides technical expertise and advice to the UN Security Management System in Chile;
Directs operational activities and monitors safety and security measures for ECLAC suboffices outside the duty station, as necessary;
Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

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 in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in security management is required. At least of three years of experience in the management and operation of electronic physical security systems such as automated access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection systems etc., is required. Experience in the management of security for large events and conferences, is required. Experience working with security and safety services within the United Nations System or other similar international organization, is required. Experience managing crisis in the context of the United Nations Security Management System is desirable. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Language	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking
English	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III
Spanish	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III	UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

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. - A staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. - 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. ECLAC is fully committed to the implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on Gender Parity introduced by the Secretary-General in September of 2017. - A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories, on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. - For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are un-represented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 May 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Un-represented: Andorra, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu. Under-represented: Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, China, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Libya, Liberia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Oman, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER