Overview
Position: Chief, Field Security Operations. Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland. Grade: P-5. Contract: 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 to promote humane and orderly migration. IOM provides services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, with preference for qualified female candidates and candidates from non-represented member states of IOM. First-tier candidates include internal candidates, external female candidates, and candidates from non-represented member states listed in the notice.
Context: The Office of Staff Security (OSS) provides leadership on security policy management and supports Country Offices to enable effective programme delivery while managing security risks. The Chief, Field Security Operations provides expert support in staff safety and security management across the Organization, overseeing the OSS Global Operations Centre (OPCEN) and related security information operations.
Responsibilities
* Under the guidance of the Director of OSS, manage the daily operations of the Office of Staff Security (OSS) to ensure appropriate prevention and mitigation measures are identified, developed, and applied in accordance with IOM and UNSMS policies, procedures and guidelines.
* Provide oversight of the security risk management component of the Organization’s operations, ensuring security is mainstreamed into IOM’s programmes and activities.
* Oversee security-related issues relating to IOM personnel, eligible family members, premises, assets, and operational activities.
* Serve as the Focal Point in OSS Headquarters to Regional Security Officers for emerging or actual security incidents and provide timely information to the Director of OSS.
* Ensure relevant security-related data and information is networked through internal and external communications channels.
* Support the Director of OSS with accurate updates and briefings, coordinated with the Chief, Security Planning Policy and Specialized Support where relevant.
* Supervise and guide the Regional Security Advisor and OPCEN Manager in Manila regarding their function as OPCEN Manager, ensuring service quality and operational performance of OSS Global Operations Centre (OPCEN) in Manila Administrative Centre (MAC) and the Alternate Operations Centre (AOC) in Panama.
* Oversee the regular review and monitoring of processes and procedures; promote best practices of OSS Global OPCEN’s Security Information Operations Cell (SIOC), 24/7 Communications Centre (COMCEN), and AOC to address process gaps and ensure robust outputs for emergencies.
* Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines in coordination with the Security Policy Advisor and ensure periodic reviews and updates.
* Supervise and guide the Programme Manager (Security Communications) to ensure agency-wide implementation of SCAAN and its effective use as the Organization’s core security risk management tool.
* Coordinate ongoing development of SCAAN technology and information products; liaise with the SCAAN User Group and collaborate with other UN Security Communications Systems.
* Collaborate with the Chief, Security Planning, Policy and Specialized Support to develop and implement OSS Training Strategy to raise security awareness and promote security culture, including security learning/training activities within IOM and UNSMS standards.
* Support the Hostage Incident Management (HIM) response involving IOM personnel with relevant stakeholders in UNSMS as appropriate.
* Monitor IOM operations in high-risk environments to ensure procedures and guidelines are in place and security trends are identified and addressed.
* Act as IOM Alternate Air Travel Focal Point (AATFP), addressing aviation safety and travel concerns in line with UN policies.
* Represent OSS in the Third-Party Contractors Advisory Group to ensure contracted parties uphold security responsibilities and duty of care.
* Maintain and oversee an annual security compliance survey and provide regular reporting and recommendations to enhance compliance.
* Oversee and coordinate security preparedness data collection, reporting, and risk analysis support; maintain the data feed for DHRR’s Foresight and Preparedness Dashboard.
* Represent IOM at meetings with senior managers, partner agencies, government security services, UN agencies/programs, IASC, IASMN, and UNSMS policy bodies as instructed by the Director of OSS.
* Understand OSS annual operational budget and the UNDSS Jointly Financed Activities (JFA) security budget in relation to safety and security funding.
* Directly report to the Director of OSS on operational security risk management issues, including periodic briefings on security threats, risks, trends, and incidents.
* Conduct and/or oversee Regional and Country Office Security Risk Assessments and make recommendations to strengthen systems and address non-compliance issues.
* Be available 24/7 to deal with emergencies or security situations involving IOM personnel, premises, assets, and 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 related field with security management/analysis component, with ten years of relevant experience; or
* University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant experience.
Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
* Minimum three years of relevant professional experience in security management or security risk management; international field experience in security operations required.
* Previous experience working for a UNSMS Organization in a crisis context is highly required.
* Experience in advisory and operations management roles is highly required.
* Experience in planning and implementing security operations and plans within UNSMS is highly required.
* Experience working with military, intelligence or law enforcement agencies is an advantage.
Skills
* UNDSS certification in 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; ability to collaborate with UN security counterparts and partners.
* Proven leadership and the ability to supervise and coach staff; strong negotiation and communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to manage rational decision-making under pressure; ability to work with colleagues from varied cultures and 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 is an advantage.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at the listed link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values
* Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion.
* Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in accordance with organizational principles and rules.
* Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work competently and responsibly and exercises good judgment.
* Courage: Willingness to take a stand on important issues.
* Empathy: Shows compassion, makes people feel safe and respected.
Core Competencies
* Teamwork
* Delivering results
* Managing and sharing knowledge
* Accountability
* Communication
Managerial Competencies
* Leadership
* Empowering others
* Building Trust
* Strategic thinking and vision
* Humility
Notes
* Internationally recruited staff are required to be mobile.
* Offers are contingent on funding confirmation.
* This selection may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations.
* Appointments subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances.
* Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva on the closing date. No late applications accepted.
* IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with UN/IOM aims and objectives.
* IOM does not charge a recruitment fee or request bank account information.
* Applications must be submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
* For more information, visit IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.
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