Programme Coordinator (Livelihoods)

Position Title: Programme Coordinator (Livelihoods)

Duty Station: Erbil, Iraq

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, six months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 10 June 2024

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:

IOM, globally and within Iraq, is a major actor in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, and as such is heavily involved in livelihood development and job creation programmes. IOM’s strengths lie in its field presence around the country and operational capacity to rebuild community infrastructure, conduct vocational and other trainings, providing grant funding at local level to support business development and a variety of other areas key to recovery. IOM Iraq livelihoods services cover a large scope of projects, from individual level assistance such as vocational training, on the job training, cash for work and job placement, to financial grants for Small and Medium Enterprises across Iraq under the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), as well as graduation approach and employment for public works for vulnerable displaced populations, and access to finance.

In order to support the reconstruction process and maximise the impact of project activities, IOM is seeking a livelihoods specialist with substantial private sector development experience, to support IOM Iraq’s ongoing activities related to livelihoods, job creation and private sector development (PSD). This includes but is not limited to technical support to the implementation of IOM Iraq livelihoods activities, especially the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) and Access to Finance.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Transition and Recovery Division (TRD) in Iraq and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Economic Recovery and Livelihoods), the Programme Coordinator (Livelihoods) will lead on the management, development and implementation of livelihoods, job creation and private sector development activities, with a specific focus on the development and implementation of methodologies related to small and medium enterprises (SME) finance, capacity building of staff and leadership of research on PSD and livelihoods.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In coordination with IOM Iraq and colleagues at Regional Office in Cairo and Headquarters(HQ) as required, manage, develop and support the implementation of IOM Iraq livelihoods, job creation and private sector development (PSD) activities.
2. Undertake management of IOM Iraq livelihoods projects, in particular those funded by German Development Bank (KfW), ensuring adherence to established monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Regularly review project progress and adjust project implementation strategies as needed.
3. Review, assess and advise on existing livelihoods, job creation and private sector development (PSD) methodologies, including selection criteria, caseload distribution, process mapping, and standard operating procedures, and develop and support the creation of new tools.
4. Oversee the coordination of linkages between different livelihoods components, including Graduation Approach (GA), Individual Livelihoods Assistance (ILA), Employment to Public Works (EPW), EDF, and Access to Finance, as well as linkages and referrals from TRD and wider IOM Iraq project activities.
5. Manage the overall design, coordination and implementation of the Enterprise DevelopmentFund (EDF) to ensure timely achievement of committed activities, outputs, and objectives, in close coordination with TRD Operations Team, and through the management of Livelihoods Technical Advisors and Payments Team.
6. Work closely with field teams, government authorities, United Nations/ Non-governmental Organizations (UN/NGO) partners and private sector actors to identify and pursue opportunities for additional private sector support and employment creation, including frequent visits to field locations.
7. Undertake capacity development of IOM Iraq colleagues regarding private sector development, such as labour market assessments, feasibility studies, external evaluations and business plan development and review.
8. Develop project proposals and documents.
9. Develop training materials and implement capacity building within IOM Iraq on livelihoods, job creation and PSD.
10. Support IOM in external representation with UN and NGO partners, donors and government, and contribute to inter-agency processes requiring IOM input and coordination.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics 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

• Familiarity with and/or experience in post-conflict environments is an asset;
• Familiarity with and/or experience in Iraq or the Middle East an advantage; and,
• Familiarity with and/or experience with UN/IOM or development finance institutions an advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of private sector work including finance and value chain;
• Demonstrated understanding of business models, market development and business sustainability issues to engage private sector companies in livelihood creation projects;
• Demonstrated skill to supervise, train and direct staff and manage operations in complex post-conflict contexts; and,
• Demonstrated skill in project development and management.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic and/or another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian, 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.

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 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 background verification 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.