Programme Manager, Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA) at International Organization for Migration - IOM

CFCV No. : SVN 2021 242
IOM Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3
Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context

• Irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean route is increasingly dangerous for migrants. Since 2017, more than 22,000 stranded migrants have been returned voluntarily from  the west and central Mediterranean routes, including Europe.
• In addition, over 70% of the migrants interviewed by IOM 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, IOM, in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and with support from partners such as the European Union (EU), the governments of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, as well as GIZ, has developed targeted interventions in Nigeria and transit countries 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, provision of direct assistance through search and rescue support, identification, referral and direct assistance to vulnerable 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.
• Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, Migration Management (MM) and Head of Sub office, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Migrant Protection and Assistance Portfolio, and related projects, in Nigeria Country Office (CO).

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Manage the overall implementation of the Migrant Protection and Assistance portfolio in IOM Nigeria CO and oversee its financial, administrative, and technical aspects, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements. Maintain coordination with appropriate IOM units, Regional Office (RO) for Central and West Africa in Dakar and the Headquarters (HQ).
• Monitor projects’ progress, specifically aimed at increasing effectiveness and recommending appropriate action.
• Oversee management of Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA) interventions in IOM Nigeria CO, in close coordination with the other protection and reintegration teams to ensure synergies and complementarities of support provided.
• Supervise all staff assigned to the programme, as well as consultants recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with relevant Government entities, the Donor, UN agencies, NGOs, as well as the private sector, to enable the creation of public-private partnerships, technical working groups and a robust referral mechanism to promote the dignified, sustainable protection and reintegration of migrants.
• Lead the provision of capacity building technical assistance to state and non-state actors and ensure that programme activities are aligned to international best practices.
• Provide expert guidance and advice to programme staff on policies and procedures related to Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA).
• Plan and implement Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants (AVM) strategies, including identification, referral, and assistance activities for vulnerable migrants, including victims of human trafficking and exploitation, victims of gender-based violence, and/or other survivors of violence, exploitation, and abuse, in coordination with other relevant units and concerned protection actors.
• Support the expansion of IOM Nigeria COs Migrant Protection and Assistance portfolio, including providing strategic guidance and development of project proposals in close collaboration with the Protection and MHPSS Officers and the Programme Support Unit.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly dashboards, interim reports, regular briefings, press releases, other reports and communications, and ensure alignment with donor requirements, and IOM standards and procedures.
• Lead the development and guide the implementation of a Counter Trafficking (CT)strategy for IOM Nigeria CO, aligned with the overall strategy of the CO and the global standards of IOM’s work within the area of CT.
• Represent IOM at relevant seminars and meetings, as well as other events.
• Undertake travel duties, as required.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree in Development Studies, Migration Studies, Economics, Business Management, Political Science, International Relations, International Law 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:

• Demonstrated expertise in the thematic area of migrant protection and assistance at both policy and programmatic level;
• Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International NGOs);
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities, as well as the private sector;
• Previous work in protection, including counter-trafficking is preferable;
• Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation is an asset.

Skills:

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Sound 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;
• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives;
• Ability to effectively interface with government officials of appropriate level on matters related to substantive migration issues and the work of IOM;
• Ability to effectively apply knowledge of migration issues within the organizational context;
• Ability to frame correctly the migration issues within their regional, global, and political context;
• Knowledge of donor regulations and requirements, including the EU; and,
• Knowledge of IOM/UN project management cycle.

Language:

• IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
• External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).
• For all applicants, fluency in English 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:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

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 action 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 potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• IOM’s competency framework can be found at this Link
• 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 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 security clearances.
• Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.