Head of Engineering Unit (P)

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.

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:

• Internal candidates

Organizational Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Coordination Office for the North Pacific oversees regional operations and strategic initiatives across the North Pacific Islands, focusing on disaster resilience, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance. The office manages a range of programmes related to the construction, maintenance, and enhancement of critical infrastructure, including emergency response facilities, warehouses, and other community and public infrastructure. These programmes aim to strengthen local capacities, improve logistical efficiency, and ensure the sustainability and resilience of infrastructure systems in the face of natural hazards and impacts of natural disasters. The Head, Engineering Unit will be responsible and accountable for playing a key role in leading technical planning, design, and implementation of these infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet safety, sustainability, and operational standards.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Head, Engineering Unit will be responsible for the supervision of the IOM Micronesia Engineering Unit and overall coordination with the field engineering team for the implementation of infrastructure projects across the mission under United States Government (USG)-funded projects for both public infrastructure and housing reconstruction.

• Coordinate the engineering unit and support the senior management (e.g. Head of Programmes, Chief of Party (CoP), etc.) in planning, execution, and handover of reconstruction and infrastructure projects to ensure consistent technical quality across the Country Office (CO).
• Coordinate with field engineering teams, implementing partners, and stakeholders to ensure the timely, efficient and high quality delivery of infrastructure projects.
• Review and provide technical advice on all project documentation, including detailed engineering designs, cost estimates, specifications, and drawings, planning phases, provision of Bill of Quantities (BoQs), tender documents, contract documentation, quality control, and handover throughout the project cycle to ensure technical accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor the technical aspects of all infrastructure projects including quality, timeliness, and budget adherence. Recommend corrective actions to address identified risks.
• Supervise and guide the engineering unit in developing and analysing technical requirements to ensure compliance with IOM and donor standards.
• Provide technical advise on project activities, site selection, design, procurement, construction, and project close-out to ensure alignment with organisational standards and strategic objectives.
• Participate in liaising and coordinating with local government authorities, donor, and other key stakeholders to coordinate matters relating to infrastructure projects.
• Facilitate joint field visits and technical meetings to ensure timely communication of project progress and technical issues.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports to senior management for informed decision making on project implementation.
• Coordinate comprehensive oversight, inspections, and quality assurance activities for all infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to technical standards.
• Coordinate complex technical planning processes, optimizing staff and resources for successful project delivery.
• Maintain robust project tracking systems, including automated schedules, to monitor progress, inspections, and completed work and ensure accurate reflection of project status.
• Review and interpret blueprints, plans, and technical drawings using AutoCAD or similar tools and ensure modifications and “as-built” updates are accurately incorporated and documented.
• Promote full compliance with IOM policies, including safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, to support a respectful and healthy work environment.
• Coordinate duty travels within FSM, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) and Palau as required, participating on behalf of IOM at technical and stakeholder meetings.
• Perform such other duties as maybe assigned.

Education

• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional.

Experience

• Experience (including field experience) in managing and implementing large scale construction and rehabilitation projects, and recovery interventions in post-conflict or post-disaster contexts;
• Experience in using Auto Cad and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Experience in interventions aimed at supporting area-based community recovery;

• Previous working experience in the North Pacific is advantageous.

Skills

• Proven ability to supervise, coach, train and direct staff, and manage operations in transitional contexts;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional background;
• Ability to work with accuracy under constraints and pressure; high sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment;
• Personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results, creative thinking; and,
• Good level of computer literacy, including database applications.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) 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

Notes

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.