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.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the general supervision of Senior Protection Coordinator and the direct supervision of the National Operations Officer, the Field Support Associate will be responsible and accountable for undertaking movement operations activities in the field.
- Undertake field activities in an assigned area or areas, such as at an airport, transit centre, third-party facility, camp-based operation or sub-office, or in relation to transportation. As required, guide and coordinate teams of Operations Clerks and Operations Assistants in completing field support activities.
- In coordination with the National Operations Officer, coordinate and support Field Support Teams as they perform airport services, as well as perform airport services when required, such as providing custodial care of travel documentation; verifying identities and documentation, including exit permissions, visas, tickets and other items in the travel bag; assisting with airport formalities, including flight arrivals, curb-side assistance, check-in, luggage formalities, immigration procedures, security screening systems and customs clearance; escorting arriving individuals to ground transportation and departing individuals to their gates; visually confirming flights have departed; helping ensure individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support; and, as needed, sending notifications using relevant systems.
- Coordinate with Field Support Teams as they assist individuals at transit centres or third-party facilities, including upon arrival with sign-in, verification of identity, orientation, food and non-food items and room assignments; during their stay with food and non-food items, instructions, briefings, activities and resolution of issues; and upon departure for medical appointments, return travel or onward travel with briefings, luggage support and transition to transportation. Enter and update relevant data in the appropriate systems and assist vulnerable individuals in a manner that support their safety, security and comfort; report all issues immediately to the appropriate supervisor(s).
- Assist in the coordination of timely and adequate services for meals, snacks and water for individual staying at Transit Centres, third-party facilities or during transit in airports and other locations. Work closely with the service provider to support meals are culturally appropriate and to reduce the level of waste while keeping the quality of the food at the highest standard.
- Work with units and departments and beneficiaries on pre-departure formalities including but not limited to travel loans, luggage, prohibited items, bag tags and clothing/shoes. Assist with daily discussions with beneficiaries on cleanliness, litter and hygiene. Keep all posters and informational messages up-to-date and placed in visible locations.
- Provide assistance at transit centres and third-party facilities for extended periods of up to 12 hours and during overnight periods, help meet the needs of individuals are met throughout their stay. Communicate promptly with third-party facility representatives and/or supervisors if issues arise.
- Support the coordination of transportation from consolidation points, transit centres and third-party facilities, including liaising with service providers, ensuring the identity verification, readiness and organization of individuals being transported, and providing relevant briefings. Assist with baggage sorting, tagging and handling is done appropriately and arrange for individuals to be escorted on transportation as needed. Help identify persons with special needs are provided with appropriate services and report any issues to supervisors immediately.
- Provide selection mission support, exit permit support and/or interpretation services for individuals at the airport, in transit centres, camps, consolidation points and third-party facilities or during transport by air, ground or water.
- Provide regular feedback on work being accomplished to the National Operations Officer and keep supervisors immediately informed of any issues requiring their attention.
- Alert National Operations Officer or management of any non-compliance with SOPs or codes of conduct by IOM staff members or partners.
- Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; or
- High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Prior Movement Operations or transportation experience is a strong advantage;
- Strong experience working with migrants, refugees and IDPs; and,
- Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), the internet and knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis.
Skills
- Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with UN agencies, government counterparts, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders;
- Good writing, communication and interpersonal skills;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; and,
- In depth knowledge of broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt by the organization
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 French is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of English, Spanish, or Portuguese, Swahili and Lingala
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
Notes
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.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
