CLOSE PROTECTION OFFICER, FS6

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 Close Protection Officer at the FS-6 level serves as the Close Protection Coordinator and reports directly to the Chief Security Officer (CSO), who provides overall direction, guidance, and delegated authority on close protection matters.

The Close Protection Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and operational oversight of close protection activities and maintains a technical line of communication with the Protection Coordination Unit of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) on matters related to close protection standards, procedures, and technical guidance.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the general supervision of the Chief Security Officer (CSO), the Close Protection Officer at the FS-6 level serves as the Close Protection Coordinator and will carry out the following duties:

Coordinates and manages the Close Protection Team (CPT) in accordance with UN close protection policies, guidance, procedures and mission-specific SOPs;

Gathers, assesses and analyses information relevant to the tactical and operational level of close protection activities, in coordination with the Security Section and other relevant mission security elements;

Assists in the preparation and review of threat assessments, tactical risk assessments and security-related reports, recommending appropriate close protection mitigating measures based on identified threats;

Implements and coordinates appropriate mitigation strategies to deter, prevent or respond to identified threats and preserve the security, safety and well-being of Senior UN Officials and other designated personnel;

Develops, coordinates and reviews close protection operational plans, exercises and courses of action in accordance with the assessed threat and applicable UN close protection policies, guidance and SOPs;

Coordinates and oversees the execution of close protection operations in accordance with UN close protection methodology, standards and mission requirements;

Establishes, deploys and coordinates close protection teams and resources appropriate to the assessed threat and operational requirements;

Ensures that close protection operations are conducted in accordance with established UN methodology, standards, policies and mission SOPs;

Within delegated authority, liaises with relevant Haitian civilian police, military, law enforcement authorities and other national security counterparts, as required;

Coordinates with other mission security elements, military and/or police components, UN agencies and mission support services to ensure integrated security coverage;

Accompanies Senior UN Officials during official travel, as required, and coordinates all related close protection and security requirements;

Prepares regular close protection operational reports, including assessments, analysis, lessons learned and recommendations for the CSO;

Establishes and maintains clear lines of authority, responsibility and accountability within the Close Protection Team;

Provides security and risk briefings to Senior UN Officials, the CSO and other relevant security managers regarding close protection concerns associated with official travel, movements and daily activities;

Ensures effective and efficient close protection coverage for the working office, designated residence and other designated locations of Senior UN Officials;

Determines close protection equipment, facility, communications and logistical requirements based on operational needs and assessed threats;

Plans, coordinates and conducts close protection training, rehearsals and exercises to ensure operational readiness and maintain individual and team competencies in accordance with UN standards;

Supervises and evaluates the performance of individual Close Protection Team members and provides guidance to maintain professional and operational standards;

Develops and manages rotational duty schedules for Close Protection Team members, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, rest cycles, leave coverage and operational readiness;

Identifies gaps in existing close protection capabilities and makes recommendations to the CSO regarding required improvements, additional resources, training or amendments to existing procedures;

Monitors the availability, serviceability and accountability of close protection equipment and ensures that minimum operational equipment requirements are maintained and deployed in accordance with applicable policies and SOPs;

Coordinates with the CSO and relevant security personnel in developing Statements of Requirement and provides technical specifications for the procurement of close protection equipment, communications equipment, vehicles and other operational resources;

Provides technical inputs related to close protection requirements for the mission budget and resource planning process;

Maintains effective coordination with the UNDSS Protection Coordination Unit on technical close protection matters, policies, standards, guidance and best practices;

Promotes interoperability and information-sharing with other UN security and close protection elements, as appropriate;

Ensures appropriate documentation, records and operational lessons learned are maintained for close protection activities;

Performs other duties as required by the CSO. Work implies frequent interaction with:

Chief Security Officer (CSO) and other Security Section personnel;

Senior United Nations Officials and their respective offices;

Close Protection personnel and other mission security elements;

UNDSS Protection Coordination Unit and relevant security counterparts;

Haitian National Police, Haitian security authorities and other relevant host-country counterparts;

military and/or police components, UN agencies, funds and programmes, and other mission personnel;

security officials of other national and international organizations;

mission support services and other personnel involved in the planning and execution of close protection operations. Results Expected:

Effective coordination, management and operational oversight of close protection activities within the mission;

effective protection of designated Senior United Nations Officials and other authorized protectees in accordance with assessed threats and operational requirements;

timely identification and mitigation of threats and vulnerabilities affecting close protection operations;

effective implementation of close protection SOPs, policies and procedures in accordance with United Nations standards;

a professionally trained, properly equipped and operationally ready Close Protection Team;

effective coordination with mission security elements, UNDSS and relevant Haitian authorities.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of internal security policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to the place of assignment; knowledge of local laws and practices related to mission area.

Ability to ability to gather information from a variety of sources; demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to detect and identify dangerous objects and knowledge of how to deal with such objects; ability to remain calm in an emergency situation; willingness to work shifts; trustworthy; high sense of responsibility; alertness; physically fit for duty; emotional stability and neatness; good knowledge of the location of organizational units, functions and key personnel. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues and security personnel to achieve organizational and operational objectives;

establishes and maintains effective working relationships within the Security Section and with other mission components;

solicits and values the input, ideas and expertise of others and promotes a professional team environment;

encourages cooperation, information-sharing and mutual support among Close Protection Team members;

places the interests and operational requirements of the team and Organization before personal interests;

supports and implements agreed decisions while maintaining professional accountability;

shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings;

promotes cohesion, trust, discipline and effective communication within the Close Protection Team. Managerial Competencies

Judgement/Decision-making:

Identifies key issues and emerging threats in complex and rapidly changing security situations and addresses them promptly;

gathers, assesses and analyzes relevant information before making decisions;

evaluates the potential positive and negative operational consequences of decisions;

makes timely, sound and proportionate decisions based on available information and assessed risk;

takes decisions with due consideration for their impact on Senior UN Officials, personnel, the Close Protection Team and the Organization;

provides clear recommendations and courses of action to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) based on professional analysis and operational experience;

tests assumptions against available facts, intelligence and current threat information;

determines whether proposed actions adequately address identified security requirements and operational objectives;

demonstrates the confidence and ability to make difficult decisions when necessary, particularly during high-risk or time-sensitive situations;

accepts responsibility for decisions made within delegated authority and reviews outcomes to identify lessons learned and improve future operations.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Certification and demonstrated proficiency in the use of mission-authorized weapons systems G36, MP5 and Glock is required. Technical training in military or police procedures as well as training in close protection, self-defense and security techniques is required. 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 UNDSS Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB) certification is an advantage and is desirable. Specialized training in High Threat Protection Operations is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten

(10) years of progressively responsible experience in the military, police or security management is required. Experience is reduced to five

(5) years for candidates with a first-level university degree. A minimum of eight

(8) years of progressively responsible experience in the management, coordination or supervision of close protection operations, including experience at the level of Close Protection Team Leader or equivalent, is required. At least Five

(5) years of experience operating in high-risk / conflict environments at the international level is required. Experience and proficiency in the use of close protection weapons G36, MP5, and Glock is required. Experience in supporting close protection operations in Haiti and/or an equivalent environment is required. Experience in coordinating close protection operations of one or more principals; static and mobile protection; close protection command post operations; close protection response techniques; conduct of close protection training is desirable.

Experience in developing close protection operational plans, security plans, standard operating procedures, contingency plans and emergency response arrangements is desirable. Experience contributing to security-related budgets, statements of requirements, procurement specifications or equipment planning is desirable. Experience in crisis management, emergency response, casualty evacuation or medical evacuation coordination is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French and Creole Haiti are 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

Desirable Languages

Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking

French | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II

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.