Field Security Support Officer

Job Description
Introduction Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration . Applications are welcome from first
- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
• Internal candidates
• Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu Second Tier Candidates Include All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM. Organizational Context and Scope The safety and security environment in Afghanistan remains highly complex, particularly after the Taliban seized power in August 2021 and formed an interim self-declared government known to the international community as the de facto authorities (Defa). Since then, the security in Afghanistan is characterized by multi-factorial threats, such as the activities of non-state armed groups, including terrorists and Armed Opposition Groups (AOG). The Office of Staff Security (OSS) is responsible for providing leadership on security policy management and Country Office operational support to enable effective implementation and delivery of IOM programmes and activities, while managing security risks at acceptable levels. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), and direct supervision of the Field Security Officer (FSO), the Field Security Support Officer (FSSO) will be responsible and accountable for providing expert support to enable IOM’s activities and assist the FSO and IOM Chief of Mission (COM) with all aspects of security risk management in Afghanistan. The Field Security Support Officer will be expected to implement appropriate safety and security management procedures that will effectively address issues that could and have an impact on the security of IOM personnel, premises, assets, and operational activities. Responsibilities
• Establish and maintain effective working exchanges and relationships with security officials of other United Nations Security Management System organizations, government counterparts and partner security services, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office and all appropriate Security Focal Points, in order to obtain up-to-date security-related information that is beneficial to the IOM Afghanistan activities.
• In coordination with the FSO, provide accurate and up-to-date assessments of the security situation in Afghanistan and provide recommendations to the Chief of Mission on how to prevent and mitigate against identified threats and risks.
• In coordination with the FSO, develop, implement, and regularly test a functioning warden system. Warden testing methods should include multiple systems, including SCAAN.
• Support the FSO in preparing Country-specific training activities, seminars, and briefings, coordinating staff participation and ensuring that security training is carried out professionally within IOM and UNSMS learning/training standards.
• Provide security briefings for IOM personnel deployed to and travelling within Afghanistan and coordinate all travel security requirements for the Country Office relating to all IOM operations, including assessments of road and air transport networks, medical evacuations and international staff travel within and from/to Afghanistan.
• In coordination with the FSO, regularly review and monitor compliance with the UN Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM). This includes proactively participating in the Security Cell Meetings and actively providing guidance to the COM on issues raised in the Security Management Team (SMT), ensuring that IOM-specific operational requirements are considered for implementation of security measures and that a people-centered approach is mainstreamed in security risk management.
• Acquire comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in Afghanistan and provide sound and cost-effective recommendations, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams.
• In coordination with the FSO, support the COM by providing security-related inputs into the Afghanistan Business Continuity Plan (BCP), proactively advising the COM in its regular testing.
• In coordination with the FSO, develop, implement, and test Country Office-specific security plans and security-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Supervise the Field Security Associate and oversee the functionality of IOM Kabul Security Operation Center (SECOPS), to ensure that the appropriate level of security is provided to IOM personnel.
• In coordination with the FSO, closely monitor and report on deployment numbers (staff ceilings) established for the mission/s by the UN Designated Official (DO) during emergencies, in coordination with the SMT and UNDSS, ensuring that security clearance procedures are applied fairly, vis-à-vis all of the agencies working under the UNDSS Security Management System.
• In coordination with the FSO, test the functionality and implementation of IOM-specific emergency communications systems, including SCAAN and contingency plans, to ensure they are functional, effective and address the programme requirements of the Country Office. This includes actively checking the SCAAN dashboard and posting relevant security advisories in a timely manner.
• In coordination with the FSO, report security matters that have a potential or direct impact on IOM operations immediately to the COM and the RSO.
• In coordination with the COM and FSO, conduct preliminary enquiries in respect to any security breaches/incidents in Afghanistan, working closely with local authorities in efforts to ensure IOM staff, its assets and interests are protected, and appropriate and corrective measure taken.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Qualifications Required Qualifications and Experience Education
• Master’s degree in Security Management, Business Administration, Political/Social Science, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience
• Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk, disaster, or crisis/emergency management and preparedness in the public or private service areas, responsible for responding to emergency situations that may directly impact security is desirable;
• Experience in Security Risk Management strategies is desirable;
• International experience in the humanitarian, public, private, or corporate sector is desirable; and,
• UNDSS certification in any of the following: Security Certification Programme (SCP), Security; and,
• Analysis Practice and Process (SAPP), Hostage Incident Management (HIM), Trainer and Development and Certification Course (TDC), and Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) is desirable. Skills
• Ability to collaborate with senior government security counterparts and relevant stakeholders is an advantage;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high degree of rational behaviour and decision-making at all times;
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds; and,
• Excellent oral and written skills. Listens actively and responds effectively. Languages For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link . Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values
- all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. Notes Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system-wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the  IOM WAVE system  (for internal candidates, link here ). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies .