Name – Marion Guthrie
Job Title – Field Security Officer
Nationality - British
Please could you tell us a little about yourself and your professional background?
I started my career working as a Diplomat with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (now known as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), travelling extensively to places including Yemen, Sudan, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Pitcairn Island. My roles were varied and included Political, Commercial and Corporate Services work, but an integral part of all these jobs was Security. I was keen to broaden my experiences and having observed the work of UNHCR from a distance, decided I wanted to be more involved. And while I enjoyed the security component of my previous positions, I was unable to apply for security jobs because a police or military background was always listed as mandatory, which I don’t have.
My husband and I were based in Beirut, Lebanon when a UNHCR Training and Evaluation Outreach course was advertised for Field Security Officers. Fortunately, security risk management experience was listed as essential (which I have), and a police or military background was optional, so I applied and was accepted. Following successful completion of the course, I was offered a job with UNHCR in Beirut and the rest is history. I am currently working in UNHCR Sub Office Kakuma, Kenya.
What do you believe is/are the most important skill(s) needed to perform your role at UNHCR?
To remain calm under pressure, be able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to ensure staff are fully protected whilst enabling our vital operations to continue. This includes being ready for the unexpected and be willing to ‘muck in’ when necessary, even occasionally for things that may not be directly security-related.
Collaboration and coordination are also essential to ensure effective teamwork between Field Security Unit and other entities to promptly achieve overall goals while adapting to constantly changing priorities. This can often involve negotiations on the best way to achieve something within set parameters. It can be a challenge, but once you see the final result in place, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment that follows.
What according to you, is the most effective way to address gender parity within senior-level roles?
Identify and remove barriers that may be hindering gender parity. These could be in any areas - for example, managing the expectations of others to ensure everyone has an equal footing (i.e. I have noticed differences in the way some people talk to me versus my male counterparts), family reasons (such as child-care considerations), being more flexible for a tandem couple who wish to have two jobs together (either both UNHCR or one in UNHCR and the other in a different organisation) or a perhaps there may be a perceived lack of support in specific roles.
And specifically, for internal talent - UNHCR promotion schemes could consider recognising and taking into account previous work experience (i.e. work external to UNHCR). Currently, internal candidates have to wait a set number of years before they can be promoted i.e. to go from P3 to D1 would take a minimum of 13 years. Talented and capable staff members with relevant and suitable previous work experience could be fast-tracked and mentored by a member of senior management.
Do you have a personal habit or trait that has been critical for your success?
I have been told my optimism is an asset, as I tend to think everything is achievable if you put your mind to it. Yes, sometimes you must think laterally/logically, but there is a solution there, you just have to work it out.
It also helps if you are comfortable speaking to anyone. Throughout my career, I have had conversations with so many interesting people, from refugees to Royalty, and farmers to famous sporting personalities. At the end of the day, we are all human beings.
We know that many of our audience would like to hear some advice on how to pursue a career with UNHCR, do you have any good tips to share?
Try to get some related work experience – such as with an I/NGO involved in refugee programs/operations or with UN Volunteers etc. Talk to people about UNHCR and take the opportunity to learn as much as you can about the organisation, the overall objectives and exactly what your chosen area of work involves.
Persistence is essential - don’t give up as it can take some time to ‘get your foot in the door’.
And you will need a willingness to travel to remote and often difficult locations. As a humanitarian, these can be the most rewarding places to work where you will understand first-hand what UNHCR is achieving, and you can directly see the impact your work and overall involvement has on the lives of refugees and persons of concern.
Watch the webinar - Humanitarian Careers with UNHCR
This article is produced as a part of Impactpool's Gender Parity month-long campaign in March 2021, supported by UNHCR. Curated to shed light on gender parity in the International Public Sector and empower women with career resources, job opportunities, and employee spotlights, and a unique virtual career fair. #genderparity
Explore and Apply for UNHCR vacancies
