Local Security Assistant

Position details

• Vacancy type: Vacancy Notice
• Recruiting type: General Service
• Contract type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
• Initial contract duration: one year
• Office or unit: Country Office - Sub Office
• Location: Sfax, Tunisia
• Application deadline: 2026-08-28T22:55:00+00:00

Context

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 internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision and guidance of the Head of Sub-Office and Head of RMU close coordination with the Senior Field Security Assistant & Regional security officer, the Local Security Assistant will assist in the overall implementation and coordination of security and administrative related services and tasks, to ensure the high quality and accuracy of work within the Security Unit.

 The Local Security Assistant promotes a client, quality, and results-oriented approach while performing crucial operations functions. Additionally, the incumbent will also continue to play a major role in the implementation of recommendations stemming from the audit of the IOM Safety & Security function. The Local Security Assistant works in close collaboration with the other Local Security Assistants within the mission and with the Head of RMU. He/she keeps professional work relation with other UN agencies staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the Head of Sub Office (HoSO) in the required day to day monitoring security situations in Sfax by providing relevant and accurate security information through regular/flash reports. 

2. Assist HoSO in maintaining the required networking with security stakeholders in Sfax to ensure effective IOM program implementation in accordance with IOM safety and security procedures. Accompany HoSO to respective security related meetings within Sfax. 

3. Maintain adequate office access and egress SOPs; ensure only authorized persons entering IOM premises through regular monitoring of security guards.

4. Conduct interior patrols and fire safety observation when required.

5. Report to the HoSO any potential/actual breaches of IOM office security as well as any unusual activity. 

6. Assist HoSO in Sfax in conducting the security assessments, offering appropriate inputs and recommendations whenever is needed. 

7. Provide inputs to the formation of safety/security contingency plans, procedures, and policies under UNDSS and the IOM Security Management System in coordination with head of RMU and security focal point in Tunis.

8. Establish and update staff files/lists and organize the Warden System for all IOM staff in Sfax. 

9. Conduct security briefing (including cultural orientation) for new arrivals or TDYers. 

10.  Assist and support required monitoring of the in-country security situation through reporting of significant incidents on a timely manner to designated management staff using prescribed reporting forms/templates and IOM security modalities. 

11. Escort IOM staff on field missions within Sfax and its suburbs particularly during large distribution of assistance to vulnerable migrants. 

12. Report to duty if need be, during official holidays and after normal working hours to support IOM emergency programs or any other work-related issue. 

13. Perform such other duties as assigned by the HoSO/CoM.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High School degree with four years of relevant security professional experience, 

• or 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, International Relations, or other relevant field from an accredited academic institution with minimum of two years of experience in security, law enforcement, military or police context. 

• Added advantage if previous experience in UN/IOM Missions, International Peacekeeping, or International Emergency Missions.

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

Experience

• Experience in organization and operational execution of security management systems private sector or otherwise is an added advantage. 

• Previous experience in dealing with law enforcement agencies

Skills

• Excellent organization and analytical skills, attention to details, and ability to work with minimum supervision.

• Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Languages

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

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

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 1

• 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

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 certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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