Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located within the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). Pursuant to Security Council resolution 2793 (2025), UNSOH has been mandated to provide support; primarily to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the Haitian Armed Forces in the context of any joint operations with the GSF. Additionally, UNSOH is tasked with delivering technical assistance to the Organization of American States (OAS).
The position is based in Port-au-Prince and is located in the Close Protection Team of the Safety and Security Section. The Close Protection Team Leader (FS-5) reports to the Close Protection Coordinator (FS-6), or to another official designated by the Chief Security Adviser/Officer, on all matters related to close protection operations. The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day supervision, direction, and coordination of assigned Close Protection Officers and the effective implementation of close protection operations in support of designated personnel.
The Close Protection Team Leader contributes to the planning, preparation, and execution of protection operations and ensures that assigned personnel perform their duties in accordance with established UN security policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Close Protection Team Leader (FS-5) will apply professional close protection knowledge and expertise in the performance of the following duties:
Plans, coordinates, and supervises the day-to-day implementation of close protection operations for designated officials and ensures the effective deployment of assigned Close Protection Officers.
Provides operational direction and supervision to assigned Close Protection Officers (FS-4) and other personnel supporting close protection operations, ensuring duties are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
Coordinates and supervises security coverage for the offices and official residences of designated senior officials, as required, and ensures that established mitigating measures remain in place to address identified threats.
Monitors changes in the local threat environment and recommends appropriate adjustments to close protection measures, team deployment, and operational procedures to maintain effective protection coverage.
Conducts and participates in personal protection operations, as required, and ensures that assigned personnel remain vigilant and prepared to respond appropriately to potential threats and security incidents affecting protected persons.
Ensures close protection operations are conducted in accordance with the UN Close Protection Manual of Guidelines, applicable security policies, procedures, and operational instructions.
Coordinates day-to-day operational activities with the Close Protection Coordinator (FS-6), Security Operations Unit, Chief Security Officer (CSO), and other relevant security personnel and organizations, as required.
Contributes to the planning, preparation, and execution of close protection operations and movements, including the identification of operational requirements, potential risks, and appropriate security measures.
Assigns and monitors the operational duties of Close Protection Officers and supporting personnel and ensures appropriate personnel readiness for assigned protection operations.
Ensures the operational readiness, serviceability, and appropriate use of personal protection, communications, and other assigned equipment.
Provides operational direction to drivers supporting the Close Protection Unit, as required, and coordinates their activities in support of assigned protection operations and movements.
Conducts operational briefings and debriefings and contributes to the development and delivery of close protection training, briefings, and practical exercises.
Monitors security incidents, operational observations, and other matters affecting close protection operations and reports significant issues through the established chain of command to the Close Protection Coordinator (FS-6).
Performs other duties as assigned. Results Expected: Effective supervision and day-to-day coordination of assigned close protection personnel and operations contribute to the safety and security of designated officials. Close protection operations and movements are effectively planned, implemented, and supervised in accordance with established UN security policies, procedures, guidelines, and operational requirements.
Assigned personnel are appropriately deployed, briefed, and operationally prepared, while threats and security incidents are identified, assessed, reported, and appropriately addressed. Security coverage and established mitigating measures for designated officials remain effective and responsive to changes in the threat environment. Equipment and operational resources remain serviceable and ready for deployment, and relevant operational activities, incidents, and observations are effectively coordinated and reported through the established chain of command.
Frequent Interactions: The Close Protection Team Leader (FS-5) maintains frequent operational contact with the Close Protection Coordinator (FS-6), Chief Security Officer (CSO), Security Operations Unit, Security Section personnel, Close Protection Officers (FS-4), drivers, and other personnel involved in protection operations and movements. The incumbent also interacts, as required, with designated officials, mission personnel, HNP, GSF, and other relevant security and operational counterparts in the planning, coordination, and implementation of close protection operations.
Competencies
Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of close protection technique combined with a solid background of military, police or security specialization. Well-developed analytical skills. Ability to recognize and evaluate the seriousness of threats. Capacity to effectively coordinate close protection operations. Ability to effectively deal with stress factor when encountered in security management and close protection operations and supervising close protection officers. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages, and responds appropriately. Provides clear operational instructions, briefings, and guidance to assigned personnel. Ensures relevant information is communicated effectively to supervisors, team members, and other relevant counterparts. Tailors language, tone, style, and format to the audience and demonstrates openness in sharing relevant information and keeping others appropriately informed.
Leadership: Provides clear direction, guidance, and supervision to assigned Close Protection Officers and other personnel supporting close protection operations. Establishes clear expectations and monitors the performance and readiness of assigned personnel. Promotes a professional, disciplined, and cooperative team environment. Leads by example and demonstrates accountability for assigned operational responsibilities. Supports the professional development of team members through guidance, feedback, training, and operational experience.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job - Specific Qualification
Relevant training in the UNDSS “Revised” Close Protection Officers Course (RCPOC) or Close Protection Officers Course (CPOC) with experience in Haiti, or an equivalent internationally recognized close protection training programme is required Completion of the Emergency Trauma Bag/TCCC/IFAK or equivalent medical training certification is required. Certification in the following weapon systems: G36, MP5, and Glock is required.
Work Experience
A minimum of eight
(8) years of progressively responsible experience in the military, police, or security is required. At least two
(4) years of experience at the level of Close Protection Team Leader with a national, private, or international security organization is required. At least three
(3) years of experience operating in high-risk / conflict environments at the international level is desirable. Experience in close protection operations involving one or more principals; static and mobile protection; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; and the conduct of close protection training is desirable. Experience in supporting the implementation of close protection operational plans, security plans, standard operating procedures, contingency plans and emergency response arrangements is desirable. Experience in the use, maintenance and operational readiness of close protection equipment is desirable. Experience in crisis management, emergency response, casualty evacuation or medical evacuation procedures is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Creole Haiti is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking
English | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II
French | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II
Desirable Languages
Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking
Creole Haiti | UN Level I | UN Level I | UN Level I | UN Level I
Assessment
Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.
Special Notice
Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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.
An appointment may be terminated, or post level adjusted in accordance with the Staff Rules for such reasons as abolition of post or reduction of staff or committee funding approvals, for example in the event that the funding for the post is not approved or the mandate of the mission is not extended. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current need period are not eligible to apply.
(a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and
(b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2):
(1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and
(2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.
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.