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
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Addressing the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) is a priority within IOM and a strong contributor to United Nations (UN) and Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) efforts at both the global and country levels.
IOM’s PSEAH strategy focuses on five key pillars: 1) Leadership and Organizational Culture; 2) Institutional Accountability and Transparency; 3) Capacity-Development, Training, and Communication; 4) Quality and Accessible Victim Assistance; 5) Partnership and Coordination.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission and in close coordination with the Regional PSEAH Officer and the global PSEAH Unit at Headquarters (HQ) , as well as relevant thematic specialists within the Country Office, Regional Office, and HQ, the Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) Officer will be responsible and accountable for overseeing and managing IOM’s PSEAH prevention and response efforts in IOM Iraq, providing in line with a victim-centred approach. They will also be an active member of the inter-agency PSEA Network or Task Force in-country.
Coordination
2. Ensure the inclusion of PSEAH within the IOM Iraq’s Country Strategy, Crisis Response Plans/Migrant Response Plans or other appeals as appropriate; ensure SEAH risks are considered in the risk register of the mission and that PSEAH is mainstreamed in project proposal development, programming, monitoring and evaluation and budgeting; develop PSEAH programming and liaise with relevant donors.
3. Actively participate and engage to the in-country interagency PSEA Network activities (contribute to the development of the collective PSEA workplan, risk management plans, PSEA strategies, Standard Operating Procedures for an inter-agency Community-Based Complaint Mechanism, etc), and actively participate in IOM internal coordination initiatives.
4. Coordinate the collection, analysis and use of data relation to PSEAH efforts, in line with relevant IOM data protection standards, to showcase trends, results and impact.
5. Showcase PSEAH results and good practices through internal and external reporting, visibility materials, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, in coordination with global and regional PSEAH teams.
Prevention
7. Develop a PSEAH training plan for the Country Office, organize and deliver trainings for IOM personnel, implementing partners , and key institutional stakeholders; support PSEAH focal points in delivering key messaging and trainings at country level, as appropriate.
8. On a regular basis, compile and report data on the number of IOM personnel and partners trained in country on PSEAH in coordination with HR. Oversee the accurate registration of all participants in the IOM system and ensure timely issuance of certificates.
9. Develop, localize and contextualize, and implement communication and awareness-raising strategies and tools to ensure appropriate PSEAH messaging and understanding of prohibited behaviours, reporting channels, available assistance.
10. Map existing community engagement projects in country and work with project/programme managers to gather community input, insert PSEAH messages, and strengthen and/or establish safe and accessible reporting channels.
11. Provide inputs to the development and mapping of country-specific interagency victim assistance pathways and/or existing IOM programmes to refer victims/survivors for assistance; ensure up to date information on available assistance services is accessible in all areas where IOM operates in country; coordinate with gender-based violence and/or protection units to support the strengthening of victim/survivor services within country and/or programming.
12. Safely respond to SEAH disclosures and coordinate referrals for victim/survivor assistance in line with country, regional or global support mechanisms and ensure coordination with the Regional PSEAH Officer and the global SEAH case management team.
13. Regularly monitor safety and other risks for SEAH victim/survivors in coordination with the Regional PSEAH Officer and the global SEAH case management team; adjust response to mitigate risks; ensure regular assessment of victims’/survivors’ needs.
14. Undertake duty travel as required.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Psychology, Social Sciences, Development Studies and Planning or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
Experience
- Professional experience in the fields of sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, protection, child protection, gender-based violence, accountability to affected populations (AAP), gender mainstreaming and/or humanitarian affairs;
- Experience in management of sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, child protection or gender-based violence cases;
- Proven coordination experience within the UN system and amongst interagency partners, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and communities;
- Experience in developing and facilitating trainings, in particular capacity-building, and communication materials to promote behavior change;
- Experience undertaking risk assessments, in coordination with relevant offices, communities, partners, and UN and other key stakeholders;
- Experience in proposal development and the creation of standard operating procedures and tools; and,
- Experience in mainstreaming PSEAH, gender-based violence, child protection, protection, gender or accountability to affected populations.
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to work across a wide variety of sectors/teams on cross-cutting themes;
- Good written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external partners;
- Ability to organize work, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks, maintain attention to detail, and coordination with a variety of stakeholders.
- Ability to work with affected individuals with empathy, sensitivity and a victim-centred approach;
- Knowledge and understanding of IOM’s institutional approach on PSEAH and Ethics and related strategies, policies, rules and regulations; and,
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of Arabic, French or 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.