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UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Security Communications Service (SCS) Coordinator will serve as an integral member of UNDSS team in Ukraine, as part of the Security Information and Operations Centre (SIOC). This position plays a critical role in ensuring the continuity and reliability of secure communication systems that support UNDSS’s mandate to enable safe and effective operations for UN personnel in a complex and high-risk environment.

The role is particularly significant during the transition of the common UN security communication services from the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to UNDSS, requiring close collaboration with ETC and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth handover and uninterrupted service delivery. By strengthening the SCS infrastructure, the Coordinator will directly contribute to improved operational security and communication resilience across UN duty stations in Ukraine.

Operating in a volatile security environment presents unique challenges, including high mobility requirements, exposure to security risks during field missions, and the need to adapt to rapidly changing operational contexts

The position is locally administered by UNDP, on behalf of UNDSS, funded through the locally cost shared security budget or from an extra-budgetary fund. The contract may be extended subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continued need for the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the SCS Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

1.Ensure Strategic Coordination and Transition

• Coordinate with ETC to ensure the smooth transition of common UN Security Communication Services (SCS) across UN duty stations and operational locations.
• Maintain strategic and technical alignment by coordinating with ETC, Telcommunications Security Standard {TESS+} (mandate by UNDSS and lead by WFP HQ), UA ICT Working Group (UN ICT Officers), UN Security Cell (security Officers), andUN Operations Management Team (OMT) to ensure service performance meets UN SCS standards. Provide regular updates, address challenges, and propose improvements to telecommunications infrastructure.
• Engage with ETC, {TESS+}, and ICTWG to evaluate telecommunications infrastructure and recommend enhancements.

2. Ensure Budgeting and Procurement Management

• Lead budgeting, expenditure planning, and initiate procurement of hardware (technical specifications) and operational costs (service provider contracts) for UN SCS, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with UN financial procedures.

3. Ensure Management and Oversight

• Develop preventive maintenance plans for the SCS team and ensure effective implementation.
• Monitor infrastructure control systems to guarantee service availability and timely resolution of incidents by the SCS team.
• Implement and oversee a helpdesk system to track service requests and generate activity reports.
• Maintain databases related to user callsigns, equipment details, and SCS training records.

4. Capacity Building, Service Delivery and Knowledge Sharing

• Coordinate the SCS team for infrastructure deployment and maintenance; act as the focal point for incident escalation and technical challenges.
• Collaborate with {TESS+} and ETC on capacity-building programmes for SCS personnel in telecommunications and service management.
• Maintain platforms for SCS training and radio programming services for the inter-agency community and ensure effective delivery.
• Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from theproject and implementing partners.

5. Ensure Regulatory and Compliance

• Manage UN frequency licenses and allocations; liaise with local telecommunications regulatory authorities and other UN agencies.
• Provide operational guidelines, SOPs, and ensure adherence to UN SCS system standards.

6. Ensure Team Leadership and Management (direct supervision of SCS Associate in Kyiv and functional supervision of field SCS Associates in Dnipro and Odesa)

• Supervise and guide the SCS team, ensuring clear task allocation, accountability, and timely delivery of objectives.
• Provide technical and operational leadership, mentoring team members on best practices in telecommunications and security communications.
• Conduct regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and align priorities with UNDSS operational goals.
• Monitor team performance, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development through training and coaching.
• Ensure compliance with UNDSS standards and SOPs, reinforcing adherence to security and operational protocols.
• Develop work plans and schedules for the SCS team, balancing workloads and ensuring efficient resource utilization.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and teamwork across duty stations.
• Act as the primary escalation point for technical and operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and communication.
• Support team well-being and safety, particularly during field missions in high-risk environments.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation

Institutional Arrangement

Under the supervision of Chief SIOC, with overall guidelance of the Deputy Security Adviser, the Security Communications Service (SCS) Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and managing the common UN SCS systems. This includes overseeing the deployment, maintenance, and optimization of secure voice and data networks, as well as managing fixed and mobile infrastructure that provides essential telecommunications services to UNDSS and UN agencies.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results

LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work

Think Innovatively

LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking

Learn Continuously

LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning

Adapt with Agility

LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process

Act with Determination

LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously

Engage and Partner

LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

People Management

The SCS Coordinator will be the technical supervisor and will coordinate the work of 3 SCS Associates based in Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa.

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area
Name
Definition

Business Development
Knowledge Generation
Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Managemnt
Project Management
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Information Management &

Technology

IT Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Ability to advise on IT continuity and disaster recovery plans to ensure resilience of critical communication systems.
(Knowledge of ISO 22301 an asset)

Digital
Data collection
Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).

Security Services
Security information management
Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations

Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements: Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Security Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, Management, Social Sciences unications Engineering, Mathematics or other related areas is required; or
A first-line university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s Degree.

Min. years of relevant work experience: Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in managing projects and radio, satellite and web-based communication

Desirable Criteria: Experience in UN, I/NGO or international/diplomatic organizations
At least 5 years of experience in emergency operations with escalating level of responsibilities
Prior experience in conducting data analysis to identify trends and patterns
Proven experience in drafting reports
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows, MS Project, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint and other job-related software.
Ability to supervise technical teams
Experience in emergency assessments and analysis, emergency preparedness and contingency planning

Required Language(s): Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Ukrainian is required.

Professional Certificates: N/A

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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