Security Operations Centre (SOC) Assistant

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) provides leadership, operational support and oversight for the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). Its mission is to enable United Nations system operations through trusted security leadership and solutions, in pursuit of its vision of “Security for the UN, for a better world.”

The Security Operations Centre (SOC)* is a cost-shared resource that supports the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets and operations of the UNSMS organizations covered in its operational area. The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates data and voice communications, serving as a first point of contact for personnel in need of urgent assistance, and maintains the administrative data that underpins security communications, including contact data for UNSMS personnel, offices, vehicles and emergency services.

As UNDSS advances towards data-driven, analysis-led and digitally enabled security management, the SOC is a central node for situational awareness on security for the UN System in the country. It collects, verifies and consolidates information so that relevant stakeholders can take timely, well-informed decisions.

The SOC Assistant works in a fast-paced and at times unpredictable environment and must pass accurate information and instructions calmly and promptly to UNSMS personnel and partners. Under the overall supervision of the UN Security Adviser and UNDSS Representative, and the direct supervision of the Field Security Associate, the SOC Assistant supports the daily operation of the SOC. The role offers unique and valuable experience to work in a multicultural team that contributes directly to the work of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision described in Section 4, the SOC Assistant will deliver the following:

1. Support security communications and situational awareness.
   • Receive, verify, transmit and relay security and safety messages, alerts and instructions, as directed by the Security Adviser or designated security personnel, through all UN channels (radio, satellite, telephone, SMS, e-mail, web-based and mobile applications).
   • Maintain continuous awareness of the operating environment and promptly flag significant or emerging developments to the supervisor.
2. Incident notification and response support.
   • On receipt of a security or safety incident report, log it and escalate it through the defined channels for follow-up and support.
   • In line with local SOPs, alert response and support functions, maintain communication links with the personnel involved, give calm and clear guidance and feedback, and notify the security focal points of the affected UNSMS organizations or UN partners.
   • Provide direct support to incident management when specifically directed by the Security Adviser or UNDSS security personnel and record all related information and communications accurately and in sequence.
3. Movement monitoring and personnel accounting support
   • Using UN communication platforms and other tools, monitor the movement of personnel and field missions as defined by the Security Risk Management (SRM) process and local SOPs.
   • Conduct headcounts and accounting exercises in accordance with instructions from the Designated Official, the senior security professional or established SOPs, and report results promptly and accurately.
4. SCS operation and readiness.
   • Monitor the use of UN communication resources to ensure compliance with established SOPs and guide users on appropriate practices.
   • Verify the operational status of the SOC (including radio checks and test calls) so that personnel can reliably access it, report anomalies to the appropriate authority for action, and support communications drills and exercises.
5. Information management and record keeping support
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date contact details for UNSMS personnel, offices and vehicles, and for the emergency services and support structures of host-government authorities and contracted private security companies, and direct personnel to the nearest of these during incidents.
   • Keep complete logs and records of actions and critical communications and handle all information with discretion and in line with United Nations information-security requirements.
6. Data analysis, reporting and visualization support
   • Compile and analyze SOC data (such as incident logs, movement and communications trends) and prepare routine and ad hoc reports, dashboards and visual products that support SRM and UNDSS requirements.
   • Use Office software tools and other approved analytical and visualization tools, including approved AI-enabled tools applied responsibly. Present findings clearly in briefings to security colleagues as directed by the UN Security Adviser.
7. Support with UNDSS functions and other duties.
   • Facilitate requisite UNDSS functions, coordinate with UNSMS and partner focal points as required, and perform other duties as directed by the UN Security Adviser.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The SOC Assistant works under the overall supervision of the UN Security Adviser but operates under the oversight of the designated Field Security Associate on daily tasks. The SOC Assistant supports the UNSMS in the daily operation of the Security Operations Center and may be required to work shifts and in specific circumstances extended hours including weekends and public holidays, as operational needs require.

Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

• Secondary education is required. Or
• University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Political Science, Military Studies, Security Management, Management or a relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience

Minimum of 4 years (with Secondary Education) or 1 year (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience in operational communications.

Required skills

• Computer skills and information management/processing experience; good command of computer-based tools such as the MS Office Suite and other web and smartphone applications
• Experience and ability to drive four-wheeled vehicles is a requirement.
• Valid driving license is required. (Copy of valid license required to be submitted as part application)

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Professional experience in security, military, police, intelligence or national security work.
• Prior working experience within the UN system, an international NGO or another international organization
• Practical experience with visualization tools (such as PowerBI, Tableau, or Excel dashboards).
• Experience in operating telecommunication systems (HF/VHF radio networks, satellite phones, radio, satellite and web-based communication and specialized tracking platforms).
• Experience using approved digital tools, including mobile crisis management apps or basic productivity-boosting AI tools.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is required.

Professional Certificates

• Applicable security, police and/or military training is desirable
• Advanced education or training in security management would be desirable
• Security/First Aid/CPR certification would be desirable
• Completion of UN security training such as Security Certification Programme/SCP, Security Analysis Process and Practice/SAPP and other similar courses is an asset.

this position will be hired as of 1 January 2027

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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