Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is in the Security and Safety Section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in Goma. Goma is classified as “D” category and is a non-family duty station. The Close Protection Officer reports to the Chief Security Officer or equivalent on all close protection coordination issues. The technical line of communication is maintained with the UN Department of Safety and Security, Protection Coordination Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Close Protection Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Coordinates all personal protection planning, operations and training in accordance with UN personal protection policy, guidance and standard operating procedures.
• Provides direction and guidance to close protection units, as required.
• Produces and coordinates close protection operational plans.
• Liaises with and coordinates close protection operations with Host Country, other mission components (military and police) and other organizations, as necessary.
• Ensures that close protection operations are conducted in accordance with UN methodology and standards.
• Prepares post-operations reports and recommendations.
• Coordinates close protection briefings to principals.
• Prepares security risk assessments on principals.
• Coordinates close protection training and exercises to ensure that operational competencies are maintained to UN standards.
• Assesses the performance of close protection officers.
• Provides inputs related to close protection to the mission’s budget proposal.
• Provides risk briefings to principals.
• Performs other duties, as assigned. 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. 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 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. Education High school diploma or equivalent is required. Job – Specific Qualification UNDSS Close Protection Supervisor Certification (CPSC) is desirable. Agency trauma bag certification or equivalent of a first aid certification is desirable. High standard of physical fitness is desirable. Relevant training in military or police procedures and practices along with training in self-defense techniques is required Training in martial arts and/or specialised security practices, certification in UN weapons training, and training in investigation technique is desirable. Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years with high school diploma or equivalent technical or vocational certificate (A minimum five years with a first level University degree) of progressively responsible experience in close protection with a national, private or international security organization is required. A minimum two (2) years of experience in close protection management at least at the level of a close protection team leader with a national, private or international security organization is required. At least one year experience and exposure at the international level and in a conflict or a post conflict environment is required. Experience and proficiency in the use of close protection weapons, communications, surveillance equipment, and vehicles is required. Experience in close protection 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. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. 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 III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III French UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice 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 coordinators 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.
• This position is temporarily available until 30 June 2026. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to internal candidates, who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• 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 temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by…