Expedited- Field Security Assistant

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency established in 1951, leads in promoting humane and orderly migration, protecting people on the move, and facilitating displacement solutions. This role supports IOM's mission by ensuring security. The Field Security Assistant operates under the overall supervision of the Field Security Officer and direct supervision of the Senior Field Security Associate.

Job Purpose

The Field Security Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the International Organization for Migration's security framework, ensuring the safety and security of its personnel and assets. The primary purpose of this position is to assist in the effective implementation and maintenance of comprehensive security risk management measures, systems, and procedures across IOM operations. This involves ensuring strict compliance with both IOM and United Nations security policies, which is fundamental to safeguarding staff, protecting valuable assets, and ensuring the continuity of critical operations. The role contributes significantly to fostering a secure and stable working environment, which is essential for IOM to effectively deliver its mandate of promoting humane and orderly migration, protecting vulnerable populations on the move, and facilitating sustainable solutions to displacement challenges. By providing essential administrative, technical, and coordination support to the Field Security Unit, the Assistant directly helps mitigate potential security risks and upholds the highest standards of safety for all staff members.

Responsibilities

The Field Security Assistant is responsible for supporting the implementation and maintenance of robust security measures. This includes assisting in the execution of security risk management protocols in line with IOM and UN policies. The role involves comprehensive security systems management, such as administering access control systems, including staff cards, biometrics, and visitor procedures, and overseeing CCTV systems, coordinating their maintenance and upgrades. The Assistant conducts periodic inspections of security infrastructure like fencing, gates, and lighting, and maintains inventories of security equipment, ensuring their serviceability and proper record-keeping. Furthermore, the role coordinates the inspection, servicing, and replacement of fire safety equipment. Key responsibilities also encompass staff and field support, including processing staff identification requirements, training staff on radio communications (VHF, sat phones), and maintaining daily contact with the Security Officer regarding staff movements. The Assistant coordinates with field offices on security equipment and infrastructure needs, and supports security assessments, site inspections, briefings, awareness activities, and training sessions. Administratively, the role involves maintaining security-related records, databases, and documentation, assisting with procurement processes for security equipment and services, and preparing security reports, inventories, and briefing materials.

Work Experience

At least 2-3 years of progressively responsible experience in radio communications, including man pack and satellite phone operations, is required. Desirable experience includes professional work in humanitarian, public, private, or corporate sectors, particularly in security coordination and administrative support for an international organization. Experience supporting security operations, physical security measures, access control, CCTV systems, and security administration is also desirable, along with maintaining inventories and coordinating contractors for security-related maintenance. Successful completion of the UNDSS Field Security Associate (FSA) course is an advantage.

Skills

Collaboration with senior government security counterparts and relevant stakeholders; effective teamwork with diverse colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds; excellent oral and written communication skills, including active listening and effective response.

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