Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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:

  1. Internal candidates
  2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
     

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Between April 10-13, 2026, Typhoon Sinlaku crossed directly over Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) causing widespread damage in Weno and other outer islands. As the United States State Department implementing partner, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Country Office (CO) in Federated States of Micronesia will support the local governments with assessments, relief and reconstruction of public facilities and housing reconstruction.

The Office of Staff Security (OSS) is responsible for providing leadership on safety/security policy management and Mission operational support to enable the safest and most effective implementation and delivery of IOM programs and activities while managing security risks at acceptable levels.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of the IOM Coordination Office for the North Pacific based in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Field Security Support Officer will be accountable and responsible for all security and safety matters related directly or indirectly to IOM personnel and property in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau.

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

Responsibilities

  1. Establish and maintain effective working exchanges and relationships with security officials of other UNSMS organizations, government counterparts and partner security services, country 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 Federated State of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau programme activities.
  2. In coordination with the Regional Security Advisor for Asia and the Pacific (RSA-AP), provide accurate and up to date assessments of the security situation in Chuuk state with regards to staff security in the Typhon Sinlaku response project implementation, including the rest of the Federated State of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau; and provide recommendations to the CoM on how to prevent and mitigate against identified threats and risks.
  3. In coordination with the RSA-AP, develop, implement, and regularly test a functioning warden system. Warden testing methods should include multiple systems, including SCAAN.
  4. Support the RSA-AP in preparing 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.
  5. Provide safety/security briefings for IOM staff deployed to and travelling within the mission and coordinate all travel security requirements for the CO relating to all IOM operations, including assessments of road, air and maritime transport networks, medical evacuations and international staff travel within and from/to Chuuk State.
  6. In coordination with the RSA-AP, 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 on issues raised in the SMT, ensuring that IOM-specific operational requirements are considered for implementation of security measures and adherence to the UNSMS Policy on Gender Considerations in Security Management.
  7. Acquire comprehensive operational understanding of IOM programmes in the FSM, RMI and the Republic of Palau and provide recommendation, including Security Risk assessments in areas where IOM works or is planning to deploy its teams.
  8. In coordination with the RSA-AP, support the CoM in updating IOM North Pacific Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plan (BCP), proactively advising the CoM in its regular testing.
  9. In coordination with the RSA-AP, develop, implement and test North Pacific specific IOM specific security plans and relevant security documents.
  10. Work closely with the Security Focal Points to ensure that the appropriate level of security is provided to IOM personnel.
  11. In coordination with the RSA-AP, 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. In coordination with the RSA-AP, test the functionality and implementation of IOM-specific emergency communications systems, including SCAAN and contingency plans to ensure they are functional, effective and address the programme requirements of the North Pacific office. This includes actively checking the SCAAN dashboard and posting relevant security advisories in a timely manner.
  13. In coordination with the RSA-AP, report security matters and incidents that have a potential or direct impact on IOM operations immediately to the CoM and the RSA.
  14. In coordination with the CoM and RSA-AP conduct preliminary enquiries in respect to any security breaches/incidents in Chuuk State and the rest of the duty stations in the mission, working closely with local authorities in efforts to ensure IOM staff, 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/Social Sciences, Law, Disaster Management, International Studies, Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

  • Relevant professional experience in security management or security risk management with at least one year of field experience in the UN Security Management System;
  • Experience in planning and execution of security plans, procedures and measures is required;
  • Previous experience in dealing with law enforcement agencies is an advantage;
  • Experience in providing training in Maritime Safety is a distinct advantage; and,
  • Previous experience working in the Pacific is a distinct advantage.

Skills

  • Successful completion of the UN Security Certification Programme (SCP) is required;
  • Previous Hostage Incident Management (HIM) Training, SSAFE Training of Trainers, and other UN-certified Training of Trainers is desirable;
  • Proven ability to collaborate with senior government security counterparts and relevant stakeholders;
  • Proven ability to manage a high degree of rational behaviour and decision always making irrespective of the gravity of the security environment;
  • Good communication and writing skills with the ability to analyse complex problems, and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions; and,
  • Strong general analytical skills.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

At least a working knowledge of another language (including one of the six official UN languages, and/or a language that may be widely spoken in the country context) is desirable.

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) and/or local languages spoken in Micronesia 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.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. 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.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE 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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Initial Contract Duration: One Year
Org Type: Country Office - Sub Office
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: Professional
Grade: P-2
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.