Position Title: Programme Officer (Localization)

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 06 November 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

IOM is dedicated to advancing the localization agenda by increasing support and funding transfers to local and national actors (LNAs). Through its humanitarian response and recovery activities, IOM is committed to strengthen the capacities of local and national actors, with the long-term goals of promoting equitable partnerships, building resilience, fostering local ownership, and facilitating durable solutions. These commitments are reflected in IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-28 under Objective 1 – saving lives and protecting people on the move – as well as IOM’s Grand Bargain commitments.

Under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Operations Division Head and direct supervision of the Senior Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer and in close coordination with the Senior Humanitarian Policy Advisor, the Programme Officer (Localization) will act as IOM’s global focal point for localization in crises response programs. The incumbent will be responsible for substantively supporting IOM headquarters (HQ) departments, regional and country offices with operationalization of IOM’s localization commitments in humanitarian response while also contributing to related policy development processes, both internal and external, including the institutionalization of system-wide and inter-agency localization commitments.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Contribute to advancing the humanitarian localization agenda through IOM’s crisis response efforts in line with its institutional Grand Bargain commitments and IOM`s Strategic Plan 2024-2028.
2. Ensure the roll out of IOM’s Localization Framework and Guidance Note for Humanitarian Response in coordination with relevant HQ departments, divisions and localization focal points from regional and country offices.
3. Develop training and capacity strengthening materials, specifically targeted to humanitarian response programs, including PowerPoint Presentations, case studies, templates, workplans, and strategies and organize them in an accessible way.
4. Deliver capacity strengthening activities related to localization and provide operational advice and support to IOM regional and country offices including development of context specific localization strategies and workplans.
5. Support both internal and external policy development and ensure localization is integrated into IOM’s Humanitarian Response initiatives.
6. Ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the outcome documents of the caucuses on the role of intermediaries and on funding for localization.
7. Coordinate/lead the localization input to the annual Grand Bargain self-reporting process incoordination with relevant departments and divisions as well as respond to both internal and external queries and information needs related to IOM’s localization commitment.
8. Coordinate internally within IOM and with other organizations operationalizing the localization agenda to capture lessons learnt and promote innovative approaches to further localization in IOM’s humanitarian response.
9. Coordinate and work with internal IOM departments and divisions including Resource Management Unit, Supply Chain Management, Compliance, Finance and Accounting, and Legal to collectively advance localization agenda and enhance internal systematic enablers.
10. Coordinate with the Department Support Unit to ensure localization is mainstreamed in relevant project proposals, reports, flash appeals and crises response plans as well as internal resources such as IOM’s Project Handbook.
11. Act as the IOM global focal point on Localization for crises response efforts and ensure regular communication/coordination with IOM Localization Reference Group members.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in law, political science, human rights, international relations, cooperation and development, project management, humanitarian action or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience

Experience

• Experience working with civil society organizations, UN, INGOs, local and national NGOs at the international, regional and field levels;
• Experience in humanitarian or post-crisis programming;
• Demonstrated experience in developing capacity development materials, knowledge management products and conducting training, info sessions and webinars on localization; and,
• Experience in mediation and facilitation of groups, as well as leadership or facilitation of consultative processes including the facilitation of consultations online, using accessible technologies etc.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of foundational concepts in relation to localization, capacity development (institutional and technical), humanitarian response and recovery;
• Knowledge of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and UN frameworks;
• Candidate must be familiar with the UN system, with understanding and work experience withIOM being an advantage;
• Ability to foster commitment and build capacity among activity staff and in-country actors onintegration and empowerment, including training and workshop facilitation;
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver within the timeframe; and,
• Knowledge of IOM’s internal policies and procedures is an asset.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three 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.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.