HR-Business Partner (Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM))

Position Title: HR-Business Partner (RMM)

Duty Station: Washington DC, United States of America

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 12 June 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.

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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) funded by the US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of individuals each year. The USRAP is one of the largest continuing refugee resettlement activities of IOM, currently operating in some 100 countries and either fully funding or in part contributing to the salaries of more than 2500 IOM personnel globally. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP, including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation, and the administration of a travel loan and collections program. The USRAP Washington DC office and USRAP Global Management Team provide programmatic oversight and technical guidance to IOM USRAP Project Managers covering seven USRAP geographical regions. The Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM) in the Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE) provides direction, oversight and guidance to IOM’s resettlement programs and sets the technical and administrative standards for Movement Operations activities globally.

Working under the overall supervision of the Director of the Department of Emergencies, the direct supervision of the USRAP Global Coordinator, and in close coordination with Department of Human Resources Management (DHR) in Geneva for Human Resources (HR) matters, the Director of Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM) for Movement Operations matters, the Migration Health Division (MHD) HR-Business Partner, and other IOM HR-Business Partners, the HR-Business Partner (RMM) will contribute to the IOM Talent Management process cycle by supporting talent management activities for USRAP. The successful candidate will also continue to support the functional and technical components of the RMM, Resettlement Support Center (RSC), Port of Entry (POE), and other relevant job architectures.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Develop and guide strategic HR management initiatives within the USRAP and RMM, guide the enhancement and implementation of the RMM, Resettlement Support Center (RSC), and Port of Entry (POE) Job Architectures, and provide ongoing advice and support to RMM managers in all aspects of the talent management processes and workforce planning, with a particular focus on providing support on staffing, staff and career development, and performance management.
2. Support RMM managers and core mission staff in troubleshooting HR issues as they arise in about 100 offices where IOM manages the USRAP globally, providing input, policy guidance, mediation, and action-oriented and effective solutions. Provide a connection to IOM’s institutional instructions and HR management teams, including in Geneva, Manila, and Panama. Achieve expedited problem-solving that satisfies program and institutional requirements while advocating for the needs of all parties using clear communication.
3. Investigate structural and talent management issues on behalf of the USRAP Global Management Team (UGMT) and RMM leadership. As needed, draft position papers, guidance notes, and memos on issues that are concise, clear, and decision-driven while taking into consideration the needs of the Organization and the relevant programs. Coordinate and disseminate communication as needed to program and RMM leadership, project managers, the Department of Human Resources, and relevant mission representatives.
4. Continue implementing the RMM, RSC and POE job architectures with the support of the senior HR Assistant. As needed, suggest updates to the Job Architecture Guidance documents and re-release the Guidance globally. Spearhead job architecture-related initiatives that seek to improve upon structural reform initiatives and standardize structures globally, including setting new standards for the Comparison of Grades sheet, establishing guidance for resettlement countries, and updating generic post descriptions.
5. Lead the USRAP Training Unit in IOM Washington as they manage a large, complex, and diverse portfolio of training opportunities globally, develop new training packages, develop and produce e-learning courses, provide technical oversight and mentoring to a network of trainers, hold annual Training of Trainers (TOT) events, provide in-house virtual training, liaise with missions globally on their annual training plans, track and report on training budget consumption, manage other learning and professional development opportunities, and issue annual staff surveys. Continually improve the trainings to be more valuable, effective, efficient, and relevant to improving assistance to beneficiaries.
6. Link core competencies to the work done throughout the pillars of the USRAP, identifying areas for improvement in program structures and activities, and reflecting that in the training development processes and staff development opportunities.
7. Manage the background checks process and team, ensuring high-quality background checks are being run on all required personnel, and that the background check process is as effective and efficient as possible while ensuring recruitment occurs in a timely manner. Oversee regular updates to standard operating procedures, routine quality check procedures, and regular data sharing with managers. Ensure the background checks provider is receiving the necessary support and responses from IOM and that they are providing a high level of service to IOM candidates and existing personnel who are engaging in background checks. Seek technical solutions to challenges whenever possible.
8. Support routine HR matters, including developing and revising post descriptions, approving selection panels, participating in selection panels, providing guidance on recruitment, interfacing with the recruitment and staff support units in Manila, managing staff transfers, reviewing JIQs, and assisting missions with restructuring exercises. As needed, support the development of organizational charts and the drafting of Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and Directed Announcements (DAs).
9. As needed, create rosters of available staff based on relevant skills, languages, and areas of experience, taking into account diversity and gender balance. Support missions in acquiring personnel to provide short-term assistance and propose plans for staff movements required in relation to up-scaling, downsizing, retirement and rotation.
10. Provide support to Missions and liase between program management and DHR Geneva related to program upscaling, downsizing, and restructuring.
11. Support RMM staff and managers worldwide in establishing objectives and key performance indicators, including the facilitation of training materials and workshops for staff and managers. Analyze end-of-year evaluations of selected staff in RMM to identify competency gaps regionally and globally, improvement needs, top performers, trends, and issues. When needed, provide support to managers engaged in performance management activities with staff.
12. Represent IOM, USRAP, and RMM in meetings, conferences, workshops, and high-level dialogues. As needed, prepare reports, presentations, memos, and other communication content related to the activities of the HR-Business Partner Unit.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies, Public Administration, Human Resources Management, 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 managing and liaising with individuals at various levels and from a range of cultural backgrounds;
• Experience in designing and delivering training solutions;
• Experience in talent management activities, including recruitment, training, and structural reform;
• Experience within the USRAP at the operational level, for instance as a Project Coordinator, Deputy Project Manager, or Project Manager, is an advantage;
• Experience creating and monitoring a USRAP budget, and knowledge of USRAP and IOM financial management and budgetary procedures, particularly in relation to workforce planning, is an advantage.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of HR management, principles and concepts of organization performance management, and best practices;
• Excellent analytical, writing and oration skills;
• Ability to convey complex topics to a diverse audience;
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stress;
• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications;
• Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations;
• Effectively coordinates actions with other stakeholders.

Languages

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

For this position, 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.

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 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 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 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 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.