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
Following the end of hostilities against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the return of millions of Iraqis is threatened by the lack of livelihoods, widespread destruction and the presence of uncleared debris, heavy damage to critical public infrastructure and destroyed shelter. The situation is further complicated by a fluid and complex security environment.
The Transition and Recovery Division (TRD) within International Organization for Migration (IOM) Iraq works to remove the initial obstacles to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return in Iraq’s post-conflict areas and lay the foundation for longer-term recovery, economic development and reconstruction in general.
Under the overall supervision of the Head, TRD in Baghdad, the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Coordinator (Return & Recovery) in Erbil` and in coordination with relevant units in IOM Iraq, the Programme Officer (Cash Based Interventions (CBI)) will have the overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of IOM Iraq's cash-based assistance systems and portfolio.
- Advise the technical units, Regional Coordinators and divisions on integrating CBIs into operational plans and strategies to efficiently meet programme objectives, liaising with technical sectors.
- Establish and maintain a network of strategic partnerships (e.g. Government agencies, United Nations (UN) partners, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), research institutions, private sector entities) to ensure complementarity in the assessment, design and implementation of CBIs. Use this information to help select and design optimal solutions for IOM Case Based Interventions.
- Overall day to day oversight and management of all cash and voucher transfers planned under IOM operations in Iraq, including facilitating implementation and monitoring of CBI based programmes at the Area/Sub-Office level.
- Liaise closely with other IOM division at the Country office (CO) level who have direct responsibilities for elements of the operational management of CBI delivery to beneficiary level e.g. logistics, Finance, Procurement and Information Technology (IT). Advise supervisor of any bottlenecks that may impede the timely delivery of CBI to beneficiaries and take action to resolve problems.
- Facilitate and support communication and discussions, and ensure an adequate level of coordination, between relevant IOM CO divisions, and financial service providers, who may be contractually engaged for the management and delivery of CBIs to beneficiaries, and review any contractual arrangements made.
- Liaise closely with relevant government authorities, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in CBI activities, keeping them fully informed of the status of IOM activities in this regard. Participate in national level dialogue and technical coordination forums with donors and other stakeholders on cash, vouchers and other CBIs.
- Periodically review the appropriateness for CBI responses in accordance with the current concept of operations for IOM CBI, specifically for transition and recovery activities. Choices of transfer modality for any intervention, including business support packages, training allowances, student transportation, etc. need to be fully justified on the basis of overall cost-effectiveness.
- Draw up plans for timely delivery of CBIs in coordination with government, NGO and UN partners, donors, and commercially contracted companies, and monitor their implementation.
- Closely coordinate with the M&E section within the Unit and the M&E Unit of the CO, to ensure that relevant output and outcome indicators for CBI are systematically being collected and analysed in a manner that will help the CO determine efficiency and effectiveness of CBI delivery as well as the appropriateness of the transfer modality choice. Undertake visits to view project sites and meet beneficiaries in order to ensure that progress is made in the achievement of project objectives.
- Advise IOM CO, Area/Sub-Offices and IOM partners on risk management for CBI based programme implementation.
- Ensure, in coordination with other operational IOM units, adherence of Government, NGO, and commercial partners to all operational and reporting obligations as stipulated in any Letters of Agreement or contracts and that reports required for IOM are accurate and provided as scheduled.
- Prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on IOM’s CBI based activities in Iraq, including proposals for operational improvements and potential scope for IOM’s CBI programming.
- Ensure compliance with IOM’s policies and procedures for CBI based programming.
- Supervise other programme staff involved in the planning and management of CBI transfers and provide training and technical guidance in their work.
- Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Political Science or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
Experience
- Experience working in the field, with at least three years of international experience in programming in Cash Based Interventions;
- Experience with sectoral CBIs (shelter, health, nutrition, food security, WASH, livelihoods, education, etc.); and,
Skills
- Excellent knowledge of CBIs in humanitarian emergencies and/or early recovery contexts, throughout the project cycle;
- Knowledge and understanding of key developments and actors within the humanitarian area;
- Work experience in the Middle East and Northern Africa region advantageous; and,
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of Arabic and another official UN language (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.