National Security Support Officer

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 Country Office operational support to enable effective implementation and delivery of IOM programmes and activities, while managing security risks at acceptable levels. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), and direct supervision of the Field Security Officer (FSO) and the technical supervision of the Office of Staff Security (OSS) as represented by the Regional Security Support Officer (RSO), the National Security Support Officer will be responsible for providing expert support to all security-related aspects of the Country Office’s operations and activities, and assist the direct supervisor in all aspects of security risk management in the Country Office.  

The National Security Support Officer will support the direct supervisor in establishing and maintaining an appropriate level of security awareness in the IOM Syria activities.

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with country UN Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations, country United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) office, host government agencies, and partner security services responsible for security, in order to maintain up-to-date security-related information that is beneficial to IOM Syria activities. 
2. In coordination with the Regional Security Support Officer, effectively monitor and analyze the security situation in the IOM Syria, and communicate significant events/incidents in a timely manner. Carry out the adequate gathering and verification of security information that may be required for a proper analysis of the situation.  
3. Provide support in the development and implementation of IOM Country Office-specific security plans including contingency and emergency response plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including providing security-related inputs into the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in coordination with the Regional Security Support Officer. 
4. Provide support in the conduct of the Security Risk Management (SRM) and the monitoring of the security measures implementation as recommended in the SRM process for the area of operation, in close coordination with OSS through the Field Security Officer in Syria.
5. Acquire a comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in the Country Office and contribute to drafting Security Risk Assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams.
6. Conduct physical surveys of offices, vehicles, and staff residences to verify compliance with the UN Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM), work closely with the Regional Security Officer to ensure IOM-specific operational requirements are considered for implementation of security measures and that a people-centered approach is mainstreamed in security risk management.
7. Support the effective management of the Country Office Warden system, by maintaining updated staff lists, including call sign lists, and testing the overall operability of communications systems, particularly SCAAN. Assist in ensuring that all relevant safety and security information is disseminated in a timely manner to IOM personnel.
8. Monitor security incidents affecting IOM personnel, premises, assets, and operational activities in the IOM Syria. This includes preparing security reports such as Security Incident Reports and Weekly Reports. 
9. Provide security briefings for IOM personnel deployed to and traveling within the country or area of operation and coordinate all travel security requirements for the IOM Syria relating to all IOM operations, including assessments of road, air, and river transport networks, medical evacuations and international staff travel within and from/to the country.
10. Supervise Field Security Associate/s to ensure that the appropriate level of security is being delivered and provided to IOM personnel. 
11. Implement and manage security access control procedures, systems, and equipment; conduct periodic security assessments for premises and installations to ensure provisions for an effective guard force and propose any necessary improvements; manage the day-to-day operational and technical support of the guard force.
12. Provide security policy guidance and monitor compliance to security standards and procedures. 
13. Attend the security cell and participate in the SMT (as an observer) when there is no presence of a Security Professional e.g. Field Security Officer in the duty station and provide technical inputs to the IOM Chief of Mission on matters related to security that may have a potential or indirect impact to IOM operations.
14. Provide support in the conduct and follow-up of investigations and incidents affecting IOM personnel, premises, and assets in the duty station. 
15. Respond to complex security queries and provide security-related advice as required.
16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.  Education
    • University degree in Security, Social Sciences, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, Interntional Relations or a related field from accredited academic institutions, with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
    • Masters degree in the above. 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 such areas as security porgrammes, risk assessments, or analysis is desirable;
      • Experience operational security risk management, investigation, and physical security is desirable; and,
      • UNDSS certification to any of the following: Security Certification Programme (SCP), Security Analysis Practice and Process (SAPP), 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 behavior and decision-making at all times;
        • Good political and social knowledge of the Country;
        • Ability to work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, and;
        • Excellent oral and written skills. Listens actively and responds effectively.  Languages
          • Fluency in English and Arabic 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.
17. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
18. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.