Security Operations Centre (SOC) Assistant (3 openings)

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.

The Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a cost-shared resource established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets and operations across organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS).

The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates security communications (voice and data) through the Security Communications System (SCS) within designated operational areas, and maintains administrative datasets that underpin communications readiness, including contact data for UNSMS personnel, offices, vehicles and emergency services.

The post provides essential support to UNDSS and partner entities by ensuring reliable communications, timely escalation and accurate record-keeping in support of security decision-making. The role can be fast-paced and demanding; the incumbent is required to respond promptly to calls for assistance, disseminate accurate instructions, and maintain composure while relaying critical information to UNSMS personnel and other authorised stakeholders.

The SOC Assistant forms part of a response and support function that materially contributes to the protection of UN personnel and continuity of UN operations. 

• Receive, transmit and relay security and safety messages on behalf of the Designated Official (DO), Security Adviser (SA), Deputy Security Adviser (DSA) and/or Field Security Associates (FSAs), using all approved communication channels in accordance with approved SOPs.
• On receipt of security or safety incident notifications, escalate through the defined channels for follow-up and support without delay, documenting actions in real time.
• Monitor movement of field missions via the SCS as defined by the Security Risk Management (SRM) process and SOPs, ensuring compliance with movement control and check-in requirements.
• Provide immediate support to UNSMS personnel involved in security or safety incidents by alerting response and support functions through the defined channels, maintaining continuous communication with affected personnel, and recording all related information and communications.
• Notify the relevant UNSMS organisation security focal points when their personnel are involved in security or safety incidents, and capture acknowledgements where required.
• Monitor usage of the SCS and enforce adherence to SOPs; guide personnel on appropriate protocols and radio/telephony discipline.
• Verify the operational status and serviceability of SCS equipment and platforms; promptly report anomalies to the designated authority and track remediation. 
• Conduct personnel headcounts as instructed by the DO, SA, DSA, and/or FSA or per SOP, ensuring timely and accurate results.

• Maintain contact and residence details of all UNSMS personnel and eligible family members (and, where applicable, implementing partner contacts), as well as contact details for premises and vehicles, in accordance with data protection requirements.
• Maintain current UN warden lists and distribution trees, ensuring regular validation and version control.
• Maintain contact details for response teams, emergency services, host-government counterparts, local authorities and contracted private security providers, direct personnel to the nearest appropriate service during incidents.
• Maintain records and logs of actions and communications in relation to incidents and other critical communications, ensuring accuracy, completeness and retrievability.
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely reports as directed by the Senior Security Professionals (SA/DSA).
• Perform other duties within the functional profile as directed by the Supervisor and/or Security Adviser/Deputy Security Adviser/FSAs.

• Participate in training on internal procedures for the project staff and provide support to the organization of training and other capacity building activities as needed. 
• Make sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as directed by the Supervisor and/or Security Adviser/Field Security Associate.

Under the overall supervision of the UNDSS Security Adviser/Deputy Security Adviser, the SOC Assistant reports to the Field Security Associate related to security matters. 

• 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

• Secondary Education is required. Or
• University degree (bachelor’s degree equivalent) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
• Applicable security, police and/or military training is desirable.

• Minimum of 4 years’ (with secondary education) or 1 year (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant work experience related to security operational communications and direct interaction with a broad range of clients.

• Experience and good understanding of computer-based tools such as MS Office, and other computer-based, web and smartphone applications.
• Experience and knowledge of safety and security as well as incident response protocols.

• Prior working experience within the UN system, I/NGO, or another international organization is desirable.
• Prior working experience in the Armed Forces/Police, Communication or IT related field is desirable.
• Experience in Disaster Management or similar related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and process is desired.
• Demonstrate ability to work extra hours (if needed) and/or support the team in emergency situation(s) off the usual/planned working hours is desirable.
• Experience with radio communications, satellite and web-based communications like bulk SMS servers is an asset

Fluency in English as well as Nepali language is required.

Amateur Radio License, IT certificate(s), or Emergency Management course certificates are desirable.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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