Regional Programme Manager

Position Title : Regional Programme Manager

Duty Station : Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P3

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

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 02 March 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; Madagascar; 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:

Within the context of the system-wide scale up in response to the Afghanistan crisis, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched its Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) (2021-24) to address the rapidly developing situation in country and in the neighbouring states of Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia/Chief of Mission (CoM) in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan and in close coordination with the Afghanistan L3 Migration Emergency Coordinator (MEC) Support Team and the Regional Office (RO) in Vienna, the Regional Programme Manager will be responsible for all aspects related to the IOM Central Asia response to the Afghanistan crisis under IOM’s Comprehensive Action Plan, including but not limited to managing IOM response operations and programming, external liaison inclusive of resource mobilization, programmatic development and policy support and representing IOM in inter-agency fora, including cluster coordination and other relevant working groups.

The successful candidate is expected to carry out their duties in accordance with the strictest ethical standards and with due respect for gender and socio-cultural sensitivities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and monitor the implementation of all operational and administrative aspects of Afghanistan CAP related projects and programming in order to ensure their effectiveness, coherence, integrity and the application of the organization’s policies and procedures.

2. Work in close collaboration with the Sub-regional Coordinator/CoM and the respective Heads of Offices in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan to ensure that all the components of CAP linked programming including emergency response and regular recovery and development activities operate in a coherent and mutually supportive manner.

3. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with host Governments on migration governance, recovery and sustainable development planning in relation to the Afghanistan crisis, including relevant ministries, donors, and other partners, such as fellow United Nations (UN) agencies, academia, and semi-governmental entities in close coordination with Sub-Regional Coordinator and the Migration Emergency Coordinator for Afghanistan MEC.

4. Coordinate the design and development of new programmes/projects in close coordination with the sub-regional coordinator, the MEC Support Team, Heads of Office, the Vienna RO, IOM Afghanistan and other neighbouring Country Offices (COs) where appropriate, relevant programme managers, resource management unit, governmental authorities and international and regional institutions as well as partners’ organizations in public/private sector.

5. Establish strong working relationships with implementing partners, the donor community, government, local authorities, UN agencies and other stakeholders such as private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSO), advancing joint programming and ensuring that IOM’s programming is integrated into joint UN planning frameworks for mid- and longer-term response.

6. Act as the focal point and coordinate responses to internal inquiries from HQ and the RO.

7. Pro-actively seek potential funding sources among government and non-government donors, in line with the IOM CAP and other relevant fundraising strategic documents including the Regional Refugee Response Plan and liaise with donor counterparts to discuss programme and project possibilities, coordinate and promote new activities and raise funds for new projects/ programmes.

8. Keep abreast of humanitarian and migration related policy developments, international standards and best practices relating to the programme implementation, the Afghanistan crisis; recommend how cross cutting issues including gender, age, education, disability, environment and protection can be better incorporated for further enhancement of response efforts.

9. Ensure timely preparation and submission of all emergency project reports according to IOM and donor formats as required. Coordinate preparation of regular updates, project summaries, lessons learnt, press releases and other relevant materials.

10. Guide and supervise staff responsible for the implementation of programming including the logistics hub in Termez. Coordinate training for staff on pertinent thematic content to promote a learning environment by establishing a common understanding and knowledge-based of ways and means to strengthen the humanitarian response.

11. Ensure the provision of timely, accurate, standardized and adequate information to all relevant stakeholders regarding movements, new displacements, mobility trends, and conditions in return/relocation areas paying special attention to the situation of vulnerable groups. Liaise with donor representatives and periodically brief them on current and planned programs in order to mobilize necessary financial support.

12. Represent the Sub-regional Coordinator/CoM in inter-agency meetings in relation to the establishment and implementation of joint programmes and meetings with governmental authorities, non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders in coordination with Heads of Office/Programme Managers as well as any other meeting, as requested by the CoM.

13. Undertake duty travel relating to need assessments, project and context monitoring, liaison with counterparts, problem solving, and new project development, as required.

14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration 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

• Minimum five years of relevant working experience in programme implementation and management with experience in complex operating environments preferred;

• Working experience in Central Asia or the Commonwealth of Independent States preferred;

• Experience in fields related to IOM emergency programming including emergency coordination, NFI/shelter, CCCM, DTM, protection, transition & recovery, and preparedness and response;

• Practical experience in project management and development, including administrative and financial management, procurement and HR procedures inclusive of staff recruitment, and internal control procedures;

• Experience working in an emergency context and proven ability to liaise with government officials, donors, UN personnel, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/ international institutions and UN, IOM or INGOs.

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in migration crisis response and migration management including border management, labor and human mobility, durable solutions, community stabilization/community engagement, socio-economic recovery, or related programming areas preferred.

• Knowledge or experience of working with the humanitarian inter-agency coordination and cluster systems preferred.

• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation.

• Sound judgment, ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision.

• Capacity to work effectively in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments

• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office package (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

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). Fluency in Uzbek, Tajik, Dari/Farsi and/or 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

This position will have frequent travel to affected countries like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and areas related to Afghanistan response efforts inclusive of the Uzbek-Afghan border.

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 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.