Position Name: Armed Protection Operator
Employment Regime: Seconded/Contracted
Post Category for Contracted: Mission Support – Assistant Level
Ref. Number: SOM-9091
Location: Somaliland
Availability: ASAP
Component/Department/Unit: Security and Duty of Care Department/Somaliland Security Section/Armed Protection Unit
Security Clearance Level: Not Required
Open to Contributing Third States: No
1. Reporting Line:
The Armed Protection Operator (APO) reports to the Mission Security Officer/Head of Section.
2. Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
• To possess a valid authorisation to carry and use weapons in compliance with the
applicable legal framework;
• In line with the EU’s Policy of EU staff deployed outside the EU in an operational capacity
under Title V of the Treaty on European Union:
o To be responsible for Armed Protection operations;
o To contribute to the armed protection security set up of Mission members;
o To carry out daily administration and operational planning for Armed Protection
Team activities;
o To assist in the development of Mission Armed Protection policies and procedures;
o To provide comprehensive procedural documents with respect to Armed
Protection activities;
o To contribute in identifying staff personal security training requirements and deliver
training as required under the supervision of Armed Protection Team Leader;
o To provide personal security advice to Mission members;
o To maintain operational effectiveness and equipment husbandry;
o To develop professional contacts with the local police, military and security
managers of other international organisations;
o To liaise with civilian and military organisations to assess current and future
threats;
o To carry out threat assessments to ensure appropriate security measures are in
place in a timely and effective manner;
• To transport and provide armed protection to mission members in Somaliland;
• To actively participate in the defence plan of the Field Office;
• To deploy and operate in locations mission wide;
• To assist in the provision of security training to Mission members;
• To assist HEAT instructors in the provision of HEAT training;
• To participate in all applicable training, professional, physical and medical;
• To cross train in all the functions & roles of the team;
• Authorized to carry and issued a personal weapon;
• To aid in the development of Mission A/P policies and procedures ensuring they are
followed and updated or amended when necessary.
3. General Tasks and Responsibilities:
• To identify and report on lessons learned and best practices within the respective area
of responsibility;
• To contribute and ensure timely reporting on activities within the respective area of
responsibility;
• To take account of gender equality and human rights aspects in the execution of tasks;
• To undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Line Manager(s).
4. Essential Qualifications and Experience:
• Successful completion of secondary education attested by diploma OR equivalent and
attested police and/or military education or training or an award of an equivalent rank;
AND
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, after having fulfilled the
education requirements.
5. Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Trained in basic life support (medical training);
• Ability to operate a variety of communication systems;
• Advanced driving training (defensive driving);
• Valid license for armoured vehicles or C or C1 driving license.
6. Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
• Trained and certified in close protection techniques (theory and practice);
• Successful completion of CivOpsHQ Medical Security Certification Course or equivalent
medical training (industry standard First Aid Qualification);
• Experience driving Armoured vehicles;
• International experience, particularly in crisis areas with multi-national and international
organisations;
• Experience in close protection operations as a member of international organisations or
Diplomatic institutions/Agencies e.g. National embassies, EU, UN, and NATO.
7. Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to perform under pressure and in difficult circumstances in high-risk environments;
• Highly resilient under mental pressure and willingness to work extra hours when
required;
• Knowledge of the Mission area and potential security threats;
• Knowledge of CSDP security and duty of care polices.
