Programme Officer (SMOs)

Position Title : Programme Officer (SMOs)
Duty Station : Quito, Ecuador
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 : 27 December 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. Candidates 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; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Founded in 1951, IOM – the International Organization for Migration – is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting safe and orderly human migration for the benefit of all. This is achieved by providing services and guidance to governments and migrants.

IOM Ecuador seeks to provide safe, orderly, and dignified migration support to the various migrant populations within the territory, with a focus on the protection of individuals. In this context, for the mission it is a priority to establish a team to coordinate the Safe Mobility Offices (SMOs) with a protection-centered approach during advisory processes and subsequent referral of services as needed.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Operations and the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission, and in close coordination with the Field Coordination Officer, the Programme Officer (SMOs) will be responsible for providing technical, administrative, and logistical support for the management, identification, and referral of cases according to the needs of the profiles, and for coordinating the team within the SMOs.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Supervise and monitor the effective coordination and implementation of the SMOs in Ecuador in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements.
2. Facilitate collaboration between the different Units involved in the implementation of the Programme, including between the Operational, the Movements and the Resettlement Support Units, and ensure the use of specific tools and mechanisms for effective coordination.
3. Monitor and evaluate program progress through the implementation of monitoring tools that are aimed at increasing effectiveness and make recommendations for appropriate action.
4. Ensure timely monitoring of program expenses in compliance with workplan and budget guidelines in close coordination with the Resource Management unit at country and regional levels.
5. Supervise staff assigned to the program.
6. Participate in meetings, working groups and workshops as needed, including those with US-officials and other high-level stakeholders and partners.
7. Draft and/or coordinate the preparation of reports, briefings, background information, narratives, and statistical reports as necessary and required.
8. Facilitate adequate communication internally and externally regarding the implementation of the program, and provide technical inputs to support the development of a Communications Strategy for the program, as well as outreach materials, situation reports, etc.
9. Undertake regular field and monitoring visits to project locations for quality control and to check if program activities are on track. Provide technical guidance and recommendations for the adaptation of program activities to support the effective, efficient achievement of project objectives.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, 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 programme implementation, support, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
• Experience in supporting and conducting capacity-building activities;
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions; and
• Experience in organizing consultations, workshops, and seminars with high level stakeholders.

Skills

• Sound and proven understanding of internal and international migration issues in the country and in the region;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations, and private sector entities;
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills;
• Detailed knowledge of the UN System, NGOs, and other international organizations/institutions;
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management;
• Strong conceptualization, analytical and writing skills;
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision;
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Familiarity with financial and business administration is highly desirable; and
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

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 and Spanish is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) 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

1 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.