{TESS+} Regional Training Programme – 2023/2024

Introduction:

{TESS+} is the global focal point for guidance and support on Security Communication Systems (SCS) for the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). {TESS+} works closely with security and ICT personnel from UNSMS organisations and NGO stakeholders.

The {TESS+} Regional Training Programme provides humanitarian staff with an in-depth induction into UN Security Communication Systems (SCS) from the perspective of connectivity, application and procedures. The in-person training will provide participants with a wholistic overview of how to run and manage SCS effectively from a security and technical perspective, depending on which week of training participants attend. The learning objectives will be achieved through an intensive learning experience to develop subject matter experts that have the capacity to support their respective countries and regions to optimise UN Security Communication Systems. The training will be delivered by senior technical and security personnel who have spent most of their time in the field and will employ interactive delivery methods, including tabletop exercises, that will challenge participants to extend their SCS knowledge in an engaging format. Participants will also have an opportunity to meet their counterparts to build a regional knowledgebase to support SCS field activities.

The {TESS+} Regional Training Programme will be delivered in six regions around the world. The training syllabus is the same for each region, and the training will be delivered in English language. Applicants are invited to apply for the training in the region they work. In each region, the training will be delivered across two separate sessions*:

  • Technical session: Week 1 of the training is targeted at UN/NGO technical personnel (ICT and SOC staff) who are responsible for the technical implementation and support of UN SCS.
  • Security session: Week 2 of the training is targeted at UN security personnel responsible for the management and oversight of UN SCS.

*Applicants should only apply for the session relevant to their profile ie. technical/ICT or security.

Training dates by region:

> Technical/ICT training sessions:

SessionRegionTraining locationDates
1Asia-PacificBangkok, Thailand21 -25 Aug 2023
2West AfricaDakar, Senegal11 – 15 Sept 2023
3Middle East, North Africa and Eastern EuropeCairo, Egypt26 – 30 May 2024
4Latin America and the CaribbeanPanama City, Panama19 -23 Feb 2024
5Eastern AfricaNairobi, Kenya15 – 19 April 2024
6Southern AfricaJohannesburg, Sth Africa06 – 10 May 2024
Note: The above sessions are for technical/ICT personnel. The training runs from a Monday to Friday or Sunday to Thursday.

> Security training sessions:

SessionRegionTraining locationDates
1Asia-PacificBangkok, Thailand28 Aug – 01 Sept 2023
2West AfricaDakar, Senegal18 – 22 Sept 2023
3Middle East, North Africa and Eastern EuropeCairo, Egypt02 – 06 June 2024
4Latin America and the CaribbeanPanama City, Panama26 Feb – 01 Mar 2024
5Eastern AfricaNairobi, Kenya22 – 26 April 2024
6Southern AfricaJohannesburg, Sth Africa13 – 17 May 2024
Note: The above sessions are for security personnel. The training runs from a Monday to Friday or Sunday to Thursday.

Details:

Seats: 25 people per session

Language: The training will be delivered in English.

Costs: There is no fee for the training itself. However, participant accommodation, meals, travel including flights, terminals, travel allowance (as applicable) and other incidental costs must be covered by the participant’s organisation. Any COVID-19 related costs including costs for mandatory testing, quarantine, if applicable, will not be covered by {TESS+}.

Logistics: All travel (including visas, ticket booking, airport pickup, transport to/from the training venue) and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the participant and their organisation. {TESS+} can assist by providing a letter of invitation for participants accepted to join the training programme.

Target audience: The target audience of the {TESS+} Regional Training Programme is split into two profiles:

  • Week 1 is targeted at UN/NGO technical personnel (ICT and SOC staff) who are responsible for the technical implementation and support of the SCS.
  • Week 2 is targeted at UN security personnel responsible for the management and oversight of the SCS.

Selection criteria (technical/ICT session):

Mandatory pre-requisites:

  • United Nations or Non-Government Organisation (NGO) employee.
  • Technical skills and experience in designing, configuring, deploying, maintaining and supporting United Nations Security Communication Systems (SCS).

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of the United Nations Security Communication System (SCS) eg. VHF/UHF radio communications, mobile satellite services etc.
  • Actively participates in the local ICT Working Group (if applicable)

Selection criteria (security session):

Mandatory pre-requisites:

  • United Nations employees only.
  • Experience with  providing and/or managing services within the United Nations Security Communication Systems (SCS).

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of the United Nations Security Communication System (SCS) standards.

Application process:

To apply for the {TESS+} Regional Training Programme, please fill-in the online application form and submit your nomination letter following the instructions below. Please note that the training is delivered in English language.

  • 1. Application form:
    Applications are now closed.

  • 2. Nomination letter: email your nomination letter to tess@wfp.org.
    • The nomination letter must meet the following requirements: 
      • Nomination letter must come from the Director / Deputy Director of the applicant’s country/regional office, or a manager that is responsible for security telecommunications across the applicant’s organisation globally/regionally (eg. Security Adviser, Chief of Security, CIO, Chief of IT, Regional IT Officer, Country Director).  
      • Written in English. (The training will be delivered in English)
      • Written on the applicant’s organisational letterhead.
      • Full name, organisation, location and position title of the applicant.
      • Full name, organisation, contact information (email address & phone number), and position title of the nominator. 
      • A statement indicating that the candidate will be released from their official work duties for the duration of the training, including travel time.
      • A statement that all expenses related to travel to / from the training location, accommodation, meals, and any other incidental expenses will be covered by the applicant’s organisation. 
      • A statement confirming that applicant has prior experience with United Nations Security Communications System (SCS) from either a technical perspective (ie. technical skills and experience in designing, configuring, deploying, maintaining and/or supporting UN SCS) or security perspective (ie. providing and/or managing services within the UN SCS).
    • Please note: prior to requesting a nomination letter from the designated nominating authority, the applicant must engage with their supervisor for endorsement and approval of the training activity with regard to their work profile, responsibilities and upcoming commitments.  

For your application to be considered, you must fill-in the online application form and email your nomination letter to tess@wfp.org. Applications for Bangkok, Dakar, Panama, Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cairo rounds are now closed.