Senior Field Security Officer

International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Senior Field Security Officer

Duty Station: Kabul, Afghanistan

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: 06 October 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.

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 security risks at acceptable levels.

Under the administrative supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) and technical supervision of the Director, Office of Staff Security (OSS) in Headquarters (HQ), the Senior Field Security Officer will be responsible for actively assisting IOM Afghanistan with all aspects of security risk management.

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

They will have a daily reporting line to the COM in Afghanistan and will have a technical reporting line to the Director of OSS in HQ.

The successful candidate will provide supervisory and technical assistance to IOM Afghanistan security professionals, Local Security Associates/Assistants and nominated Organization Country Security Focal Points.

Specifically, they will assist in establishing and maintaining an appropriate level of security awareness throughout IOM Afghanistan and all the associated programmes within Afghanistan.

The successful candidate will be expected to prepare specific training activities, to ensure that security learning/training activities is carried out professionally and within IOM and UNSMS learning/training standards.

They will be expected to undertake extensive deployments when necessary to assist IOM Sub-Offices that are located within Afghanistan.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

  1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with security officials of other UNagencies and organizations, counterparts of the de-facto authorities and partner security services, country United Nations Department 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 particular, develop and maintain a close working relationship with all UNDSS CountryMission Chief/ Security Advisors while acquiring an in-depth and comprehensive working knowledge of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) that relates to various security protocols in Afghanistan.
  3. Regularly review and monitor compliance on the UN Security Risk Management Measures(SRMM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM). This includes proactive participation in the Security Cell Meetings and 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 adherence to the UNSMS Policy on Gender Considerations in Security Management.
  4. In coordination with Head, Resources Management, provide guidance to COM on submission of Locally Cost-Shared Security Budget (LCSSB), ensure that shared costs proposed in SMTs are in compliance with the UNSMS policy on LCSSB and appropriate funding in the Country Office is available to cover the costs.
  5. Maintain an overview and ensure adherence by all IOM personnel to the UNDSS Travel Request Information Process (TRIP), the Movement of Personnel (MOP) procedures and the UN security clearance policy. Ensure all IOM personnel have a working knowledge of the UN Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM), Residential Security Measures (RSM), including the approved security contingency plans and procedures.
  6. Provide advice, technical support and assistance to the COM and Heads of Sub-Office(HoSO) in the SFSO’s area of responsibility in order to support their accountability and responsibilities as set-out in the UN “Framework of Accountability” document. Provide relevant technical and strategic analysis on potential threats/risks to personnel/premises/assets and programmes and ensure that appropriate security information is disseminated to the relevant IOM local security professionals and all programme managers and programme staff of IOM Afghanistan.
  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. Supervise Field Security Officers (FSOs), Local Security Associates/Assistants (LSAs), and Organization Country Security Focal Points in Afghanistan to ensure that the appropriate level of security is provided to personnel.
  9. In consultation and coordination with the Regional Security Officer (RSO) and COM, support the recruitment process of security professionals and appointment of Country Security Focal Points, if necessary.
  10. Inform and advise the COM, DCOM, Heads of Sub-Offices and Programme Managers on all security management issues and risk management measures with the aim to enable effective delivery of IOM’s programme/project.
  11. In collaboration with the RSO and OSS Operations Centre in Manila, conduct security assessments and evaluations, monitor all security threats/trends that will enable a comprehensive threat/risk analyses to be undertaken and provide a written report.
  12. In conjunction with RSO and FSOs in IOM Afghanistan, offer the appropriate assistance, recommendations and input into the design and implementation of IOM Afghanistan specific evacuation procedures, emergency security policy, IOM security-related strategies, Country-specific security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Business Continuity Plans (BCP). Establish a concrete course of action for their implementation.
  13. When required, and in the absence of a UNDSS presence in locations where IOM has operations, support the IOM/ UN Country Office by assisting with the design of emergency/evacuation plans, security-related strategies, emergency response plans, and establish a concrete course of action for their implementation. Although these plans may be considered IOM-specific, every effort should be made to follow UNDSS emergency/ standard operating procedures.
  14. In coordination with the RSO, COM, HoSO and Head for Resources Management, prepare Country-specific training activities, seminars, briefings, coordinate staff participation and manage administrative, logistic and budgetary issues (if necessary) to ensure that security training is carried out professionally and within IOM and UNSMS training standards.
  15. Develop an in-depth knowledge on the operational use of SCAAN and ensure that the IOMAfghanistan is in compliance with the IOM Instruction on SCAAN. In addition, in coordination with the RSO, ensure that all security staff in Afghanistan have the necessary training on SCAAN.
  16. In coordination with the RSO and FSOs and LSAs of IOM Afghanistan, closely monitor and report on staff deployment numbers (staff ceilings) established for the Country 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.
  17. Conduct regular reviews of existing IOM / UN security documents for IOM premises, compounds and Sub-Offices in Afghanistan with the aim of ensuring that they are relevant, practical and are updated.
  18. Support IOM Afghanistan during the project development process, utilizing the UNSMSSecurity Risk Management methodology by providing security analysis, operating procedures and other related support.
  19. In coordination with the RSO, OSS Operations Centre, COM/ Head of Office and, if deemed necessary or required, in coordination with relevant security partners, test the functionality and implementation of IOM-specific emergency communications systems, including SCAAN and contingency plans, to ensure they are functional, effective and address IOM Afghanistan’s programme requirements. This includes actively checking the SCAAN dashboard and posting relevant security advisories in a timely manner.
  20. Report security matters that have a potential or direct impact on IOM Afghanistan’s operations, immediately to the RSO, COM, HoSO, the Director OSS and to the OSS Operations Centre Manila.
  21. In coordination with the RSO and /or COM and the Director OSS, 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.
  22. 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
  • University 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.
  • 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 minimum two (2) years of field experience in the UN Security Management System;
  • Experience in managing international security officers and other security staff is required;
  • Experience in planning and execution of security plans, procedures and measures is required;
  • Experience of working in crisis/humanitarian response locations in security operations is required; and,
  • Previous experience in dealing with law enforcement agencies;

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;
  • Demonstrated general analytical skills; and,
  • Proven ability to manage and collaborate finance matters.

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

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. 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.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system, by 06 October 2022 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

No Fees:

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

Requisition: VN 2022 310 Senior Field Security Officer (P4) Kabul, Afghanistan (57760387) Released

Posting: Posting NC57760388 (57760388) Released


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