Overview
Switzerland — Chief, Field Security Operations at the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland. Grade: P-5. Contract: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension). Closing date for applications: 2 October 2025.
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations. IOM promotes humane and orderly migration and provides services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and to harnessing the full potential of migration.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, with focus on qualified female candidates and applicants from non-represented member states of IOM. The selection process gives priority to first-tier candidates (internal, external female candidates, and candidates from non-represented member states).
For this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates: internal candidates; external female candidates; candidates from non-represented member states listed in the original posting (names omitted here). Second-tier candidates include all external candidates except those from non-represented member states and female candidates.
Context
The Office of Staff Security (OSS) oversees security policy management and country-office support to enable program delivery while managing risk. The Chief, Field Security Operations reports to the Director, OSS and provides expert support in staff safety and security management organization-wide, including oversight of the OSS Global Operations Centre (OPCEN), Security Surge, Preparedness and Foresight, and SCAAN (Security Communications and Analyst Network) technologies.
Responsibilities
* Under the guidance of the Director of OSS, manage daily OSS operations to identify, develop, and apply prevention and mitigation measures in line with IOM and UNSMS policies.
* Oversee security risk management for programme enablement, delivery, and sustainability; ensure security is mainstreamed into IOM programs.
* Supervise security-related issues for personnel, assets, premises, and operations.
* Serve as OSS focal point to Regional Security Officers during security incidents; provide timely information to the Director of OSS.
* Ensure security-related data is networked through internal and external communications channels.
* Provide accurate updates and briefings to the Director of OSS, coordinating with the Chief, Security Planning Policy and Specialized Support as appropriate.
* Directly supervise Regional Security Advisors and OPCEN Manager in Manila and oversee performance of the Manila Administrative Centre OPCEN and the Alternate Operations Centre in Panama to ensure service quality.
* Oversee process reviews and promote best practices within SIOC, COMCEN, and AOC to address gaps and respond to emergencies.
* Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in coordination with the Security Policy Advisor.
* Supervise the Programme Manager (Security Communications) to ensure agency-wide implementation and effective use of SCAAN.
* Coordinate development of SCAAN and related information products; collaborate with the SCAAN User Group and other UN security systems.
* Contribute to OSS Training Strategy to raise security awareness and ensure training meets IOM and UNSMS standards.
* Support hostage incident management responses with relevant stakeholders in UNSMS as needed.
* Monitor IOM operations in high-risk environments; identify trends and respond accordingly.
* Act as Alternate Air Travel Focal Point (AATFP) within UN aviation policy frameworks as required.
* Represent OSS in external groups to ensure contractors meet security duties of care.
* Maintain annual security compliance surveys and provide reporting and recommendations to enhance compliance.
* Coordinate security preparedness data collection and reporting to support risk analysis and decision-making; maintain data feeds for the Foresight Dashboard.
* Represent IOM at meetings with senior managers, partner agencies, government security services, UN agencies, IASC, IASMN and UNSMS policy forums as instructed.
* Understand OSS annual operational budget and UN-DSS joint financing activities related to safety and security costs.
* Report to the Director of OSS on operational security risk management issues, including assessments and briefings on security threats and incidents.
* Conduct and/or oversee Regional and Country Office Security Risk Assessments; recommend improvements for compliance and strengthen systems.
* Be available 24/7 for emergencies or security incidents involving IOM personnel, premises, assets, and operations.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
* Education: Master’s degree in Security Management, Political/Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Communications or related field with a security management/analysis component and ten years of relevant experience; or a university degree with twelve years of relevant experience. UNESCO-listed universities recognized elsewhere.
* Experience: Minimum three years of international field experience in security operations; prior experience with UNSMS; advisory and operations management experience; planning and implementation of security operations within UNSMS; experience with military, intelligence, or law enforcement agencies is an advantage.
Skills
* UNDSS certifications desirable (SCP, SAPP, HIM, TDC, SSAFE).
* Strong knowledge of UNSMS policies and ability to collaborate with UN security counterparts.
* Proven leadership, negotiation, and communication skills; ability to supervise and coach staff.
* Sound decision-making under pressure; ability to work with diverse cultures.
Languages
IOM official languages are English, French, and Spanish. For this position, fluency in English is required; working knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process.
Notes
* Internationally recruited staff must be mobile.
* Offers are contingent on funding confirmation.
* The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations; recommended candidates may be eligible for 24 months for similar roles.
* Appointment subject to medical fitness, residency/visa requirements, and security clearances.
* Vacancies close at 23:59 local Geneva time on the closing date. No late applications accepted.
* IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation/abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a recruitment fee or request bank details.
* Applications must be submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to apply
To apply, submit your application via the IOM Career Gateways by 12 September 2025.
Job details
* Country: Switzerland
* City: Geneva
* Source: International Organization for Migration
* Type: Job
* Career category: Logistics/Procurement
* Years of experience: 10+ years
* Theme: Protection and Human Rights
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