Field Security Support Officer At International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Field Security Support Officer

Duty Station : Kabul, Afghanistan

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment : Special short-term graded, nine months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 01 January 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.

Context:

The Office of Staff Security (OSS) is responsible for providing leadership on security policy management and Country Office operational support to enable the safest and most 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 Senior Field Security Officer (SFSO), the successful candidate will be responsible for actively assisting the SFSO and COM with all aspects of security risk management in IOM Afghanistan.

The Field Security Support Officer (FSSO) will be expected to implement appropriate safety and security management procedures that will effectively address issues that could and have impacted on security IOM personnel, premises, assets and operational activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Establish and maintain effective working exchanges and relationships with security officials of other UN agencies and organizations, counterparts of the de-facto authorities and partner security services, country 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 IOM Afghanistan activities.
2. In coordination with the SFSO, provide accurate and up to date assessments of the security situation in Afghanistan and provide advise and recommendations to the COM on how to prevent and mitigate against identified threats and risks.
3. In coordination with the SFSO, develop, implement, and regularly test a functioning warden system. Warden testing methods should include multiple systems, including SCAAN.
4. Support the SFSO in preparing Country-specific training activities, seminars briefings,coordinate staff participation and ensure that security training is carried out professionally within IOM and UNSMS training standards.
5. 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, air and river transport networks, medical evacuations and international staff travel within and from/to Afghanistan.
6. In coordination with the SFSO, regularly review and monitor compliance on 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 SMT, ensuring that IOM-specific operational requirements are considered for implementation of security measures and adherence to the UNSMS Policy on Gender Considerations in Security Management.
7. Acquire comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in Afghanistan and provide advice, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams.
8. In coordination with the SFSO, support the COM in the development or updating IOMAfghanistan’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP), proactively advising the COM in its regular testing.
9. In coordination with the SFSO, develop, implement and test Country-specific security plans.
10. Supervise Local Security Associates/Assistants (LSAs), IDG armed and unarmed guards and to ensure that the appropriate level of security is provided to personnel.
11. In coordination with the SFSO, 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 Security Management Team (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.
12. In coordination with the SRSO, test the functionally and implementation of IOM-specific emergency communications systems, including SCAAN and contingency plans, to ensure they are functional, effective and address the IOM Afghanistan’s programme requirements. This includes actively checking the SCAAN dashboard and posting relevant security advisories in a timely manner.
13. In coordination with the SFSO, report security matters that have a potential or direct impact on IOM Afghanistan’s operations, immediately to the COM and the RSO.
14. In coordination with the COM and the SFSO, conduct preliminary enquiries in respect to any security breaches/incidents in the Country Office, working closely with local authorities in efforts to ensure IOM personnel, its assets and interests are protected and appropriate and corrective measure taken.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Security Management/Social Sciences, Law, Disaster Management, International Studies, Communications 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.
• Successful completion of the UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) is required.
• Previous Hostage Incident Management (HIM) Training, SSAFE Training of Trainers, and other UN-certified Training of Trainers will be an advantage.

Experience

• Relevant professional experience on security management or, security risk management; with at least one year of field experience in the UN Security Management System;
• Experience in planning and execution of security plans, procedures and measures is required;
• Previous experience in dealing with law enforcement agencies is an advantage.

Skills

• Proven ability to collaborate with senior government security counterparts and relevant stakeholders;
• Proven ability to manage a high degree of rational behaviour and decision making at all times irrespective of the gravity of the security environment;
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to analyse complex problems, and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions; and,
• Demonstrated general analytical skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Previous applicants do not need to re-apply

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

Required 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.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.