Security Policy Advisor

Position Title: Security Policy Advisor

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 21 August 2022

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 work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Office of Staff Security (OSS) is responsible for providing leadership on security policy management and Country Office operational support to enable the effective implementation and delivery of IOM programmes and activities, while managing risks at acceptable levels.

Under the direct supervision and managerial responsibility of the Director of OSS in Headquarters, the Security Policy Advisor will be responsible for leading OSS efforts in the development, maintenance, and provision of relevant IOM security policies, procedures, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The successful candidate will also be tasked to provide advice in including security considerations in IOM policies and guidelines with the aim to promote mainstreaming security in IOM programmes.

They will support the Director of OSS in coordinating and consulting with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations and relevant departments in IOM to ensure that all security policies and procedures meet IOM and UNSMS requirements.

They will also provide an advisory role to OSS with various stakeholders including other UN Organizations and other partners on security policies.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Establish and maintain an effective and collaborative working relationship with relevant Headquarters departments and focal points within IOM, UNDSS Headquarters, and UNSMS organizations to ensure that up to date information on security-related policy is obtained.
2. Research, monitor, and analyze policy developments and issues in the field of staff safety and security and provide advise including recommendations to the Director of OSS on policy interpretation, take the lead in policy or guidance formulation related to these developments.
3. Support the Director of OSS in drafting strategic plans, including the OSS service delivery model, workplan and assist in its implementation. Ensure that these documents are regularly reviewed, updated in the prescribed format for publishing.
4. Regularly review and update security-related IOM policies, guidelines, and procedures. If necessary, provide advice and recommendations to the Regional Security Officers in formulating, reviewing, and/or updating region or country-specific security guidelines and procedures, ensuring that they are in accordance with relevant IOM and UNSMS policies.
5. In close coordination with the Senior Security Operations Officer, provide input for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for the OSS Global Operations Centre (OPCEN) 24/7 Communications Centre (COMCEN), and ensure that for any improvements made to current processes, COMCEN Operators are briefed and trained.
6. Provide advice and guidance on mainstreaming security into IOM programmes and activities, and to promote the importance of security risk management in programme planning so that IOM continues to deliver programmes even in complex security environments.
7. Develop systematic feedback mechanisms for evaluating the effectiveness of implemented security policies, procedures and guidelines, including mechanisms for respective policy updates and changes, taking into account evolving organizational goals and needs.
8. Develops innovative security policies and procedures, reflecting latest developments in the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and changes in IOM operating environments. Ensure the policy design and development is in line with best practices and the Organizations strategies and programmes.
9. Represents IOM in inter-agency and external fora on security policy, contributing inputs/feedback from an IOM perspective, as instructed by the Director of OSS.
10. Guides clients/stakeholders and colleagues in the interpretation and application of IOM security policies, providing timely responses to queries, and working towards full compliance/implementation.
11. Maintains up to date and accurate knowledge of extant UN/IOM security policies/procedures.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Security Management, Security Risk Management, International Relations, or related social or political science discipline with security management or analysis component from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Successful completion of the UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) is required.

Experience

• Relevant professional experience on security management, security risk management, or a related area, with at least two years field experience;
• Relevant work experience on policy matters, specifically on coordinating and liaising with various UN agencies and organizations on policies, guidelines and related documents;
• Experience in planning, developing and implementing organizational policies and procedures is required;
• Experience in security information analysis is desirable;
• Experience working for a UNSMS Organization, in a crisis context, desirable.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of UNSMS security policies and procedures;
• Ability to adapt best practices in line with OSS strategic objectives;
• Ability to effectively apply knowledge of relevant security theories and practices, and recognize its application within existing IOM processes.

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 French 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

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 3

• 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 3

• 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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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.

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.