Security Operations Centre (SOC) Clerk

The Security Operations Centre (SOC) is a cost-shared resource established to support the safety and security of personnel, premises, assets and operations working for various organizations covered by the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). The SOC monitors, facilitates and coordinates the communications of data and voice messages using the security communications system (SCS) within Malawi. Additionally, responsibilities can include maintaining administrative data supporting security communications, such as aggregating contact information for UNSMS personnel, offices, and emergency services.

This position will be supporting key functions and operations of the United Nations. The role of a SOC Clerk can be challenging and unpredictable as they may be required to respond and assist callers in need of immediate assistance. They will have the responsibility to pass key information and instructions in a timely and calm manner to UNSMS personnel and others, as required. The Assistants will be part of a response and support team which contributes to the work of the United Nations.

Under the immediate supervision of the SOC Supervisor and overall supervision of the most senior security professional in the operational area, the SOC Clerk is responsible for supporting the UNSMS with the daily operations of the SCS.

• Receives, transmits and relays security and safety messages and information on behalf of the Designated Official or Senior Security Personnel as applicable via all identified means of communication to personnel.
• Gives the necessary feedback and input to the personnel involved in the incidents.
• Acts in an overall supportive role.
• Records all information and communications related to these incidents.
• On receipt of security and safety incident notifications, escalate these via the appropriate and defined channels for follow-up and support.
• Using the SCS, monitor the movement of field missions in accordance with the identified measures from the security risk management (SRM) process and the appropriate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) such as:
• Verify that all information required for movement monitoring is obtained and is registered in the Mission Monitoring Sheet.
• Before and during the mission, the SOC will notify the Mission Team Leader of the latest security information or incidents on the planned route, e.g. specify locations where incidents have recently occurred and which the mission should avoid.
• Follow up with the missions’ position and arrival reporting. If position reporting (in the case of manual movement reporting) or reporting on arrival was not done on time, escalate as necessary.
• Record all communications (or “calls”), whether successful or not, position reports (in the case of manual movement reporting), and key messages related to the missions in the Mission Monitoring Sheet.
• Close and archive the Mission Monitoring Sheet when a mission has confirmed its arrival at the pre-determined destination.
• Facilitate initial support and information to the mission in case of need (e.g. contact police or medical support) as per local SOP.
• If a Secondary Monitoring SOC is used for the movement monitoring, verify that the Secondary Monitoring SOC has all data related to the mission movement before the operational handover and, at any given time, can take over the mission monitoring. This also applies in reverse, where the Secondary Monitoring SOC is handing the movement monitoring back to the Primary Monitoring SOC.
• Immediately report any incidents or accidents to the most senior security professional.
• Prepare a daily movement summary report (including reports of non-compliance).
• Ensures all incoming/outgoing information messages to concerned UN personnel/entities are registered, timely distributed and logged appropriately.
• Undertake personnel headcount and communications checks in accordance with instructions from the DO/Senior Security Professional, as applicable or as established by SOP, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Facilitates the provision of immediate support to the UNSMS personnel involved in security or safety incidents:
  • Alerts the Emergency Response Team (ERT) through the appropriate and defined channels.
• Maintains the communication link to personnel.
• Notifies the Security Adviser, SOC Supervisor and Field Security Associates of the security or safety incidents reported.
• Monitors the usage of the SCS and ensures it is used according to established procedures and guides personnel on appropriate behaviour when using the SCS.
• Verifies the operational status of the SCS to ensure that personnel can use or access the SCS and that the SCS is functioning correctly. Reports any anomalies to management for further action or guidance.

B. Administrative support

• Maintains, with an appropriate level of confidentiality, in accordance with UN information management policies and established SOPs for personnel, the current contact and residence details of all UNSMS personnel and their eligible dependents and the details of UN premises and locations.
• Maintains the contact details of emergency services and support structures of the host government, local authorities and contracted private security services for ease of coordination during security or safety incidents.
• Maintains records of actions and communications undertaken to support security, safety incidents, or other critical communications.
• Production and issuance of UN Identity Cards upon approval.
• Documenting all correspondence relating to ID card approvals.
• Prepares and submits reports as directed by the senior security professional.

C. Other

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

Business Direction & Strategy    – Strategic Thinking

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions
• Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP

Business Direction & Strategy   – Effective Decision Making

• Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority area of expertise and resources

Business Development   – Integration within the UN

• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Entrepreneurial Thinking

Security Services   – Security risk management

• Ability to assess threats and risks, identify and oversee implementation of mitigation measures, including ability to design and test security plans

Security Services    Security advice, planning and coordination

• Ability to provide with authoritative advice and guidance on security management, plan and coordinate security activities

Security Services   – Security incident management & monitoring

• Ability to provide adequate response to security incidents/events

Security Services   – Security information management

• Analytical capabilities to process diverse security information and develop recommendations