Job Identification (Reference Number): 16494
Position Title: Chief, Field Security Operations
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 2 October 2025
Introduction:
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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read 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:
1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, 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 effective implementation and delivery of IOM programmes and activities, while managing security risks at acceptable levels.
Under the direct supervision of the Director, Office of Staff Security (OSS) in Headquarters, the Chief, Field Security Operations is responsible for providing expert support in terms of staff safety and security management throughout the Organization in the areas of operations.
The incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the oversight of the Operations Centre, Security Surge, and Preparedness and Foresight. The incumbent will also be responsible for the oversight of the Security Communications and Analyst Network (SCAAN) technology and information products within IOM and ensures SCAAN’s interoperability with other information paltforms and security communications systems within the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS).
The Chief, Field Security Operations will be responsible for strengthening IOM’s security compliance and preparedness in support of the organizational strategic plan.
Under the guidance of the Director of OSS, manage the daily operations of the Office of Staff Security (OSS) to ensure that appropriate prevention and mitigation measures are identified, developed, and applied in accordance with IOM and UNSMS policies, procedures and guidelines.Provide oversight to the security risk management component of the Organization’s operations, particularly programme enablement, delivery, and sustainability, ensuring that security is mainstreamed into IOM’s programmes and activities. Provide oversight for security-related issues relating to IOM personnel, eligible family members, premises, assets, and operational activities. Serves as the Focal Point in OSS Headquarters to the Regional Security Officers in the event of emerging or actual security incidents and ensures to provide timely information to the Director of OSS. Ensure that relevant security-related data and information is networked through relevant internal and external communications channels. Support the Director of OSS with accurate updates and briefings as required, and as relevant, coordinated with the Chief, Security Planning Policy and Specialized Support. Supervise and provide guidance to the Regional Security Advisor and OPCEN Manager in Manila, as it relates to their function as OPCEN Manager in ensuring that the service quality and operational performance of the OSS Global Operations Centre (OPCEN) in Manila Administrative Centre (MAC) including the Alternate Operations Centre (AOC) in Panama are fit for purpose. Oversee the regular review and monitor of existing processes and procedures, identify, and promote best practices of the OSS Global OPCEN’s Security Information Operations Cell (SIOC), 24/7 Communications Centre (COMCEN) and Alternate Operations Centre (AOC) to address any process gaps including product outputs of the operational and analytical services to respond efficiently to all emergency situations.Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines as relevant in coordination with the Security Policy Advisor and ensure that these are reviewed and updated accordingly.Supervise and provide guidance to the Programme Manager (Security Communications) in ensuring agency wide implementation of SCAAN and that SCAAN is utilized effectively and efficiently as the Organization’s core security risk management tool. Coordinate the ongoing development of the SCAAN technology and information products within IOM, and the SCAAN User Group. Collaborate and coordinate with other UN Security Communications Systems . Collaborate with the Chief, Security Planning, Policy and Specialized Support in the development and implementation of the OSS Training Strategy with the aim to raise security awareness, promote security culture within the Organization, develop the knowledge and skills of IOM personnel in terms of security preparedness, and when necessary, assist with the delivery of the security learning/training activities and ensure that these are carried out professionally within IOM and UNSMS learning/training standards.Support the Hostage Incident Management (HIM) response involving IOM personnel with relevant other stakeholders in the UNSMS as appropriate based on the context Constantly monitor and follow-up IOM operations in high-risk environments to ensure that security procedures, policies and guidelines are in place and that security trends are identified, monitored, and responded to. Acting as the IOM Alternate Air Travel Focal Point (AATFP), manage the responsibilities of the Organization within UN Commercial Air Travel Safety Policy, addressing and responding to aviation safety and commercial air travel concerns.Represent OSS in the Third-Party Contractors Advisory Group with the aim to ensure that the contracted party assumes its security responsibility and duty of care towards its employees and minimize IOM’s security risk exposure. Maintain and oversee the annual security compliance survey mechanism, and provide regular reporting, and recommendations to enhance security compliance. Oversee and coordinate security preparedness data collection, collation and reporting to support risk analysis, decision-making and planning. Ensure maintenance of the database for the regular security-related data feed to DHRR’s Foresight and Preparedness Dashboard. As instructed by the Director of OSS, represent IOM at meetings/ forums with senior managers, partner agencies, government security services, United Nations agencies/ programs, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), and the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), the policy decision-making body of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS).Establish a working knowledge of the OSS annual operational budget and UNDSS Jointly Financed Activities (JFA) security budget in relation to funding for safety and security costs. Directly report to the Director of OSS all relevant operational security risk management issues, providing reports, assessments, advice and frequent briefings on OSS activities and the impact they have on all significant security threats/risks/trends/incidents.Conduct and/or oversee Regional and Country Office Security Risk Assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams and to ensure compliance with relevant security policies, procedures, and guidelines. Make appropriate recommendations to strengthen these systems and address non-compliance issues. Be available 24/7 to deal with any emergencies or security situations involving IOM personnel, premises, assets, and operational activities.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education:
Master’s degree in Security Management, Political/Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Communications or a related social or political science discipline with security management or analysis component from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience:
Relevant professional experience in security management, security risk management, or a related area, with a minimum of three years international field experience in security operations is required;Previous experience working for a UNSMS Organization, in a crisis context, is highly required; Previous experience in advisory and operations management roles is highly required;Experience in planning and implementation of security operations and plans within the UNSMS is highly required; and,Previous experience in working with military, intelligence or law enforcement agencies an advantage.
Skills:
UNDSS certification to any of the following: Security Certification Programme (SCP), Security Analysis Practice and Process (SAPP), Hostage Incident Management (HIM), Trainer Development and Certification Course (TDC) and Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) is desirable;In depth knowledge of UNSMS security policies and procedures; ,Proven ability to collaborate and maintain effective partnerships with UN security counterparts, stakeholders and partners, Effective leadership skills with the ability to supervise and coach/lead staff;Excellent negotiation and communication skills;Demonsrated ability to manage a high degree of rational behavior and decision-making at all times; and, Ability to supervise and work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
Languages:
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (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 three 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time 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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
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.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment 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