Operations Assistant
Organizational Context
The Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) provides global leadership, operational support, and oversight for the United Nations Security Management System. Its mission is to enable the safe and effective delivery of UN programmes and activities in challenging environments by managing security risks. UNDSS coordinates essential requirements, including training, programme assessments, budget preparation, and security logistics, to ensure personnel can safely fulfill the UN mandate.
Job Purpose
The UN Volunteer Operations Assistant will support the Security Operations Centre (SOC) by working in shifts, managing security-related information, and ensuring timely dissemination of alerts and reports. This role involves monitoring communications, processing travel requests, conducting physical security inspections, and serving as the primary point of contact for UN staff seeking security assistance. The assistant will also be responsible for directing and coordinating responses to incidents and crises, liaising with various security units and agencies, and maintaining accurate logs of all security-related activities and actions taken during incidents.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer Operations Assistant, under the supervision of the Chief of the Security Operations Centre (SOC), will work in shifts and immediately alert supervisors to serious accidents or incidents. Key duties include maintaining an accurate log of daily occurrences, reporting urgent communications to relevant security officials, and receiving, processing, recording, and disseminating security information through approved channels. The role involves monitoring the SOC email for timely action on incidents and requests, processing Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) for travelers, and directing physical security inspections of UN facilities. The assistant will act as the first Security Point of Contact for staff, ensure accurate dissemination of alerts and reports, and task/coordinate response teams, investigators, and other security units during crises. Maintaining an Occurrence Log detailing actions taken during reported incidents is also a core responsibility.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of overall experience is required, with 5 years of relevant experience. Experience in conflict, post-conflict, and high-risk environments at the international level is essential. Experience with Security Communications Systems and crisis management in post-conflict settings is also necessary, along with the ability to work effectively in challenging environments and multicultural teams.
Skills
Professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organizing, and strong communication skills are essential. The role requires discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, good judgment, and the ability to coordinate with various actors. Adaptability, resourcefulness, and the capacity to work independently under pressure are important. Specific skills include emergency preparedness and crisis response capabilities, with a genuine commitment to UN values and volunteerism.