Field Security Assistant

Description

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Context

The Office of Staff Security (OSS) is responsible for providing leadership on security policy management and Mission operational support to enable effective implementation and delivery of IOM programmes and activities, while managing security risks at acceptable levels.

Under the direct supervision[1] of the Chief of Mission in Nicosia, and technical supervision[2] of the Office of Staff Security (OSS) as represented by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) based in the Regional Office in Vienna, and the administrative supervision[1] of the Senior Accounting, Finance & Administrative Associate (G6), the Field Security Assistant assists the Chief of Mission in coordinating and implementing all security-related aspects of the Country Office's field operations in line with IOM and UNSMS standards.

This position supports IOM Cyprus, which implements semi-independent living units and community-based programmes for migrants, including unaccompanied minors. The incumbent assists in ensuring safe and secure environments for IOM personnel, premises and operations, in close coordination with UNDSS Cyprus, host-government counterparts and the RSO in Vienna.

 

[1] Direct supervision is when a supervisor gives specific instructions on all assignments and oversees the performance of a person or a group. Direct supervision relates to the managerial process that involves monitoring a staff member's performance to deliver specific goals.

[2] Technical supervision is a specialized supervision required due the specific area of expertise of the subordinate, to give technical evaluation and advise, troubleshooting and take specialized decisions.

[1] Administrative supervision refers to the supervision provided by the person in charge of the office where the position is physically located and involves the coordination of administrative matters such as working schedule, standard of conduct, equipment, etc., Supervises subordinates only when they are assigned to assist with the completion of a specific task (function).

Responsibilities

1. Maintain effective working relationships with country United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office, host government agencies, and local authorities responsible for security, in order to obtain up-to-date security-related information that is beneficial to Cyprus. 
    
   
2. Assist the Chief of Mission in collecting, updating and communicating information regarding the security situation in Cyprus.
    
3. Support the Chief of Mission in the development and implementation of IOM Country Office-specific security plans including contingency and emergency response plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including providing security-related inputs into the Business Continuity Plan (BCP). 
    
4. In coordination with the Chief of Mission follow up staff member's compliance with safety and security protocols including completion of mandatory security training, obtaining security clearances as required. 
    
5. Provides support in conducting security survey of offices in IOM Cyprus. 
    
6. Support the effective management of the Country Office Warden system, by maintaining updated staff lists, including call sign lists, and ensuring the overall operability of communications systems particularly SCAAN. Ensure that all relevant safety and security information is disseminated in a timely manner to IOM personnel.
    
7. Ensure that all safety and security communications equipment is functioning and in good condition, with a regular inventory duly maintained. 
    
8. Assist in reporting security incidents affecting IOM personnel, premises, assets, and operational activities in Cyprus. This includes providing support in the preparation of security reports such as Security Incident Reports and Weekly Reports.
    
9. Provides support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness and providing security orientation to newly assigned IOM personnel in the duty station. Conducts security briefings, as required. 
    
10. Maintain an orderly filing system for confidential correspondence, security files/documents. This includes maintaining a database on contact details of country UNDSS office and host country security authorities. 
     
11. Conduct regular checks of IOM project facilities to verify compliance with SRMM (access control, lighting, fire safety, perimeter security) and report findings to the Chief of Mission and RSO.
     
12. Liaise with project managers of migrant-centre programmes to ensure timely reporting of incidents and maintain an incident log, under RSO guidance.
     
13. Support awareness sessions on staff personal safety, defensive behaviour and de-escalation in migrant-centre contexts, in coordination with OSS and programme management.
     
14. Assist in implementing people-centred SRM by integrating gender, diversity and inclusion considerations into local security planning.
     
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 
     

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Security, Social Sciences, International Studies, Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with three years of relevant professional experience;
• Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with five years of relevant professional experience. 

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Relevant professional experience in the humanitarian, public, private or corporate sector is desirable; 
• Experience in providing security coordination and administrative support for an international organization is desirable;
• Experience in the use of radio communications is desirable, and;
• Successful completion of the UNDSS Field Security Associate (FSA) course is desirable.

Skills

• Ability to collaborate with senior government security counterparts and r relevant stakeholders is an advantage;
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, and; 
• Excellent oral and written skills. Listens actively and responds effectively. 

Languages

• For this position, fluency in English and Greek is required (oral and written).

IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.

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 1)

• 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 1) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)

• 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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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