Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Security Operations Officer will report to the Security Adviser (SA) and function as the responsible officer for the management of the 24/7 SOC, crisis and emergency response, response to accidents and incidents, development and maintenance of accurate incidents database and provide details for uploading in the online SSIRS platform. The Security Operations Officer will closely coordinate actions with FSA, POM.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support Security Operations & Coordination

Support the day‑to‑day functioning of the Security Operations Centre (SOC);
Coordinate security operations, monitoring, and reporting activities across UN duty stations;
Maintain continuous situational awareness and provide timely security updates to UNDSS management and UN agencies;
Support emergency response, crisis management, and incident coordination as required.

Incident Reporting & Information Management

Receive, verify, log, and disseminate security incident reports in line with UNDSS protocols;
Maintain security databases, incident trackers, and operational logs;
Prepare security situation reports (SITREPs), incident summaries, and operational briefings.

Ensure Effective Communications & Systems Support

Ensure effective operation of security communications systems (radio, phone, tracking, emergency communications);
Support communication testing, drills, and coordination with field security personnel;
Liaise with UN agencies and partners to ensure reliable information flow during normal and emergency operations.

Ensure implementation of Standard Operating Procedures & Compliance

Contribute in the development, review, and implementation of security SOPs, contingency plans, and response protocols;
Ensure compliance with UNSMS policies, security plans, and local security risk management measures.

Facilitate Training , Capacity Support and Knowledge Sharing

Support security awareness briefings, induction sessions, and operational drills for UN personnel;
Assist in mentoring and guiding junior security or operations staff, as required.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Security Operations Officer will report to the Security Adviser (SA).

Competencies

Core Competencies:

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

Business Direction & Strategy

Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Effective Decision Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Management

Resource Management: Allocate and use resources in a strategic or tactical way in line with business needs and priorities and principles of accountability and integrity

Security Services

Security advice, planning and coordination: Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities
Security training: Ability to design, contribute to, and/or facilitate meaningful security training programmes/courses.

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).

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, or equivalent is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Specialized certification in police, military or security training is desired.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) ) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible security, preferably in the military or police context;

Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, integrated web-based management systems, spreadsheets and databases;
Valid class 6 driver’s license.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO;
Experience liaising and coordinating with the local government security organizations;
Experience in maintaining the Security Plan;
Experience in maintaining an organization's security posture, often within a Security Operations Center (SOC);
Experience in emergency communications equipment;
Experience in organizing security training;
Experience in conducting security briefing;
Experience in security inspection.

Required Language(s):

Fluency in English (written and verbal) and Tok Pisin is required.

Professional Certificates:

Police or Military Certification or any Security training certifications

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 Officer [Open to Internal and External applicants]