Project Officer (AVRR/MM) at International Organization for Migration - IOM

Requisition: SVN 2020 274
Location: Lagos
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2
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.
• Crossing the Mediterranean to Italy is by far the deadliest route, with 1 death recorded for 35 arrivals (IOM, 2016). In addition, over 70% of the migrants interviewed by IOM on their arrival in Italy 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, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa (hereinafter “Joint Initiative”).
• Implemented in 14 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia) through 14 specific actions, it aims to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants along this important and dangerous migration route and to help to improve 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, 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.
• The Initiative will aim at strengthening the technical and material capacities of the authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants in the region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.
• A major component of the Joint Initiative in Nigeria is the provision of sustainable reintegration assistance to more than 11,000 returnees going back to various parts of the country.
• Reintegration can be considered sustainable when returnees have reached levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities, and psychosocial well-being that allow them to cope with (re)migration drivers. Having achieved sustainable reintegration, returnees are able to make further migration decisions as a matter of choice rather than necessity.
• Working under the overall supervision of the Migration Management ProgrammeManager/HoSO, and the direct supervision of the Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA)programme officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with the set-up of effective reintegration schemes and the effective delivery of assistance to returning migrants in Nigeria.
• S/he will be responsible to coordinate the planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring and evaluation the Assisted Voluntary Return & Reintegration (AVRR) programme.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of return and reintegration projects at IOM Nigeria including its financial, administrative, and technical aspects, in compliance with IOM policies and standard, as well as donor requirements.
• Supervise and coordinate IOM reintegration staff, including caseworkers and reintegration assistants.
• Ensure supervision, training as well as ongoing counselling and guidance to staff and implement a sound case management system in compliance with IOM standards of assistance.
• Support the establishment of national reintegration schemes in coordination with national counterparts (government, civil society, etc.).
• Provide technical inputs and guidance for the development, enhancement and implementation of national Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) related to return and reintegration.
• Facilitate protection into reintegration activities, in coordination with the Protection team, by ensuring the provision of adequate assistance for vulnerable categories such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors and migrants with health concerns.
• Provide technical assistance, capacity building support and guidance to implementing partners and Government counterpart.
• Ensure adequate monitoring and evaluation of reintegration activities.
• Oversee appropriate data management of beneficiaries, including entering case data intoIOM databases and proper filing in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles.
• Track use of resources in accordance with IOM internal rules and regulations.
• Compile and produce quality internal and external reports on reintegration activities.
• Contribute to the development of project concepts/proposals and resource mobilization initiatives related to reintegration, as appropriate.
• Encourage synergies with other reintegration projects and incorporate lessons learnt.
• Liaise with national and state authorities, programme partners, civil society, the international community and donors to coordinate implementation, improve reintegration services and increase visibility of activities.
• Undertake duty travel as requested.16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Business Management, Political Science, International Relations, Social Studies, International Law, 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 assisted voluntary return and reintegration, community reintegration or similar direct assistance work;
• Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, IOs and international NGOs);
• Previous work on protection (including, but not limited to, child protection, counter-trafficking)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 theOrganization; and,
• 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 background;
• Ability to guide and supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters;
• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong strategic and creative thinking.

Languages:

• IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French 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.

NB: 1  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 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: 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 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.