National Security Officer

Organisational Context

The Office of Staff Security provides security-policy leadership and operational support to ensure that IOM programmes are implemented while security risks remain at acceptable levels.

Under the direct supervision of the Field Security Officer, the National Security Officer will provide technical and operational support on security matters affecting IOM offices, personnel, programmes, premises and assets across the North-East region. The officer will also support security-risk management and promote appropriate security awareness among personnel working in the region.

Responsibilities

The National Security Officer will:

Maintain effective working relationships with UNDSS, the Area Security Adviser, security focal points of other UN agencies, government security institutions, local authorities and relevant security actors.

Monitor and analyse the security situation in North-East Nigeria and promptly communicate significant incidents, threats and developments.

Gather, verify and analyse security information required for informed operational decision-making.

Support the development and implementation of IOM security plans, emergency and contingency plans, Standard Operating Procedures and Business Continuity Plans.

Participate in Security Risk Management exercises and monitor the implementation of approved risk-mitigation measures.

Understand IOM programmes and operational locations in the North-East and contribute to security assessments for existing and proposed field activities.

Conduct security surveys of IOM offices, vehicles and staff residences to assess compliance with UN security and residential-security measures.

Support the management of the office warden system, including maintaining updated staff and call-sign lists and testing emergency communication systems.

Ensure that important security information, alerts and advisories are communicated promptly to IOM personnel.

Monitor and document incidents affecting IOM employees, premises, assets and programme activities.

Prepare security incident reports, weekly security updates and other analytical reports.

Provide security briefings and orientations to personnel travelling to or operating within North-East Nigeria.

Coordinate travel-security requirements, including assessments of road, air and river transportation routes, medical evacuations and official staff movements.

Supervise Field Security Associates and ensure that appropriate security services are provided to personnel.

Manage access-control procedures, security equipment and the operational performance of contracted guard services.

Conduct periodic assessments of IOM premises and recommend improvements to physical-security arrangements.

Provide guidance on security policies and monitor personnel’s compliance with established standards and procedures.

Participate in relevant security coordination meetings and provide technical security advice to the Field Security Officer.

Support investigations into incidents affecting IOM personnel, premises and assets.

Respond to complex security enquiries and provide professional security advice when required.

Act on behalf of the Field Security Officer when assigned and coordinate with the Regional Security Officer for technical guidance.

Perform any other related duties assigned by the organisation.

Education

Candidates must possess either:

A university degree in Security Studies, Social Sciences, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, International Relations or another relevant discipline, with at least two years of relevant professional experience; or

A master’s degree in one of the listed or related disciplines.

The qualification must be obtained from an accredited academic institution.

Experience

The ideal candidate should have relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

Humanitarian, public-sector, private-sector or corporate security.

Security programmes and security coordination.

Security-risk assessments and threat analysis.

Operational security-risk management.

Security investigations.

Physical and premises security.

Emergency preparedness and contingency planning.

Certification in UNDSS courses such as the Security Certification Programme, Security Analysis Practice and Process, Trainer Development and Certification Course or Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments will be an advantage.

Required Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

Strong knowledge of Nigeria’s political, social and security environment.

Ability to work with senior government officials, security agencies and humanitarian stakeholders.

Strong analytical and security-report-writing abilities.

Sound judgement and the ability to make rational decisions under pressure.

Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills.

Ability to work effectively with colleagues from different cultural and professional backgrounds.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to supervise security personnel and manage sensitive information appropriately.

Language Requirements

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language will be an advantage. Language proficiency may be assessed through written or oral examinations during the recruitment process.

Required Competencies

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following IOM values:

Inclusion and respect for diversity.

Integrity and transparency.

Professionalism.

Courage.

Empathy.

Core competencies include teamwork, delivering results, accountability, communication, knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

Because the role may include supervisory responsibilities, the candidate should also demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, trust-building, humility and the ability to empower other team members.

Method of Application

Qualified candidates must submit a complete application through the official IOM electronic recruitment system. IOM does not charge candidates any application, interview, processing or training fee. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and late applications will not be accepted.