Security Information Analyst, P4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions. This position is currently located in the Strategic Planning Service (SPS), Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (OUSG) in New York, and reports to the Head of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). The Security Information Analyst will provide full analytical support to the Team. The incumbent will be required to extensively travel to the field to support UNDSS response to escalating or sudden onset emergencies. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, and under the general supervision of the Head of the ERT, the Security Information Analyst will be responsible for the management of information relevant to security, including collection, collation, analysis and dissemination, to be used as a decision-making and planning tool to enhance the safety and security of UN personnel, assets and operations in the country, in particular during escalating or sudden onset emergencies. The Security Information Analyst will maintain security information awareness of all aspects which could potentially affect the safety and security of the UN, including up-to-date knowledge of events relating to the security environment through monitoring of security incidents, daily situation reports, local media and other open sources, and the cultivation of an information gathering and sharing network in accordance with policy and guidelines.

Specific responsibilities:

• Advises the Head of the ERT on threats affecting the United Nations.
• Conducts and coordinates research on specific threat factors and supports activities of the Emergency Response Team and UNDSS crisis management structures.
• Supports readiness initiative and develops response planning using UN foresight and early warning data to anticipate significant changes to security environments and likely escalated UN response.
• In close coordination with relevant UNDSS units, develops scenarios that would necessitate an emergency response.
• Develops security risk analysis, briefing materials and presentations on security matters to the Head of the ERT for countries verging on instability.
• Establishes effective communication channels with a range of interlocutors.

During emergency response deployments:

• Provides conflict-sensitive and context-specific analysis to inform operational security decisions and support real-time adaptation of UN response, identifying and mapping strategic access points for humanitarian operations.
• Identifies and coordinates security information requirements, collection, collation and dissemination of security threat information to the Head of the ERT and the CSA/CSO/SA, Designated Officials and Security Management Teams.
• Analyzes security information, identifies trends of threats and security incidents affecting United Nations system personnel, assets and operations in the affected country/ies.
• Develops trend analysis, gathers comprehensive information on all factors of insecurity, determines the relevance and validity of security information and the reliability of information resources.
• Assists the CSA/CSO/SA in the development of specific security risk assessments for individual UN programmes and activities or in preparation of rapid threat and risk assessments to support continuation of programme delivery despite insecurity.
• Develops reports on analyses of security incidents affecting United Nations system personnel, assets and operations.
• Develops regional threat assessments in coordination with Chief Security Adviser or equivalent in neighboring countries.
• Establishes information-sharing processes for the UN and SLT partners.
• Inputs into the ERT after-action reports following each emergency response to identify gaps, highlight good practices and contribute to the UNDSS knowledge base for continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties as directed by the Head of the Emergency Response Team.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Excellent knowledge and understanding of methodologies for information collection, collation and analysis; ability to develop research projects and perform studies on practical security matters; knowledge and understanding of humanitarian programming; solid background (training, education and experience) in analysis and information management; Ability to understand security threats and challenges in a conflict and post-conflict environment; 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. Always acts ethically and with integrity. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning & 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.
• Judgment and Decision-making: Demonstrated sound judgment, ability to differentiate assumptions, inductions and deductions from conclusions and proven facts. Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security management, information management or business administration, law, political/social science, international relations or 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

• Certification in the UN DSS Security Analysis Process and Practice (SAPP) course or equivalent Member State or INGO analytical training is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years with advanced university degree (nine years with a first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in security information analysis or political analysis, conflict prevention or resolution, peace and security, international relations, or related field is required. At least two years of experience working within the UN Common System or similar international organization or nongovernmental organization at the international level is required. At least three years of international experience in the past five years in a conflict or post conflict environment is required. Experience in political and security analysis or intelligence analysis with experience in scenario planning and trend analysis is required. Experience with rapid deployment in response to an emergency or crisis is required. Experience in producing actionable analysis and briefing papers for, and direct advice to, senior officials of an international organization, non-governmental organization or Member State to advance decisions, strategies and executions on sensitive peace and security matters is required. Experience in substantive engagement and/or coordination and liaison with international humanitarian organizations is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian or Spanish is desirable.

Application instructions

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