Programme Officer (Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE))

Position Title: Programme Officer (Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE)

Duty Station: Erbil, Iraq

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 13 September 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:

The 2014-2017 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) conflict displaced more than six million people or 15 per cent of Iraq’s total population. As of September 2021, 4.9 million people have returned to their areas of origin, with approximately 1.1 million still internally displaced. Returnees encounter deep social stabilisation challenges including a lack of clear guidance and reassurances from authorities, poor material conditions and infrastructure in areas of return, lack of access to sustainable income, lack of community-based interventions to promote positive social interactions amongst diverse groups, violent and divisive rhetoric from extremist groups, and lack of capacity and awareness to advocate for reparations. Setbacks encountered in 2020-2021 related to the COVID-19 pandemic, collapsing oil prices, and instability has created further obstacles to Iraq’s overall development and economic prosperity.

Destabilisation factors in Iraq are complex, with multiple local, national, and international challenges. Communities in areas of return struggle with social cohesion and reintegration, particularly for individuals with perceived affiliation to ISIL and those in secondary displacement, as they cannot return to areas of origin due to security and/or socio-economic reasons. There is a weak social contract between civil society and local and tribal authorities, limiting the effectiveness of existing efforts to promote community stabilisation. COVID-19 further exacerbated these factors in the country because of the related mitigation measures and the additional strain the situation posed on the available services.

There is an urgent need to address barriers to safe and dignified return of Internally Displaced Persons IDPs. Families with a perceived affiliation to the ISIL face complex return and reintegration challenges, including stigmatization, difficulties in accessing civil documentation, rejection by communities in areas of origin, and, in some cases, banishment from communities or tribes. Addressing these barriers is essential to preventing violent extremism across the country and to strengthening social cohesion and stem out drivers of conflict that if left unaddressed would once again destabilize these areas.

This position feeds to an ongoing intervention contributing to stability in Iraq and reducing the risk of renewed violence, by increasing the ability of targeted communities (including IDPs, communities in socio-politically vulnerable situations, female headed households, families with perceived affiliation to ISIL, former combatants, returnees, communities at locations of return, and local authorities) to address the complex challenges related PVE. To achieve this objective, IOM work with communities, local government, and the central government to identify and implement interventions to address key drivers of violent extremism.

Within the framework of broader reintegration and reconciliation programming in Iraq, IOM is currently scaling up its PVE programming. Under the overall guidance of the IOM Chief of Mission in Iraq, the overall management of the Head of the Community Stabilization Unit, and the direct supervision of PVE Programme Manager, the PVE programme officer will provide technical support to the Division’s and PVE team on IOM’s PVE programming in Iraq.

Specifically, s/he will be responsible for the following:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate with relevant IOM staff, including PVE Programme Officer, Conflict Analyst, and external consultants and carry out quality control activities for the methodological soundness and approach of all related PVE tools, research projects and knowledge products.
2. Coordinate and directly execute measures required for gender mainstreaming across the portfolio. Facilitate the adoption of policy recommendations produced by the Gender and PVE advisor.
3. Carry out research and analysis of relevant data sets and project reports, new developments in context or existing regulations, guidelines, or government strategies of relevance to PVE and social cohesion portfolio to provide information and recommendations on programme direction and adjustments in scope of work to meet those variables.
4. Participate in the development of evidence based PVE initiatives that promote the role of PVEas a post conflict stabilisation component.
5. Check that capacity building curricula and training packages targeting government or civil society are consistent with IOM PVE strategy and programmes.
6. Coordinate the development of policy recommendations and lessons learnt based on PVEprogramme implementation and developments. Facilitate the incorporation of findings in future PVE programme development, including close liaison and coordination with Programme Support Unit.
7. In close coordination with IOM PVE team, PVE partner organisations and IOM PVE advisor, support the PVE capacity building needs assessment of the Government of Iraq’s PVE interlocutors and provide technical inputs for the development and execution of a comprehensive capacity building support programme.
8. In close coordination with the PVE programme Manager, participate in representation efforts and the identification of potential funding opportunities for the PVE programme.
9. Provide technical inputs for the development of the PVE Plan of Action.
10. Act as focal point of the PVE team with the MEAL team, checking that activities and progress are captured in PVE narrative reports.
11. Supervise contracts of PVE technical service providers as delegated by the PVEProgramme Manager.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in criminology, Human Rights, Law, Political Science or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or • University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in the implementation and coordination of PVE and/or risk reduction projects;• Experience in Iraq is an advantage, as is demonstrated knowledge and experience in governance and policy development;
• General understanding of Iraqi context and political dynamics.

Skills

• Conducting research and developing sound methodological approaches to research and policy development;
• Notable experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects;• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,
• Experience in budget management and oversight.

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

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 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.