Position Title : National Security Officer

Duty Station : IOM Philippines Country Office (Manila)

Classification : National Officer Staff, Grade NO-B

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 22 February 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director in Bangkok and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission in Manila, and the technical supervision of the Regional Field Security Officer in Bangkok; and, in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and the Administrative Centres, including the National Security Officer assigned to the Manila Administrative Center (MAC), the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for managing security functions in Country Office Philippines.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

  • Maintain effective exchanges and working relationship with security officials of other international organizations, government and partner security services, the mission’s United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and appropriate security focal points, in order to ensure up to date security-related information that is beneficial to the mission is obtained and lines of communications are functional for all aspects staff security and safety.
  • Maintain comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in the Philippines and provide advice, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to work with its teams.
  • Inform the Office of the Chief of Mission and coordinate with the HoSO and other Project Management Team members as well as other relevant, on all safety/security management issues and mitigation measures for the safe implementation of programmes, and the protection of IOM staff and assets in the area of responsibility (AoR). Lead, train, and supervise the local security assistants in the field and in the Mission’s AoR.
  • Conduct local security assessments/evaluations of offices, offering appropriate mitigation recommendations and take an active role in the development and implementation of evacuation/emergency plans in coordination with OSS and UNDSS.
  • Regularly gather and update information that may affect or influence security and safety of program staff and visitors in all program areas of operation.
  • Regularly prepare area or period-specific risk assessment reports and travel routes advisories for IOM programs and operations in Philippines.
  • Lead in the systematic documentation, mapping and monitoring of all areas specific safety and security incidents, situations and advisories (both IOM and external organization specific).
  • Effectively monitor the local security situation and report significant events/incidents in a timely manner to the Chief of Mission and Regional Field Security Officer, using prescribed reporting forms and modalities.
  • Ensure that security administration activities (security clearances, TRIP profiles, staff profiles and lists etc.) are properly maintained and archived for future access if required.
  • Develop and maintain a file of all emergency services associated with the safety and security of IOM staff and operations.
  • Circulate all relevant security information in a timely manner to the appropriate IOM offices including implementing partners and consultants in close coordination with the supervisor.
  • Coordinate security related travel arrangements and security briefings for staff and visitors as required including security related coordination of transportation services and medical evacuation.
  • Verify that the AoR, vehicles and international staff residences (if applicable) meet existing security standards such as UNDSS Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) and UNDSS Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS).
  • Maintain Emergency Communications Systems (ECS) and implement and maintain the Internal Warden System to ensure that the sub-offices national/ international warden lists and telephone tree are updated regularly and supported by periodic immediate action drills (e.g., fire drills, evacuation and communications exercises, radio checks) as required.
  • Review and finalize the local security assistants’ recommendations concerning physical/structural security measures for all IOM facilities in the Sub-Office and Project AoR. Assess and provide recommendations concerning physical/structural security measures for all IOM facilities in the Philippines.
  • Assure that all staff comply with existing safety and security protocols including the completion of mandatory security training (UNDSS BSAFE online trainings, registration on the UNDSS Travel Portal amongst others) and attend country specific trainings and briefings.
  • In coordination with the COM and OSS Head of Security at Regional Office and HQ, investigate security breaches/incidents in the Philippines, working closely with local authorities in efforts to ensure IOM staff, its assets and interests are protected and appropriate and corrective measure taken.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Master’s degree in Security Management field or other related disciplines from an accredited academic institution and/or a combination of relevant professional work experience of two (2) years; or
  • Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields from an accredited institution with four (4) years of relevant professional experience.
  • Professional certification as a security specialist in Philippines will be a distinct advantage.

Experience

  • Previous experience in international organizations the UN Security System, multinational corporations, the military, police services or the private sector security sector is desirable.
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with diverse professional backgrounds.
  • Able to handle a heavy workload efficiently with minimal supervision amidst a multi-tasking environment and understanding the importance of close teamwork is highly regarded. In security/emergency services, dedication to one’s duties is paramount and flexibility and commitment to these duties in an emergency will be expected and appreciated.
  • Anticipates and prepares adequate responses to matter affecting staff safety/security.
  • Interfaces with UNDSS, safety/security counterparts, relevant governments, and project beneficiaries;

Skills

  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with diverse professional backgrounds;
  • Able to handle a heavy workload efficiently with minimal supervision amidst a multi-tasking environment and understanding the importance of close teamwork is highly regarded. In security/emergency services, dedication to one’s duties is paramount and flexibility and commitment to these duties in an emergency will be expected and appreciated.
  • Anticipates and prepares adequate responses to matter affecting staff safety/security.
  • Interfaces with UNDSS, safety/security counterparts, relevant governments, and project beneficiaries
  • Applies knowledge of and supports the implementation of IOM and UNDSS safety/security policies and procedures, to enhance staff security.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Filipino (oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of any Filipino regional languages desirable.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
  • 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.

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 action 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 potential.
  • Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.

The position involves onsite and/or offsite work (or a combination of both). The working modality will be further discussed during the interviews if candidate is available to work on-site and/or offsite.

How to apply

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM will only accept applications which should include a cover letter (not more than one page), a résumé highlighting the required education and experience, and a duly completed IOM Personal History Form. To access the form, please visit this link (four pages).

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via hrphilippines@iom.int not later than 22 February 2023. Position title and VN Number (VN 2023 005 – National Security Officer) should be specified in the SUBJECT field.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.