SVN/2026/045/National Security Officer/NOA/Yaounde

Position details

• Vacancy type: Special Vacancy Notice
• Recruiting type: National Officer
• Contract type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
• Initial contract duration: 3 months
• Office or unit: Country Office
• Location: Yaounde, Cameroon
• Application deadline: 2026-08-27T22:55:00+00:00

Context

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

Under the overall oversight of the Chief of Mission in Cameroon, the direct supervision of the Field Security Support Officer (FSSO) and the technical guidance of the Office of Staff Security (OSS), including the Regional Security Support Office, the National Security Officer will provide technical and operational support on all security-related aspects of IOM Cameroon operations. The position will be based in Yaoundé and will support the implementation of security risk management measures for IOM personnel, premises, assets, movements, and programme activities across Cameroon.

The National Security Officer will contribute to maintaining an appropriate level of security awareness, preparedness, compliance, and response capacity within the IOM Cameroon Country Office and its field locations, in close coordination with UNDSS, relevant national authorities, implementing partners, and internal IOM units.

Responsibilities

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS), UNDSS Cameroon, host government security authorities, diplomatic police, local administrative authorities, and relevant partner security services to ensure timely access to security information relevant to IOM Cameroon operations.
2. Monitor and analyse the security situation in Cameroon, including areas where IOM personnel, premises, assets, and programmes are present or expected to operate, and communicate significant developments, incidents, and emerging risks to the FSSO in a timely manner.
3. Support  the development, review, implementation, and testing of IOM Cameroon security plans, contingency plans,  emergency response procedures, evacuation arrangements, office-specific SOPs, and security inputs to the Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
4. Support the FSSO in the conduct and follow-up of Security Risk Management (SRM) processes, including the monitoring of Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM) and the implementation of mitigation measures across IOM Cameroon locations and operations.
5. Develop and maintain a sound understanding of IOM Cameroon programmes and operational footprint, including field activities, migrant assistance, movement operations, humanitarian response, and programme implementation sites, and provide security inputs to support safe and effective delivery.
6. Conduct security assessments of IOM offices, field locations, vehicles, warehouses, migrant reception or transit facilities, and staff residences, as required, to verify compliance with Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM), Residential Security Measures (RSM), fire safety, access control, and other relevant security requirements.

7. Support the effective management of the IOM Cameroon warden system, staff contact lists, radio call signs, communications testing, and SCAAN compliance, and assist in disseminating security  advisories and alerts to personnel in a timely manner.

8. Record, monitor, and report security incidents affecting IOM personnel, premises, assets, partners, and operational activities in Cameroon, including the preparation of security incident  reports, weekly updates, and other reports requested by the FSSO or OSS.
9. Provide security briefings for IOM personnel deployed to and traveling within the country or area of operation and coordinate all travel security requirements for the Country Mission in Cameroon, relating to all IOM operations, including assessments of road, air, and river transport networks, medical evacuations and international staff travel within and from/to the country.
10. Provide guidance and day-to-day technical support to security assistants, guards, wardens, and other personnel involved in the implementation of safety and security measures, where applicable.
11. Implement and manage security access control procedures, systems, and equipment; conduct periodic security assessments for premises and installations to ensure provisions for an effective guard force, and propose any necessary improvements; manage the day-to-day operational and technical support of the guard force.
12. Provide security policy guidance, and monitor compliance to security standards and procedures. 
13. Support the FSSO in engagement with UNDSS security coordination mechanisms, including relevant security meetings and information-sharing platforms, and provide technical inputs on matters that may directly or indirectly affect IOM Cameroon operations.

14. Provide support in the conduct and follow-up of investigations and incidents affecting IOM personnel, premises, and assets in the duty station. 

15. Respond to complex security queries and provide security-related advise as required.

16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• University degree in Security Management, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, Criminal Justice, Risk Management, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with two years of relevant professional experience; or,

• Master’s degree in the above fields from an accredited academic institution is desirable.

• Masters degree in the above. 

EXPERIENCE

• At least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in security, safety, risk management, humanitarian operations, public administration, military, police, private security, or a related field;
• Experience supporting security risk assessments, incident reporting, access control, movement security, emergency preparedness, and security coordination is desirable;
• Experience working with the UNSMS, UNDSS, government security structures, or humanitarian/security coordination mechanisms in Cameroon or the Central Africa region is an advantage; and,
• UNDSS security certifications, including SSAFE, Security Certification Programme (SCP), Security Analysis Practice and Process (SAPP), or Trainer Development and Certification Course (TDC), are desirable.
• UNDSS certification to any of the following: Security Certification Programme (SCP), Security Analysis Practice and Process (SAPP), Trainer and 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;

• Good political and social knowledge of the Country;

• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, and;

• Excellent oral and written skills. Listens actively and responds effectively. 

Languages[1]
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

REQUIRED

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

DESIRABLE

Working knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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.
 

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES - Behavioral indicators –  Level 2

 

Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.

Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.

Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.