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
This Vacancy Notice is part of IOM’s competitive mobility exercise, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only.
Organizational Context and Scope
Irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean route is increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean to Italy is by far the deadliest route, with 1 death recorded for 35 arrivals (IOM, 2016). In addition, over 70% of the migrants interviewed by IOM on their arrival in Italy report that they were victims of trafficking or other exploitative practices during their migratory journey along the routes of the Central Mediterranean.
To meet these challenges, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa (hereinafter “Joint Initiative”). Implemented in 14 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia) through 14 specific actions, it aims to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants along this important and dangerous migration route and to help in improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach. This will be achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, assistance for voluntary return, support for sustainable reintegration in the communities of origin, the dissemination of accurate information on migration to migrants, potential migrants and communities, and the collection of data on migration flows. The Initiative will aim to strengthen the technical and material capacities of authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over the policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants developed and/or strengthened in the region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.
A major component of the Joint Initiative is the provision of sustainable reintegration assistance to more than 20,000 migrants in the targeted countries. IOM views that reintegration can be considered sustainable when returnees have reached levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities, and psychosocial well-being that allow them to cope with (re)migration drivers. Having achieved sustainable reintegration, returnees are able to make further migration decisions as a matter of choice rather than necessity.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Joint Initiative Project Manager, the Reintegration Officer is responsible for the set-up of effective reintegration schemes and the effective delivery of assistance in countries of origin to returning migrants. The successful candidate will be responsible to coordinate the planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring and evaluation of migrants’ reintegration assistance under the Joint Initiative.
To meet these challenges, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa (hereinafter “Joint Initiative”). Implemented in 14 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia) through 14 specific actions, it aims to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants along this important and dangerous migration route and to help in improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach. This will be achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, assistance for voluntary return, support for sustainable reintegration in the communities of origin, the dissemination of accurate information on migration to migrants, potential migrants and communities, and the collection of data on migration flows. The Initiative will aim to strengthen the technical and material capacities of authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over the policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants developed and/or strengthened in the region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.
A major component of the Joint Initiative is the provision of sustainable reintegration assistance to more than 20,000 migrants in the targeted countries. IOM views that reintegration can be considered sustainable when returnees have reached levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities, and psychosocial well-being that allow them to cope with (re)migration drivers. Having achieved sustainable reintegration, returnees are able to make further migration decisions as a matter of choice rather than necessity.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Joint Initiative Project Manager, the Reintegration Officer is responsible for the set-up of effective reintegration schemes and the effective delivery of assistance in countries of origin to returning migrants. The successful candidate will be responsible to coordinate the planning, budgeting, implementing and monitoring and evaluation of migrants’ reintegration assistance under the Joint Initiative.
- Contribute to oversight and coordination of IOM caseworkers, reintegration assistants and reintegration and/or protection partners.
- Facilitate training as well as ongoing counselling and guidance to staff and contribute to the establishment of a sound case management system in compliance with IOM standards of assistance.
- Support and provide technical inputs for the establishment of national reintegration schemes in coordination with national counterparts (government, civil society, etc.).
- Provide information and technical assistance for the development, enhancement and implementation of national standard operating procedures (SoPs) related to return and reintegration.
- Facilitate the mainstreaming of protection into reintegration activities by encouraging and providing guidance for the provision of adequate assistance for vulnerable categories of migrants, such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied migrants and migrants with psychosocial and/or physical health concerns.
- Provide technical assistance, capacity building support and guidance to implementing partners and Government counterpart.
- Assess training needs on reintegration and/or protection issues and need for capacity building among local authorities, local NGOs, international NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure adequate monitoring and evaluation of reintegration activities.
- Oversee appropriate data management of beneficiaries, including entering case data into IOM databases and proper filing in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles.
- Track use of resources in accordance with IOM internal rules and regulations.
- Draft quality internal and external reports on reintegration activities.
- Contribute to the development of project concepts/proposals, resource mobilization initiatives related to reintegration, as appropriate.
- Check synergies with other reintegration projects in order to consistently provide comprehensive assistance to migrants assisted in their voluntary return.
- Liaise with national and state authorities, programme partners, civil society, the international community and donors to coordinate the delivery of reintegration support and to maintain visibility of activities.
- Undertake duty travel as requested.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in International Law, Development Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Social Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
- Professional experience in assisted voluntary return and reintegration, community reintegration or similar direct assistance work;
- Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International NGOs);
- Previous work on protection (including, but not limited to, child protection, counter-trafficking) preferable; and,
- Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation an asset.
Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong strategic and creative thinking;
- Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines;
- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
- Ability to guide and supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters; and,
- Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives.
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
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 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 – behavioural indicators - To be confirmed
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.
Notes
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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 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.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. 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