Head of Programme Support Unit and Policy Development

Position Title: Head of Programme Support Unit and Policy Development

Duty Station: Manama, Bahrain

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: 03 May 2023

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.

Context:

Under the direct supervision the Chief of Mission, Bahrain Country Office, the Head of Programmes and Policy Development will be responsible and accountable for managing and coordinating projects and activities in Bahrain, and will advise the Chief of Mission on the establishment and strengthening of contacts and partnerships with international, governmental, and non-governmental partners and key stakeholders in the country. The successful candidate will closely coordinate with other IOM Bahrain Units, especially the Protection Division, the Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion Unit, and the Immigration and Border Governance Unit.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Undertake the development of new project proposals, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks working closely with Project Managers ensuring that newly funded projects are ready for handover and that necessary support is provided for the full implementation and continued improvement of IOM’s programmes.
2. Support the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of programme and project activities of Bahrain CO to ensure timely and effective implementation and quality reporting.
3. Guide the development of M&E systems, frameworks, and tools to ensure that all programmes have adequate structures in place.
4. Ensure adherence to established policies and procedures in the formulation of project activities, coordinate and advise on the preparation of project documents, including design, monitoring and evaluation.
5. Provide advice for the mainstreaming of relevant international, regional and national policies and frameworks into internal frameworks, policies as well as national level programming and design.
6. Keep abreast of and analyse migration issues, policies, and emerging trends, identify priorities, and recommend actions to the Chief of Mission in relation to risks and opportunities for IOM.
7. Participate in relevant UN and inter-agency meetings, mechanisms and working groups to facilitate the integration of IOM programmes into inter-agency processes and the mainstreaming of migration into Common Country Analysis and Cooperation frameworks.
8. In consultation with Regional Office Cairo, and in coordination with Regional Liaison and Policy Uint and other relevant Regional Thematic Specialists, provide programme and policy support Bahrain CO in the work with respective national counterparts to facilitate cooperation, external relations, and liaison activities.
9. Support IOM’s role as Co-Chair of the UN Network on Migration in Bahrain, ensuring adequate liaison with the RO, the UN partners and Government in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
10. Liaise with the Resource Management Unit to coordinate resource mobilization efforts and ensure that project budgets reflect the common costs needs of the office.
11. Support liaison with donors, project partners, other IOM Country Offices, RO, and HQ to facilitate coordinated project implementation and synergies and to make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.
12. Assess potential project and funding opportunities, prepare project proposals and concept notes in the areas of interest to the IOM Bahrain CO.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science 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 in liaison with governmental authorities as well as with national and international institutions;
• Experience in migration governance and migration protection and assistance;
• Extensive experience in project development and project management, and migration-related activities;
• Experience working with UN agencies and/or international NGOs addressing migration; and,
• Experience in the region is an asset.

Skills

• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills;
• Good knowledge of project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and practices;
• Familiarity with financial management; effective resource management skills;
• Sound judgment, ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data and resolve operational problem, ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, academic institutions and the broader community to advance country office objectives;
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office package;
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritize tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines; and,
• Effective communicator, successful negotiator, creative analytical thinker, active learner, team player, and cross-cultural facilitator.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic 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.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. 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. 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.