10 In line with the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) Framework for Accountability, the Director-General has a duty of care to ensure that personnel employed by his/her organization and their recognized dependants are not exposed to unacceptable risk and that all measures are taken to mitigate risks.
20 WHO and UNSMS security policies provide that security clearance is mandatory for all official travels involving staff members, eligible dependents, consultants, and persons who are contracted by the Organization under a special services agreement (SSA). It is also strongly recommended to apply for Security Clearance prior to any private travel. The information provided will enable the Security Management System to contact and provide support in the event of an incident on route or at the location of the traveller.
30 Travel security clearance enables the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and WHO to be aware of the location of any eligible person under the umbrella of the UNSMS. Contact information is provided in case of crisis or emergency, which enables security support.
40 It is the staff members responsibility to request security clearance for themselves in advance of travel. For consultants and individuals contracted under SSAs, it is the responsibility of the staff member administering the travel to ensure appropriate security clearance is requested and processed.
50 Security Clearance is obtained through the Travel Request Information Processing system (TRIP) application via the UNDSS website at https://dss.un.org. This site requires that users register and upload personal details including records of security trainings completed prior to applying for Security Clearance. For Consultants or other UN employees, the hiring department must act on behalf of the traveller.
60 Travellers are informed of the result of their Security Clearance applications via email sent to the applicant's registered address. All positive responses are accompanied with a printable Travel Advisory for the concerned country. This Travel Advisory lists important relevant security advice including emergency contact information. Travellers are advised to carry a copy along with their necessary travel documents.
70 Travel security clearance covers the exact period for which it has been requested. Prior to approval of the security clearance request, any changes to the travel plans (such as times of arrival or departure and contact information) should be amended in TRIP or resubmitted if the security clearance has already been granted.
80 Security clearance is only valid for the destination for which it has been requested and approved, in most cases the capital city. Travel within the country may also require clearance.
90 If a trip combines official and personal travel, the security clearance should reflect the actual full travel itinerary including both official and personal portions of the trip.
100 Mandatory Security Training - there are two core, self-administered on-line security learning programmes for all UN and WHO personnel: one basic programme and one advanced programme.
101 All WHO travellers cited in para 20 hereof must successfully complete the basic programme, which is the Basic Security in the Field II (BSITF II).
102 All WHO travellers cited in para 20 assigned to, or visiting on official travel, any field location (any location not designated as an “H” duty station under the mobility and hardship scheme established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) available here http://icsc.un.org) must successfully complete the advanced security learning programme, which is the Advanced Security in the Field (ASITF).
103 The certificates for the basic and advanced security learning programmes are valid for three (3) years, after which the individual must re-certify.
104 The BSITF II and the ASITF are available online through the following portal: https://training.dss.un.org
105 In addition to the above, WHO personnel must attend the required security briefings conducted by security personnel at each duty station and successfully complete other specialized security training where required at designated locations.
106 It is the responsibility of all WHO personnel to ensure that they have completed these training courses as required.
