Project Officer (Labour Mobility & Human Development)

Position Title: Project Officer (Labour Mobility & Human Development)

Duty Station: Manama, Bahrain

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 14 February 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.

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; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros;Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading UN Migration Agency, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

The proportion of foreign workers in the employed population in Gulf countries is among the highest in the world with an average of 70.4 %, and account for over 10% of all migrants globally. To support safe and regular labour migration to the region, IOM works closely with

Governments and other stakeholders to strengthen labour-related processes and policies that ultimately benefit foreign workers, Governments, employers, recruitment agencies, and other actors.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM-Bahrain and the direct supervision of the Head of Labour Mobility & Human Development (LHD), the successful candidate will be accountable and responsible for coordinating relevant programmatic activities under the LHD Unit in IOM-Bahrain, focusing largely on promoting ethical recruitment, enhanced labour mobility and decent work for all. The Project Officer will be based in IOM-Bahrain, with frequent travel to Saudi Arabia.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Update and monitor an internal workplan for the successful implementation of LHD-related activities under Phase II of IOM’s project ‘Strengthening Mechanisms to Combat Human Trafficking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’.

2. Coordinate the execution of LHD-related activities in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Head of LHD of IOM-Bahrain, monitoring implementation and raising issues with the Head of LHD in order to identify solutions in a timely way.

3. Organize the capacity-building programme for recruitment agencies and employers on ethical recruitment and reducing migrant vulnerability, relying on IOM’s IRIS and CREST materials.

4. Support the Government of Saudi Arabia in the development and validation of StandardOperating Procedures for national labour inspectors to identify situations of non-compliance with labour regulations.

5. Contribute to the development of a minimum standards guideline for housing of migrant workers run by private recruitment agencies, based on assessments and full coordination with Governments.

6. Organize a capacity-building workshop for officials nominated by the Government of Saudi Arabia on international best practices and standards related to bilateral labour agreements.

7. Monitor closely all developments of labour reforms in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including conducting analysis and reviews to understand impact.

8. Support the Head of LHD of IOM-Bahrain and the Senior Regional Thematic Specialist for LHD to identify opportunities to further enhance the LHD portfolio, providing inputs for a sub-regional strategy for the Gulf, project proposals as well as identifying possible partners.

9. Undertake travel on authorized duty (TDYs) as required.

10. Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

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

• Demonstrated experience in the thematic area relevant to labour migration;

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and NGOs;

• Proven experience with project management and coordination.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of a broad range of subject areas related to labour migration and migrant workers;

• Project coordination or management skills;

• Knowledge or experience of regional issues an advantage; and

• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation.

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 and Arabic 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 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.