Field Security Officer (P)

Apply Before
10/22/2026, 11:59 PM
Contract Type
Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Initial Contract Duration
6 months with possibility of extension
Org Type
Country Office
Vacancy Type
Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type
Professional
Grade
P-3

Responsibilities
 

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with security officials of other United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations, government counterparts and partner security services, the United Nations Department of 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. 
    
2. Provide accurate and up-to-date assessments of the security situation in the Country Office and provide advice and recommendations to the COM on how to prevent and mitigate against identified threats and risks.
3. Develop, implement, and regularly test a functioning warden system. Warden testing methods should include multiple systems, including SCAAN.
4. In coordination with the RSO, COM, prepare Country-specific training activities, seminars, and briefings, coordinate staff participation, and ensure that security training is carried out professionally within IOM and UNSMS learning/training standards.
5. Provide security briefings for IOM personnel deployed to and travelling within Cameroon 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 Cameroon. 
6. In coordination with the RSO, regularly review and monitor compliance with 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.
7. Acquire a comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in Cameroon and provide recommendations, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams. 
8. Support the COM by providing security-related inputs into the Country Office’s Business Continuity Plan, proactively advising the COM in its regular testing. 
9. In coordination with the RSO, develop, implement, and test Country Office-specific security plans.
10. Supervise the Field Security National Officer to ensure that the appropriate level of security is provided to IOM personnel.
11. 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.
12. Test the functionality 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. 
13. Report security matters that have a potential or direct impact on IOM operations immediately to the COM of CO and the RSO.
14. In coordination with the COM of CO 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.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 
     

Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience

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;
• 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 in 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 behavior 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

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

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, 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.