Risk Management

UNDSS provides effective and risk-based safety and security services. To address multi-dimensional security challenges, our services  entail strong security risk management capabilities and strategies. 

A Security Architecture that Supports the UNSMS

The UN Security Management System (UNSMS) Framework of Accountability provides guidance for the various security actors and mechanisms in a specific location. For example, the Designated Official (DO) is the highest ranking official accountable for the safety and security of all individuals covered by the UNSMS in a specific area, called the Designated Area. The DO is supported by the Security Management Team and a range of UN security professionals, including the Under-Secretary-General of UNDSS. 

The Security Management Team (SMT) comprises the heads of all UNSMS entities/organizations present in the Designated Area. They are all individually accountable to the Secretary-General, through their Executive Directors, for the safety and security of their personnel. In addition to the SMT, various categories of security professionals are deployed to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel while delivering UN programmes.

SRM: The Backbone of UN Security

Security Risk Management (SRM) is a United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) tool to identify, analyze and manage safety and security risks to United Nations personnel, assets and operations. The SRM process is guided by a UNSMS Policy, which provides guidance to security personnel on the process.

This approach was first established in 2004 and last updated in 2016. Importantly, the UNSMS is risk-based, not threat-based. While threats are assessed as part of the process, decisions are taken based on the assessment of risk.

The Policy on SRM

The SRM policy outlines the concept and principles which guide all decisions related to security within the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS).