ICRS Expert - Lake Chad Basin at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

SVN No.: SVN2018/27
Location: Abuja
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, Six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context
IOM is seeking an experienced practitioner to establish, oversee and direct key components of its region-wide support to governments and to the reintegration of eligible individuals and communities of return, specifically including the management of an information, counselling and referral (ICRS) capacity in the context of IOM’s ongoing Disengagement, Disarmament, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) programme. In response to requests for support by governments in the region, to assist their efforts in de-escalating the Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa in Lake Chad Basin conflict, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is developing an approach building on concepts of 3rd generation Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).

The current approach features Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) for Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa (BH/ISIS-WA) former fighters, associates and victims, including those caught up in related security operations. This approach capitalizes on IOM’s longstanding operational experience to integrate various elements of legal, protection, prevention, stabilization, victims’ assistance and peace building elements in complex transitional environments. Through integrated programme design and activities, the approach covers the broad areas of work required to establish a scalable system of support to government counterparts as well as to victims of the conflict including communities and those wishing to disengage or disassociate from BH/ISIS-WA and the conflict.

Central to these efforts is the design and implementation of individual case-management approaches, supported by IOM’s Information, Counselling and Referral Service (ICRS) which is an integrated registration and database platform driving the integration of services which will support successful, sustainable reintegration processes for select individuals.

Scope of Work

• Under the overall guidance of the Head, Transition Recovery Division (IOM HQ), the administrative supervision of the Chief of Mission of Nigeria, and in close coordination with respective country programme managers, the successful candidate will be responsible for technical, programmatic and policy elements of registration processes and the establishment of an Information, Counselling and Referral Services (ICRS) System for candidates receiving reintegration assistance within the framework of IOM’s DDRR programme in the Lake Chad Basin region
• S/he will undertake travel to support initiation, roll-out and supervision of IOM’s proprietary ICRS system in support of individual case management and reintegration processes
• S/he will work in close coordination with the regional DDRR Programme Coordinator in Geneva as well as with DDRR country programme managers. Based on advancements in the Nigeria context, lead guidance and day-to-day coordination will be provided by the Stabilization, Transition, Recovery & Reintegration (STRR) Officer in Nigeria
• Coordinating travel within the region as necessary and building on regional resources.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Based on host government requirements, and in close consultation with COM’s and relevant programme managers, assess optimal areas of engagement and support for Information, Counselling and Referral Service (ICRS) capacity within the newly evolving context of IOM’s DDRR programming in the Lake Chad Basin region
• In close coordination with programme managers, assess requirements for systems and services comprised in the IOM ICRS programming component, and oversee design and implementation based on country contexts in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad
• As required in each country context, ensure set-up and provide ongoing oversight, support and regular updates to performance across all aspects of the ICRS system and capabilities including:
  • Information: comprising registration and individual profiling capacities to provide tailored assistance throughout the reintegration process, including socio-economic/demographic profiling and an information and case management system for programme beneficiaries;
  • Counselling: for program participants and their host families to ensure awareness of all areas of support and appropriate guidance for beneficiaries, as well as addressing medical, psychosocial needs and the provision of vocational guidance;
  • Referral mechanism to link former combatants with skills training, education and job opportunities based on their backgrounds, ambitions and special needs, requiring discrete research, information products and partnership structures for a broad range of additional services.
  • Monitoring mechanisms within the ICRS system to assess programme impact, and to assist former combatants throughout the return process, including ensuring a safe and orderly transition and reintegration process
• Based on assessed requirements, develop and provide a concise workplan for each country context, outlining material, financial and human resource needs, assessing key risks, highlighting government roles, and considering lessons-learned within the region, as well as available data or IT platforms and resources already in use across the region and within specific mission portfolios
• Work with procurement, IT, database and related technical staff to inform design and structure of equipment and systems as well as requisite budgeting to be implemented in each country context
• Undertake regular risk assessments regarding IOM data protection standards, privacy requirements, and the appropriate management of sensitive data taking into consideration the central role of state authorities in the collection and management of registration and individual data
• Oversee recommendations for the appropriate staffing allocations and the development of a staff training regimen for the implementation of ICRS components in each country context
• Maximize ICSR system contributions to comprehensive reintegration support and individual case management processes, including by ensuring that ICRS systems are supported with robust informational products, context analysis and requisite partnership structures to fully elaborate and utilize the services and referral components
• Promote and sustain technical inputs, partnerships and products necessary to animate ICRS processes, functions and effectiveness; work with UN partner agencies and other DDRR programme stakeholders to ensure widespread use of IOM’s ICRS system and capabilities, including the provision of support to children
• Oversee the design and incorporation of key downstream monitoring capabilities to assess programme impact, beneficiary success and needs, and including recommendations to improve case management support systems, ICRS-related functions and DDRR programme design
• Provide regular reporting on all activities against country work plans and this Terms of Reference and promote learning as well as recommendations to improve overall programme performance
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree in Political or Social Sciences, Economics, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or University Degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Experience in the field of migration and forced displacement including operational and field experience, IOM/UN project development, and management;
• Two years’ field experience at an international level with specialized international agencies (United Nations Agencies, International Organizations, and International Non-Government Organizations) required in conflict and post-conflict situations required;
• Experience in the design, development and implementation of robust ICRS components that respond to the established goals and necessities of DDR processes taking account of governmental needs and priorities in the framework of DDR processes is desired;
• Previous work experience in technical support programmes involving legal or policy formulation, community-led recovery and stabilization programmes, and or security sector related reforms advantageous
• Familiarity with DDR practices, principles and operations and/or conflict reduction components desirable;
• Experience in African conflict contexts will be advantageous;
• Previous experience in supervising staff;
• Experience in setting clear tasks and team-building with staff from diverse environments and backgrounds.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Desirable Competencies
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 3:

• 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 3:

• 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.

Other:

• Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.