Job Identification (Reference Number): 15270
Position Title: Field Security Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Damascus
Duty Station Country: Syria
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 6 Months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 Months with Possibility of Extension
Closing date: 06 August 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. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

Internal candidates
Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from nonrepresented member states of IOM.

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 direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), and under the technical supervision of the Office of Staff Security (OSS) as represented by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) based in the Regional Office in Cairo, the Field Security Officer will be responsible and accountable for providing expert support to enable IOM’s activities in the Country Office with all aspects of security risk management.

The Field Security Officer will be expected to implement appropriate safety and security management procedures that will effectively address issues that could and have impact on the security of IOM personnel, premises, assets, and operational activities.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with security officials of other UNSMS organizations, government counterparts and partner security services, country United Nations Department Safety and Security (UNDSS) office and all appropriate Security Focal Points, in order to obtain up-to-date security-related information that is beneficial to the Country Office.
Provide accurate and up to date assessments of the security situation in the Country Office and provide advice and recommendations to the COM/ HoO on how to prevent and mitigate against identified threats and risks.
Develop, implement, and regularly test a functioning warden system. Warden testing methods should include multiple systems, including SCAAN.
In coordination with the RSO, COM /HoO, prepare Country-specific training activities, seminars, briefings, coordinate staff participation, and ensure that security training is carried out professionally within IOM and UNSMS learning/training standards.
Provide security briefings for IOM personnel deployed to and travelling within Syria and coordinate all travel security requirements for the Country Office relating to all IOM operations, including assessments of road, air and river transport networks, medical evacuations and international staff travel within and from/to Syria.
In coordination with the RSO, regularly review and monitor compliance on the UN Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM). This includes proactively participating in the Security Cell Meetings and actively providing guidance to the COM/HoO on issues raised in the SMT, ensuring that IOM-specific operational requirements are considered for implementation of security measures and that a people-centred approach is mainstreamed in security risk management.
Acquire comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in the Syria and provide recommendation, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams.
Support the COM/HoO by providing security-related inputs into the Country Office’s Business Continuity Plan, proactively advising the COM/HoO in its regular testing.
In coordination with the RSO, develop, implement and test Country Office-specific security plans.
Supervise Field Security officers, National officers, and security associates to ensure that the appropriate level of security is provided to IOM personnel.
Closely monitor and report on deployment numbers (staff ceilings) established for the mission/s by the UN Designated Official (DO) during emergencies, in coordination with the Security Management Team (SMT) and UNDSS, ensuring that security clearance procedures are applied fairly, vis-à-vis all of the agencies working under the UNDSS Security Management System.
Test the functionally and implementation of IOM-specific emergency communications systems, including SCAAN to ensure they are functional, effective and address the programme requirements of the Country Office. This includes actively checking the SCAAN dashboard and posting relevant security advisories in a timely manner.
Report security matters that have a potential or direct impact on IOM operations immediately to the COM and the RSO.
In coordination with the COM and the RSO, conduct preliminary enquiries in respect to any security breaches/incidents in the Country Office, working closely with local authorities in efforts to ensure IOM personnel, its assets and interests are protected and appropriate and corrective measure taken.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

Master’s degree in Security Management, Business Administration, Political/Social Science, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament affairs, conflict resolution, crime or terrorism prevention, security, risk, disaster, or crisis/emergency management and preparedness in the public or private service areas, responsible for responding to emergency situations that may directly impact security is desirable;
Experience in planning, design, implementation or review of risk mitigation measures related to operations impacted by insecurity is desirable;
International experience is desirable;
Experience in L3 emergency operations is an advantage;
Management experience in the humanitarian, public, private or corporate sector is desirable;
Minimum one year of experience in field operations is desirable;
Specialized experience in such areas as security programmes, risk assessments, or analysis is desirable; and,
UNDSS certification to any of the following: 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.

Skills

Ability to collaborate with senior government security counterparts and relevant stakeholders is an advantage;
Demonstrated ability to manage a high degree of rational behaviour and decision making at all times;
Ability to supervise and work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, and;
Excellent oral and written skills. Listens actively and responds effectively.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another UN official Language (Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

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 five 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 2

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 2

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

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

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.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

Set your job search on autopilot

Fresh Jobs

Functional Lead, Field Security

Functional Lead, Field Security - Tracy, CA

Functional Lead, Field Security - Rocklin, CA

iOS Functional Lead

HCM Functional Lead

Agency - Functional Lead

S4HANA Functional Lead

Workday Functional Lead

Senior Functional Lead

Security Functional Lead

SAP MM Functional Lead

SAP SD Functional Lead

Workday Functional Lead - Learning

People Tech Functional Lead

Functional Lead (GL/SLA)

S4 Hana Functional Lead

S4 Hana Functional Lead

Workday Techno Functional Lead

Senior Techno-Functional Lead

EBS Finance Functional Lead

EBS Finance Functional Lead

NetSuite Techno-Functional Lead

Field Security Expert

Field Security Associate

Field Security Associate

Field Security Assistant

Oracle Order Management Functional Lead

Workday Functional Lead - Absence & Time

IT Functional Lead - Supply Chain

Oracle Order Management Functional Lead

Consultant IT, Functional Lead Planning

Field Security Officer (P)

Field Security Associate (Overnight)

Senior Field Security Associate

Senior Field Security Associate

Field Security Officer (P)

Oracle DevOps Fusion PTC Functional Lead

Functional Lead - Quality Management Systems (Remote)

Linux System Administrator Functional Lead - DoD

SAP Finance Functional Lead & Manager (FICO)

SAP MM Techno Functional Lead/Manager

Senior IT Functional Lead, SCM & PTP

Functional Lead for External facing apps

Oracle DevOps Fusion SMC Functional Lead

Scrum Master / Functional Lead (Clearance Eligible)

Workday HCM Functional Lead - Recruiting Module

Associate, Field Security - Elyria, OH

Sr. Security Engineer, Field Security

Associate, Field Security - Indianapolis, IN

Associate, Field Security - Akron, NY