Result of Service
The Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following deliverables:
- Good practices, guidelines and other relevant resources on energy infrastructure protection identified and collected and form a basis of an online library of resources available on UNOCT’s Connect and Learn Platform i.e. for Q3 2026 by 30 November and for Q4 by 31 December 2026);
- Prepare the first and second draft of Technical Addendum 2 on “Integration of Protective Security and Emergency Response Functions at Oil and Gas Facilities” (up to 60 pages);
- Prepare the second and close to final draft of Technical Addendum 3 on “Protection of Linear Energy Infrastructure and System-Wide Resilience” (up to 70 pages)
- Elaborate an initial concept note for a Multi-Level Training Programme on Counter-Terrorism Protective Security for Critical Energy Infrastructure (up to 5 pages)
Work Location
Home-Based
Expected duration
2 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Introduction
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017 (A/RES/71/291). The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.
Within this framework, the UNOCT implements the Global Programme on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets in partnership with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), and in consultation with INTERPOL. In line with relevant General Assembly and Security Council mandates, the Programme seeks to strengthen Member States’ capacity to prevent, protect, mitigate, investigate, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks against vulnerable targets, i.e. critical infrastructure and “soft targets” (or public places). The Programme has a strong focus on promoting international cooperation among Member States, including through raising awareness, promoting international good practices and developing knowledge products and practical tools as resource materials.
Background
Since 2023, UNOCT has been implementing a dedicated initiative focused on strengthening the protection of critical energy infrastructure (CEI) against terrorist threats. This project responds to growing demand from Member States in light of the evolving threat landscape targeting energy infrastructures, which are essential for national security, economic stability, and public safety. In 2024, UNOCT, with the support of the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan, developed the Technical Guide on Protecting Critical Energy Infrastructure against Terrorist Attacks. The Guide provides Member States with a consolidated set of international good practices and strategic recommendations to strengthen prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery measures.
Building on this foundation, the 2025–2026 phase of the project focuses on translating these high-level principles into more practical and operational tools. It aims to enhance awareness of CEI-specific risks, promote the application of international good practices, and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders, including policymakers, regulatory authorities, security agencies, infrastructure operators, and technical experts. A key component of this phase is convening expert meetings and developing technical addenda to complement the aforementioned publication, informed by recommendations from technical meetings and designed to provide more detailed, actionable, and context-specific guidance. This approach enables UNOCT to ensure that its technical tools reflect diverse regional perspectives, operational challenges, and emerging threat trends, as well as aligned with relevant international norms and applicable regulations, thereby ensuring its technical credibility and practical relevance.
The Individual Contractor will work under the direct supervision of Programme Management Officer and under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Special Projects and Innovation Branch (SPIB, UNOCT).
The Individual Contractor will be responsible for the following deliverables:
- Good practices, guidelines and other relevant resources on energy infrastructure protection identified and collected and form a basis of an online library of resources available on UNOCT’s Connect and Learn Platform i.e. for Q3 2026 by 30 November and for Q4 by 31 December 2026);
- Prepare the first and second draft of Technical Addendum 2 on “Integration of Protective Security and Emergency Response Functions at Oil and Gas Facilities” (up to 60 pages);
- Prepare the second and close to final draft of Technical Addendum 3 on “Protection of Linear Energy Infrastructure and System-Wide Resilience” (up to 70 pages)
- Elaborate an initial concept note for a Multi-Level Training Programme on Counter-Terrorism Protective Security for Critical Energy Infrastructure (up to 5 pages)
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in social science such as international relations, security studies, political science, law, business administration, international relations or other related fields is required. Specialization or additional qualifications in security of energy infrastructure protection is desirable. In the absence of an advanced university degree, the expert must have a Bachelor’s degree and an additional 2 years of demonstrated professional experience. A minimum of seven years of experience on international security issues is required. Proven experience in preparing academic/research papers, analysis, structured reports, handbooks and guides on security is required. Experience on the security of energy infrastructure is desirable. Experience working with academic institutions and international organizations is desirable. Proven experience in the design and delivery of training and educational products and services related to energy sector security is required. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with public authorities and private sector operators, knowledge of intercultural communication best practices, and experience engaging with expert networks will be considered assets.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian is desirable.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
