Position Title: Regional Project Officer (Labour Migration and Youth Employment)

Duty Station: Conakry, Guinea

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 19 May 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; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; 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; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of Head of Programmes, and in coordination with relevant units at Headquarters and the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) for Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI) in the Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar, the Regional Project Officer (Labour Migration and Youth Employment) will be responsible for supervising and coordinating the implementation of the project entitled promoting intra-regional labour migration for local development in West African countries, Migration for Development Program (MDP), and its activities in multiple countries: Guinea, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia and Senegal. The Regional Project Officer (Labour Migration and Youth Employment) will also be supporting the overall LMI programming of IOM Guinea to harness the development potential of migration and optimize the benefits of labour migration for the benefit of both societies and migrants, contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction. The Regional Project Officer will be expected to work in close collaboration with counterparts in the Government and civil society organizations in Guinea, as well as actors in Guinea Bissau, The Gambia and Senegal in close coordination with IOM Offices in those countries. The MDP Program aims to promote evidence-based policies and strategies on intra-regional labour migration governance, facilitating coordination and knowledge sharing among national stakeholders, and creating job opportunities for youth in strategic economic sectors in four countries with the funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione Allo Sviluppo).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and supervise the implementation of project activities in the target countries, checking that they are aligned with the project objectives and timelines, and documenting and recommending action to resolve challenges that may occur.
2. Liaise with government officials, national stakeholders, and relevant organizations and provide technical assistance to foster commitment and support for the integration of labour migration in development planning in Guinea.
3. Supervise and/or monitor the overall implementation of LMI related tasks in a timely manner in close coordination with the Chief of Mission, relevant colleagues and relevant partners.
4. Facilitate the engagement of national stakeholders in target countries, encouraging coordination and knowledge sharing on labour migration and development issues in close coordination with IOM country missions and the Regional Office in Dakar.
5. Provide technical assistance and support to national stakeholders in mainstreaming migration into local development plans.
6. Facilitate stakeholder consultations and organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions to promote regional and national coordination mechanisms for migration in close coordination with IOM country missions and the Regional Office in Dakar.
7. Support the development of Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants and collaborate with them and other experts to conduct studies, assessments, and trainings related to labour migration and youth employment.
8. Support the establishment and management of databases and information systems to gather and disseminate relevant data on labour migration and youth employment, with a focus on intra-regional mobility in West Africa.
9. Liaise with the private sector, diaspora, and local actors to facilitate youth employment opportunities and entrepreneurship initiatives.
10. Effectively communicate and collaborate with project partners, donors, and other relevant stakeholders. Draft regular progress reports, including updates on project activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations in close coordination with Chief of Mission (CoM), relevant colleagues and implementing partners.
11. Contribute to the development of new projects and programmatic interventions on Labour Mobility and related issues, in close coordination with relevant colleagues.
12. Participate in the LMI related workstreams of the UN Network on Migration meetings in Guinea, in close coordination with the Chief of Mission and other relevant colleagues.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies and Migration 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.

Experience

• Experience in project management, coordination and/or implementation, preferably in the field of labour mobility, youth employment, human development, and social inclusion;
• Experience in working with government agencies, national stakeholders, and international organizations; and,
• Previous working experience in West Africa region.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of program implementation and familiarity with IOM’s administrative, financial, and business rules and practices;
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications;
• Excellent skills in project management program and tools;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of labour migration governance, policies, and strategies including intra-regional mobility;
• Proven ability to coordinate and manage multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously is desirable;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment; and,
• Proficiency in project monitoring and evaluation.

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 and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Portuguese 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• 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.

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

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

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. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

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.