Movement Operations Manager

Position Title: Movement Operations Manager

Duty Station: Istanbul, Turkey

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: 12 October 2022

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:

Since the inception of International Organization for Migration (IOM in 1951, Movement Operations have been and continue to be a fundamental pillar of the Organization’s work. The organized movement of persons in need of international migration assistance is a primary mandate of the Organization and a cornerstone of IOM’s operations. This mandate has resulted in the international transport of more than 15 million migrants and refugees worldwide. Movement Operations departments in various IOM missions, coordinated under the division of Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM) in the Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE) at IOM’s Geneva Headquarters (HQ), are responsible for all aspects of travel for migrants and refugees under IOM’s auspices, in accordance with the various framework agreements with resettlement and receiving Governments and partners across the spectrum of the Organization’s programmes.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the direct supervision of the Head of RSTL & Movement Operations/HOO and in coordination with the Protection Programme Manager, the Movement Operations Manager will be responsible for managing, coordinating and ensuring movement operations activities in Turkey.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage, assess and coordinate the work of up to seven teams of staff members who are undertaking movement operations activities in Turkey, including activities related to field support, movements, data processing and compliance. Ensure staff development opportunities including capacity building and training, assign and evaluate work, complete performance assessments, and participate in the resolution of performance issues to ensure high quality work and the accurate completion of activities. In locations throughout the region where there is no Movement Operations Officer or Manager, serve as technical supervisor for movement operations staff members.
2. Oversee the efficient and effective management of airport services for arriving and departing individuals in Turkey, including in relation to documentation, luggage, escorts and special services. Ensure staff deliver the highest quality service, interact appropriately with airport and government officials and resolve urgent issues as they occur. Prepare work schedules, validate hours and ensure the processing of relevant financial paperwork in coordination with the IOM finance department.
3. Oversee staff as they assist individuals at third-party facilities. Resolve complex issues as they arise and take action to improve services. For third party facilities, ensure accommodation is up to IOM standards. Manage assets and inventories, ensure the processing of financial paperwork, supervise quality control of vendors, and manage related schedules, staff and paperwork, if relevant.
4. In coordination with the Protection Programme Manager, provide substantive support to the Assisted Voluntary Return & Reintegration (AVRR) programme, for what concerns all operational aspects related to the return process for migrants returning voluntarily from and to Turkey. This includes: acting as second manager for AVRR stationed in Istanbul and provide them with advice and guidance on operational aspects of AVRR movements, coordinate AVRR movements with other IOM support teams, IOM missions in countries of origin, external service providers and local authorities.
5. In coordination with the Protection Programme Manager, substantively support the overall implementation of AVRR activities in Turkey, with focus on operational matters related to return and reintegration throughout the AVRR continuum (before, during and after return takes place). Participate in internal and external meetings on AVRR, provide technical advice for the implementation and future development of the AVRR programme in Turkey and propose technical solutions to ensure efficient, as well as safe and dignified return of migrants benefitting from AVRR services.
6. Ensure staff members are undertaking secure storage of documentation and data in accordance with IOM principles and guidelines and that they are dispatching travel documents and coordinating exit permits and travel documents in a timely manner. Oversee the preparation of regular data mining reports on Migration Management Operational Software Application (MiMOSA); advise management on possible issues which need attention and suggest corrective actions.
7. Ensure compliance activities related to project monitoring and evaluation, training, youth services, project reporting, project support and protection are being carried out efficiently by staff and that they are reporting regularly on the work being accomplished
8. Establish and maintain working relationships with airlines on a regular basis and represent the best interest of beneficiaries and clients, taking action to address challenges; develop and maintain contact with other teams and units in Turkey and with external partners such as government authorities, relevant embassies, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Represent IOM at partner meetings and conferences.
9. Manage at-risk and sensitive cases in accordance with IOM’s policies, procedure and guidance in the Movement Management Manual (MMM), including assistance for unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs). Ensure IOM is adequately training staff members on working with at-risk and sensitive cases and is mainstreaming Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) through the awareness and training sessions for staff and service-providers.
10. Develop and ensure the implementation of quality assurance procedures, ensuring checks are being regularly undertaken by staff members and incident reports are being submitted and responded to in an efficient manner. Prepare statistics and reports, and regularly advise the Head of Resettlement on relevant activities. Streamline report preparation and presentation in order to improve services and ensure data on all procedures is compiled, summarized and presented in a timely manner.
11. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant Movement Operations SOPs and Movements-related systems and databases (including iGATOR, MiMOSA, SAR and Amadeus), as well as the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with migrants and colleagues per the IOM Code of Conduct and instruction on the PSEA.
12. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant paperwork in line with standards of conduct and data protection rules. Take action in relation to non-compliance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or codes of conduct by IOM staff members or partners in coordination with relevant managers/units.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies, 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

• Prior Movement Operations experience, especially in IOM, is highly preferred;
• Transportation-related and/or management experience is a strong advantage;
• Experience and knowledge of IOM’s Movement Operations program implementation and administrative, financial and business rules and practices is desirable.
• Experience in programme management, emergency operations and refugee and migration related issues;
• Experience in management Transportation-related and/or management is a strong advantage;
• Previous experience in Movement Operations, especially in IOM, is highly preferred;
• Experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government, or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting;
• Experience in liaising with local authorities as well as coordination and cooperation with different actors, both national or international institutions with experience in working with community volunteer and community mobilization/social cohesion activities is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of IOM’s Movement Operations program implementation and administrative, financial, and business rules and practices is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and lead a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency with IGator, MiMOSA, SAR, and Amadeus.
• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.
• Excellent communication and representative skills (written, oral, cross-cultural) and ability to work in a team setting.
• Ability to multitask and deal with stressful situations and ability to adapt within the working environment.

Languages

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 (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, 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 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 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.