Project Manager, RSC MENA

Position Title: Project Manager, RSC MENA

Duty Station: Amman, Jordan

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 03 May 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.

Context:

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of individuals each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs.

Under the USRAP, the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) provides critical support and processing services for resettlement to the U.S. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IOM and the U.S. State Department Bureau for Population Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages the RSC for Middle East and North Africa (MENA). RSC MENA prepares applications for adjudication by and provides support to visiting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, facilitates security and medical screenings, provides information about arriving individuals to resettlement agencies in the US and offers Cultural Orientation (CO) training to individuals departing for the US.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission in Amman, Jordan for administrative matters and the general supervision of the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Senior Program Advisor in Washington, DC for technical matters, and in close coordination with the Regional Director for MENA in Cairo, Egypt, relevant units in Headquarters, the relevant Chiefs of Missions in MENA, and the Manila Administrative Centre (MAC), the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management of the RSC MENA.

The region under the management of the Project Manager, RSC MENA, is large in scope, comprised of numerous types of working environments that may include urban, rural and camp settings, and has a number of locations that are operationally complex and logistically challenging. This may include, but is not limited to, areas containing intra-, inter- and/or non-state conflict, areas of extreme political sensitivity and/or volatility, border regions, hardship locations and remote locations. Some of these locations currently or will in the future have sub-offices under the overall technical supervision of the Project Manager, RSC MENA. Travel to all locations of operational importance in the region for the purposes of monitoring and oversight, including to remote and hardship areas and to areas with a wide variety of security advisories, is expected.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In coordination with the USRAP Global Coordinator and USRAP Programme Advisor in Washington, DC, and relevant relevant Chiefs of Missions in MENA and the Regional Director, develop and/or strengthen RSC MENA activities in the region to ensure the RSC MENA portfolio is implemented effectively.
2. Oversee the RSC hub, RSC remote sites and resettlement activities in MENA. Oversight includes technical assistance, staff training, development and succession planning, executing efficient circuit rides, developing and standardizing regional operating procedures, responding to case inquiries and maintaining the security and confidentiality of RSC interactions and records per PRM USRAP Manual/Integrity and Compliance Guide.
3. Guide and supervise respective RSC staff members, to ensure the smooth and effective workflow and implementation of RSC activities in all countries in the region, including stimulating dialogue, acting as a liaison, spearheading mediation, sharing effective practices, promoting effective cooperation between RSC activities and other IOM units, and directing problem solving, where needed.
4. Serve as the direct IOM contact for RSC MENA with the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) Refugee Coordinators in the MENA region, the PRM Program Desk Officer in Washington, DC, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Refugee Processing Center (RPC), and the United States Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for all MENA locations.
5. Serve as the Project Manager for RSC MENA. Coordinate activities closely with the USRAPGlobal team in Washington, DC, including the USRAP Global Coordinator and USRAP Programme Advisor, with the goal of harmonized management of RSC MENA activities. In relation to staff training, development and succession planning, work closely with the USRAP HR-Business Partner, taking into consideration global USRAP needs.
6. Supervise and oversee RSC processing staff, ensuring activities are completed in an efficient and accurate manner in accordance with Worldwide Refugee Processing System (WRAPS), PRM’s START, Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, Migration (PRM) and Resettlement Support Center (RSC) guidelines.
7. In coordination with USRAP Global, Regional RMOs, relevant Chiefs of Missions and the Manila Financial Support Unit, plan, create, monitor and report on the regional budget for RSC MENA according to donor requirements. Following budget approval, implement activities in all countries in line with budget availability and operational efficiency. Advise on potential administrative, budgetary, and financial consequences of developments in the missions’ operational activities.
8. Pro-actively implement fraud prevention measures in all aspects of program delivery in accordance with IOM policies and PRM Fraud Prevention and Mitigation Measures. Bring to the attention of the relevant Regional Director(s), Chief(s) of Mission and USRAP Global Coordinator any non-compliance of staff or other areas of concern and provide plans for improvements that will maintain the integrity of RSC activities in MENA.
9. Assist the Global Management team in developing methodologies to meet new technical requirements and improve RSC activities implemented by IOM.
10. Advise the Regional Directors, Chiefs of Missions, Resettlement and MovementManagement (RMM) Division in IOM HQ and the USRAP Global Management team on the status of RSC activities in MENA, trends, situations of interest, and recommendations for program policies.
11. Request and analyze data prepared by the RSC MENA reporting unit on RSC activities, departures and forecasted processing figures in MENA. Present weekly, monthly and annual statistical and narrative reports to PRM, USRAP Global, and IOM HQ.
12. Represent RSC MENA and the Organization in meetings, workshops, and international conferences, and, as required, write reports, presentations and background documents on behalf of the USRAP.
13. Analyze and interpret IOM, USRAP Global and PRM guidelines in conjunction with country-specific legislation to ensure programs are implemented in a manner that is complementary to a variety of situations, including local legal, cultural, geographic, and historic issues.
14. 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 ten years of relevant professional experience, or;
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• A minimum of ten years (or twelve years of experience for candidates with a 1st level degree)of field and regional management experience in USRAP projects in at least two different regions;
• Service within the USRAP at two levels below this position (for instance, experience serving as Sr. Project Officer and Deputy Project Manager in relation to an application for the position of Project Manager);
• Experience in project cycle management with particular emphasis on the USRAP;
• Experience serving as a donor liaison and writing donor reports;
• Experience creating and monitoring a USRAP budget, and knowledge of USRAP and IOM financial management and budgetary procedures;
• Experience managing staff at various levels and from a range of cultural backgrounds, including teams of international staff; and
• Experience working in USRAP for other organizations or agencies is a plus.

Skills

• Demonstrated record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, as well as civil society actors;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with andlead a team;
• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications;
• Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations;
• Effectively coordinates actions with other implementing partners; and,
• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English 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 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 3

• 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 3

• 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 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.