Programme Support Officer (Programme Support Unit)

Position Title: Programme Support Officer (Programme Support Unit)

Duty Station: San Jose, Costa Rica

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: 30 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:

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Mission (CoM) and the overall supervision of the Regional Director in close collaboration with thematic programme management units and in line with Costa Rica´s country strategy, the Programme Support Officer (PSU) will support the Country Office (CO’s) project development efforts, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, communications, information management and fundraising actions.

In addition, the Programme Support Officer (Programme Support Unit (PSU)) will coordinate, advise, and provide support to media and communications and donor relations. They will also streamline and ensure efficient internal and external sharing of information with other agencies, governments, donors, and others; timely and accurate reporting though existing and nascent

Monitoring and Evaluation structures; support the fundraising efforts of the mission through project development and donor relations; and regular development of timely and accurate communications products.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support Senior Programme Coordinator and Project Managers in ensuring that IOM internal policies and procedures are met in regard to proposal development and submission (i.e., secure internal endorsements); ensure timely submission of project reports and compliance with donor agreements in addition with Regional Office (RO) staff.
2. Undertake the development of new project proposals, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks working closely with Project Managers ensuring that newly funded projects are ready for handover to respective Project Managers.
3. Oversee Programme support staff ensuring that necessary support is provided for the full implementation and continued improvement of IOM’s programmes and to advance IOM Costa Rica strategy.
4. Liaise with the Resource Management Officer to coordinate resource mobilization efforts and ensure that project budgets reflect the common costs needs of the office. Carry out analysis of funding patterns and funding gaps in relation to IOMs national strategy.
5. Ensure programme visibility and communication in coordination with IOM Communications staff, including the preparation of articles, photo reports, visibility products and other related items in line with donor requirements.
6. Guide the development of M&E systems, frameworks, and tools to ensure that all programmes have adequate structures in place.
7. In close cooperation with Programme Managers, support the establishment and maintenance of an M&E Framework, in alignment with Results Based Management (RBM) approaches and IOM’s internal ‘’PRIMA’’ system.
8. Support fundraising by establishing and maintaining regular contact with donors and private sector partners, including organizing and representing IOM at meetings and field visits, contributing to the development, review and distribution of project funding submissions/proposals and appeals, advising internally on donor policies and priorities, and ensuring the preparation of talking points and documentation in preparation of donor meetings.
9. Participate in relevant UN working groups, advocating for the inclusion of IOM thematic areas or interests, aiming at coordinating, and promoting new joint activities and fund raise for new projects/programmes.
10. Support IOM’s role as Co-lead of the UN Migration Network in Costa Rica ensuring adequate liaison with the RO, the UN partners and Government in the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration and Costa Rica’s role as Champion Country.
11. Develop and update of informational materials for external partners, including IOM CostaRica Fact Sheets, etc.
12. Prepare speeches and presentation for the Chief Mission with relevant project managers and support Chief of Mission and Programme Coordinator with liaison with senior Government of Costa Rica authorities and other stakeholders.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Law, Migration Studies, International Relations, 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

• Experience in project development, reporting and communication;
• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience;
• Experience in liaising with government authorities, other national /international institutions, and donors (preferably, EU institutions and civil society organizations);
• Proven experience in reporting;
• Proven experience in managing staff from diverse background.

Skills

• Demonstrated high level of expertise in project development;
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation;
• Knowledge and working experience in the Central America and Caribbean region a distinct advantage;
• Demonstrated communication skills with government partners;
• Experience with IOM PRIMA system a strong advantage.

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 and Spanish 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 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.