Jobs at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

The post is located in the Department of Security and Safety Service (DSS) at the Nairobi duty station. The United Nations Security and Safety Service (SSS) is responsible for providing security to delegates, staff, visiting dignitaries and other visitors.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Security and Safety Service, the Deputy Chief Security will perform the following duties:

• Asist the Chief of the Section in the administration of the Section in performance management, budget preparation, resource allocation and procurement; Participate in tactical and strategic planning and implementation. Direct, manage and administer security and safety operations at the UNON Complex; Maintain an ongoing review on operational plans and provides policy advice to the Chief, DSS; Provide advice on implementation of interdivisional/
• departmental policies, procedures and provide substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies; Define and maintain a reporting system, communicating relevant information to appropriate level and define security training requirements for the Service.
• Develop security contingency plans in case of emergency; Implement and maintain defensive measures to mitigate/forestall all possible breaches of security considering the threat assessment of the United Nations Offices away from Headquarters conducted in coordination with host country authorities; Provide advice on the development of security and safety standards; Assess all security and safety issues and situations as they relate to the threats and risk to all UN staff and associated UN properties; Develop appropriate studies, investigation and proposals in matters pertaining development and growth of DSS.
• Deputize in the absence of the Chief of DSS; Issue appropriate performance and operational directive to security staff; Maintain an evaluation of performance through appropriate reporting and support mechanisms, instituting corrective action when required; Supervise all direct report Sections and Officers and assume full responsibility and accountability for same in the absence of the Chief; Liaise with administrative staff where necessary.
• Assist the Chief in his advisory role for the Director General in matters related to safety and security.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESIONALISM: Knowledge of security management combined with solid background of military or other security specialization and some political and social knowledge of country of assignment; Ability to deal effectively with stress factor when encountered in security management; Ability to apply technical skills to understand and consolidate the varying specializations such as electronics, communications, mechanics, explosives and other sophisticated devices encountered in security system management; 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.
• 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 audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; Does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
• 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

• Advanced university degree, advanced police academy degree or equivalent (Master's degree or equivalent) in security management, business administration, political/social science, psychology, international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in military, police, security management preferably in the police or military context or related area is required.
• Experience in risk and disaster management in the public or private areas, such as national security, military or police, or in a corporate environment is required.
• Experience in security operations in a leadership position, including contingency planning and crisis management, is required.
• Experience in Security Management System within the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable.

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The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services. The post is in the Chinese Interpretation Unit, Interpretation Section, Division of Conference Services, UNON. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section.

Within delegated authority, the Senior Interpreter will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration, of various United Nations bodies.
• Provides interpretation, as required, into Chinese of speeches or statements given in English and/or French and interpretation into English and/or French of speeches given in Chinese.
• Provides interpretation services to sensitive meetings.
• Functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
• Assists the Chief of Section in assessing the performance of staff and freelance interpreters.
• Assists the Chief of Section, as appropriate, in the screening, training and examining of prospective interpreters.
• Assists the Chief of Section in instructing and advising interpreter trainees.
• Serves as Chief Interpreter on missions and as Officer in Charge, if required.
• Assumes the role of Chief of Section when designated.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration; split-second accuracy. Ability to work under continuous stress and deliver clear interpretation on an exceedingly broad range of subjects. 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.
• 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.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

• A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required. Candidates for this position must have passed the Chinese United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Interpreters.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations, of which at least five (5) years working within the United Nations system or similar international organization is required.