Position Title : Field Security Support Officer, UN agency in the field of migration

Duty Station : Yaoundé, Cameroon
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment : Special short-term graded, 9 months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 27 March 2024
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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo
(the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See;
Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar;
Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru;
Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;
Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.
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 Chief of Mission (CoM), and the technical supervision of the
Office of Staff Security (OSS) as represented by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) based in
the Regional Office in Dakar, the Field Security Support Officer (FSSO) will be responsible and
accountable for providing expert support to enable IOM’s activities and assist the CoM and RSO
with all aspects of security risk management in Cameroon.
The Field Security Support Officer will be expected to implement appropriate safety and security
management procedures that will effectively address issues that could and have impact on
security IOM personnel, premises, assets and operational activities.
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Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Establish and maintain effective working exchanges and relationships with security officials of
other UNSMS organizations, government counterparts, NGOs 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 the Cameroon activities.
2. In coordination with the CoM and the RSO, provide accurate and up to date assessments of
the security situation in Cameroon and provide recommendations to the CoM on how to prevent
and mitigate against identified threats and risks.
3. In coordination with the RSO, develop, implement, and regularly test a functioning warden
system. Warden testing methods should include multiple systems, including eTA and SCAAN.
4. Support the CoM and the RSO in preparing Country-specific training activities, seminars,
briefings, coordinating staff participation and ensure that security training is carried out
professionally within IOM and UNSMS learning/training standards.
5. Provide security briefings for IOM personnel deployed to and travelling within the Cameroon
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 Cameroon.
6. In coordination with the CoM and the RSO, regularly review and monitor compliance on the
UN radio control, 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 that a
people-centred approach is mainstreamed in security risk management.
7. Acquire comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in Cameroon, provide
recommendation, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning
to deploy its teams.
8. In coordination with the RSO, support the COM/HoO by providing security-related inputs into
the Country Office’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP), proactively advising the CoM in its regular
testing.
9. In coordination with the CoM and the RSO, develop, implement, and test Country
Office-specific security plans.
10. Supervise Field Security Associates or focal points to ensure that the appropriate level of
security is provided to IOM personnel.
11. In coordination with the CoM and the RSO, 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 CoM and the RSO, test the functionality and implementation of
IOM-specific emergency communications systems, including eTA, SCAAN and contingency
plans to ensure they are functional, effective and address the programme requirements of the
Country Office. This includes actively checking the SCAAN dashboard and posting relevant
security advisories in a timely manner.
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13. In coordination with the CoM and the RSO, report security matters that have a potential or
direct impact on IOM operations immediately to the CoM and the RSO.
14. In coordination with the CoM and the RSO, conduct preliminary enquiries in respect to any
security breaches/incidents in Cameroon, working closely with local authorities in efforts to
ensure IOM staff, 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, Business Administration, Political/Social Science,
Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, International Relations 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.
Experience
• Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in international relations,
disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk, disaster, or
crisis/emergency management and preparedness in the public or private service areas,
responsible in responding to emergency situations that may directly impact security is desirable;
• Experience in Security Risk Management strategies is desirable;
• International experience in the humanitarian, public, private, or corporate sector is desirable;
and,
• UNDSS certification to any of the following: Security Certification Programme (SCP), Security
Analysis Practice and Process (SAPP), Hostage Incident Management (HIM), Trainer and
Development and Certification Course (TDC), and Safe and Secure Approaches in Field
Environments (SSAFE) is desirable.
Skills
• Ability to collaborate with senior government security counterparts and relevant stakeholders is
an advantage;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high degree of rational behaviour and decision making at all
times;
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Ability to work with a minimum level of supervision; and,
• Excellent oral and written skills. Listens actively and responds effectively.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be
fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Notes
1
 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database
(https://whed.net/home.php).
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Required Competencies:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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 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 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 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
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.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p
df
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.
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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 background verification 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 via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system : www.iom.int/recruitment , by 27 March 2024 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
Posting period:
From 14.03.2024 to 27.03.2024