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
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all and does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is a major actor in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, and as such is heavily involved in livelihood development and job creation programmes. IOM’s strengths lie in its field presence around the country and operational capacity to rebuild community infrastructure, conduct vocational and other trainings, providing grant funding at local level to support business development and a variety of other areas key to recovery. IOM Iraq livelihoods services comprise support to the private sector and individual livelihoods services. The incumbent must have familiarity and demonstrated experience in providing livelihoods for both individuals and the private sector.
The incumbent will serve as the focal point for coordination with government related to implementation of livelihoods and private sector development activities. The position is responsible for contributing to the engagement with relevant government authorities, with a primary focus on the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) as the main government beneficiary for IOM’s livelihoods projects. Operating within agreed legal, policy, and institutional frameworks, the position supports coordination to strengthen government ownership, facilitate program implementation, support project registration and compliance processes, and ensure alignment of IOM livelihoods interventions with government priorities. Under overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the overall supervision of Head of Livelihoods Technical team, and the direct supervision of National Livelihoods Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties.
- Serve as the point of contact for government engagement related to livelihoods and private sector development, with a particular focus on the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) as the main government beneficiary for IOM livelihoods interventions.
- Support the coordination with relevant Government of Iraq counterparts, including MoLSA, the Ministry of Planning (MoP), relevant line ministries, and sub‑national authorities to facilitate implementation of livelihoods activities and exchange information on relevant projects
- Support IOM Livelihoods technical teams on the day-to-day implementation of livelihoods related activities when required.
- Support the organization of workshops and events in partnership with the government of Iraq and national partners on matters of joint interests.
- Coordinate with government counterparts within agreed legal, policy, and institutional frameworks to support the operationalization of livelihoods project, implementation arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and government ownership of IOM‑supported programs.
Participate in technical coordination meetings, working groups, and bilateral discussions with government entities on livelihoods‑related matters, and contribute to engagements by preparing briefs, analytical inputs, and talking points for IOM’s management.
Support the drafting, follow‑up, and operationalization of cooperation agreements, MOUs, letters of support, and official government correspondence related to livelihoods programming, in coordination with relevant technical units and support functions.
Support coordination with line ministries and governorate‑level authorities to facilitate coherence in the planning and implementation of livelihoods activities, including Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), individual livelihoods assistance, access to finance, and job creation initiatives.
- Maintain systematic records of government correspondence, agreements, and key discussions; prepare regular updates for internal use; and perform other government‑engagement‑related duties as assigned by the supervisor, in line with IOM priorities and standards.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned
Education
- University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in government engagement, public sector coordination, institutional partnerships, or development‑related work, preferably within an international organization, UN agency, donor‑funded programme, or comparable public institution.
Experience in working in an international environment and in liaising with a variety of partners at all levels of the hierarchy.
- Experience working with government ministries or public authorities at national and/or sub‑national levels.
- Familiarity with government systems and public administration processes, preferably in Iraq or similar contexts.
Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
Skills
- Excellent English communication and writing skills, organizational skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports in English.
- Basic knowledge of monitoring and evaluation concepts, approaches and methodologies.
- Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of people including people of culturally diverse backgrounds is required.
- Incumbent candidate should have a proven experience in developing project proposals and donor reports to the highest standard and in line with donor’s specific requirements and guidelines.
- Experience and knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office tools is required, including on data analysis and presentation of data.
- Experience working in an organization that has funded projects with (inter)national organizations, including specific experience in grant administration, is an advantage.
- 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,
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 English and Arabic is required (oral and written)
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.