Regional Thematic Specialist on Resettlement and Relocation

Position Title: Regional Thematic Specialist on Resettlement and Relocation

Duty Station: Brussels, Belgium

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: 31 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.

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; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of) Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Seychelles. Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

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

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Policy and Programme Support Division, the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Emergency and Post-Crisis Specialist Department of Operations and Emergencies Regional Thematic Specialist (DOE RTS), and under the technical oversight of the Chief of the Resettlement and Movement Management Division, the Regional Thematic Specialist on Resettlement and Relocation will provide technical support and guidance for the development and implementation of specific thematic activities at regional and global level as illustrated in the core functions and responsibility section. The RTS on Resettlement and Relocation acts as a regional thematic resource person; monitors and analyses regional thematic trends in the areas of emergency evacuations, resettlement/relocation, and sustainable solutions to forced displacement; monitors developments of projects in the thematic area of competence; supports regional thematic project development, and reviews and endorses projects related to their thematic area of expertise in the European Economic Area region. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute, within the area of expertise, to policy, liaison and advocacy work with the European Institutions, European Union (EU) Member States, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, as well as provide technical programming support and advice on EU funded programmes to IOM Missions on resettlement/ relocation and sustainable solutions to forced displacement within the regional area and, as applicable and relevant, worldwide.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Monitor developments on EU funding trends, policies and strategic priorities and provide technical assistance, training and capacity building to country Offices and Regional Offices on the assessment, design and development of EU funded resettlement/relocation projects; sustainable solutions for forced displacement and humanitarian evacuation in line with IOM agreements, strategy, policies and standards.
2. Review, endorse and keep track of projects and programmes submitted by IOM Country Offices (CO) to ensure quality control and compliance with donor requirements and priorities and provide regular updates to the concerned HQ Division on projects endorsed. Ensure that all endorsed projects are:

• Consistent with the IOM Constitution, IOM Strategy and the Organisation’s policies, thematic guidelines and manuals and any relevant national and/or regional strategies;
• Coherent, relevant and feasible, and take into account good practices in the respective migration/thematic area(s).
• Developed according to the IOM’s project development procedures as established in the IOM Handbook on Projects.
• As delegated, review and endorse narrative donor reports submitted by Country Offices, according to the procedures specified in the IOM Project Handbook.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of high-quality project proposals. Support the finalization of agreements with the European Union services. Advice and guide IOM country offices on EU requirements related to project implementation, visibility, verification exercises etc.
• Analyse and provide technical support to Regional Office (RO) Brussels and its Country Offices and further develop a strategy for outreach, resource mobilisation and liaison based on a gaps analysis in the thematic areas in coordination with the DOE RTS and Head of Policy and Programme Support Division.
• In the area of expertise, identify emerging issues and contribute to the development of thematic policy, guidance and reports. Develop proposals/programmes and funding strategies. Participate actively in the preparation of annual EU activity plans of the Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE) and the policy and Programme Support division in RO Brussels (PPSD).
• Contribute to regular liaison with EU, international, governmental and non-governmental partners, and advise the IOM Country Offices in the Region and worldwide on EU and bilateral opportunities, priorities and regional synergies in the field of migration crisis; resettlement/relocation and sustainable solutions for forced displacement.
• Monitor EU institutions funding instruments in support of resettlement /relocation, sustainable solutions for forced displacement and humanitarian evacuation, identify and follow up on potential opportunities for resource mobilisation in support of national, regional and global programmes in close liaison with the IOM Country Offices in the Region and worldwide.
• In coordination with the DOE RTS, support the development of strategic relationships within the relevant EU institutions (including in particular DG Home and EUAA) and strengthen strategic partnerships with relevant internationals organisations including in particular United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and relevant non-governmental organizations (NGOs)) on issues of common concern on resettlement and relocation and more broadly in the migration crisis context. Assist in the organisation and management of events in Brussels to support IOM advocacy and partnership building objectives.
• Identify, promote and foster strategic partnerships with academic institutions, think-tanks and research institutions within the region and conceptualise policy-oriented research in coordination with Regional Thematic Specialists and, where relevant, with the Regional Research Officers and/or Headquarters (HQ).
• Contribute to regional policy dialogue and the exchange of best practices through expert meetings and preparation of policy briefs with the Regional Thematic Specialists as well as through capacity building and liaison with the IOM Country Offices in the Region.
• Ensure appropriate coordination and information sharing related to the relevant thematic areas with the COs at the regional level, relevant HQ departments and through the development of a network of Resettlement and Relocation Focal Points.
• Represent IOM in the region by actively participating in conferences, workshops and meetings related to the area of expertise, as required by DOE RTS and/or Head of Policy and Programme Support Division.
• Undertake duty travel and provide training related to project development, monitoring of implementation, in support of resource mobilization related to EU funding opportunities as well as liaison with EU donor counterparts.
• Act as, where and when required, Deputy Senior Regional Emergency and Post-Crisis Specialist.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in political sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International relations, law, 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 the area of project development and management in at least two IOM thematic areas and at least to distinct regions.
• Experience in strategic planning and in the field of migration issues both at policy and program level

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
• Sound knowledge of the EU structure and demonstrated expertise and experience in EU funding mechanisms is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering presentations and providing trainings.
• Demonstrated high level of expertise within the thematic area relevant to project development and liaison.
• Knowledge of thematic issues (resettlement, relocation and forced displacement) and specifics in a distance advantage.
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
• Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
• Sound drafting and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

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.p df

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 and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category 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.