Resilience and Solutions Advisor

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of the Head of Programs and Operations and in close collaboration with the of Coordinator of Programmes, the Humanitarian Advisor and the Information Management and Analysis Coordinator, as well as the relevant Thematic Specialists in RO and HQ, the Resilience and Solutions Advisor will be responsible and accountable for the overall management and effective implementation of IOM’s Resilience and Solutions portfolio, overseeing programming for a wide range of programmes and projects being implemented in Afghanistan under the Resilience and Solutions portfolio and facilitating the development of country strategic plans.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Lead and coordinate IOM Afghanistan’s work on Resilience building and promotion of pathways for Solutions to ensure that it is principled, timely, effective and efficient, and in line with the Country Office (CO) strategy, as well as other relevant internal and external frameworks namely the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan, the Solutions Strategic Framework for Internal Displacement and the SG Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.
2. In coordination with the Coordinator of Programs and Humanitarian Assistance Advisor , ensure that all Programs have robust Resilience building programming and where relevant the establishment of pathways for solutions from displacement that are adequately resourced in terms of staffing and funding to operate in a coordinated and harmonized manner at national and sub-national level.
3. In coordination with the Coordinator of Programs ensure the development of programme work plans, establishment of monitoring tools and tracking of implementation challenges to promote up to date and evidence -based decision-making and reporting.
4. In coordination with the Humanitarian Advisor, ensure that all humanitarian programs are designed and implemented to address humanitarian needs, promote pathways for solutions and lay the foundation for resilience building at the community level.
5. Develop methodologies and tools to guide the planning of operations related to return, relocation and local integration of IDPs through an area-based approach, while ensuring synergies and alignment from all programs. Work together with program units to identify opportunities for integrated, solutions-oriented programs in alignment with IOM’S Approach to Supporting Development Solutions to Internal Displacement.
6. Represent IOM in relevant meetings with partners, namely the Technical Working Groups under the (UNSFA) and any other inter-agency forums, to ensure that IOM is represented, contributes to the planning efforts and participates in key decision-making processes. Ensure timely reporting on relevant issues to the Head of Program and Operations and COM.
7. In coordination with the Coordinator of Programs, ensure that IOM is duly represented and participates in relevant non-humanitarian inter-agency coordination mechanisms at national and sub national level with the right level of expertise and information for meaningful representation and decision making.
8. Ensure IOM fulfils its functions as the co-lead the Durable Solutions Working Group at national and sub-national level and that resources are available to ensure adequate coordination efforts.
9. Develop resource mobilization, donor and partner outreach strategies, taking into account thematic priorities set out in the Country Strategy and IOM’s regional and global strategic priorities and objectives, ensuring that all programmes are adequately resourced, in coordination with Head of Programs and Operations and the Program Support Unit.
10. Promote convergence between all programmes and projects to advance efficiency and effectiveness of the response through balanced division of labour, while reducing parallel structures and communication channels, thereby avoiding duplication, overlap and wastage of resources (human, financial, time, other).
11. Lead the identification, development and promotion of capacity building opportunities to strengthen the knowledge of staff on relevant internal and external frameworks and enhance technical capabilities.
12. In coordination with PSU, ensure the development and timely dissemination of Sitreps, Talking Points, and Key Messages on IOM’s humanitarian work.
13. Undertake travel duties, as required and in line with prevailing security restrictions, related to project development, funding and implementation, programme oversight, staff training, and oversight of partners and the Sub- Offices, to coordinate, develop and/or support programme implementation.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Political or Social Sciences, Humanities, International Relations, Law, Economics or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Solid international experience in Displacement, Community Engagement, Stabilization, Peacebuilding, Return, Recovery and Reintegration;
• Experience at the international level with specialized international organizations (UN agencies, international organizations, and specialized international NGOs), preferably in early recovery and stabilisation, assistance to IDPs and refugees, and humanitarian assistance;
• Experience working directly with displaced populations, particularly in conflict settings and in protracted displacement situations; particularly the socio-economic reintegration of returnees or other groups;
• Experience working in conflict and post conflict settings;
• External representation experience and/or experience in leading a coordination forum such as a working group or cluster (previous experience with IOM in this role an advantage);
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities and local communities;
• Experience and/or familiarity with the socio-economic and political context in Afghanistan and in the region;
• Extensive experience in successfully managing projects and providing programme and administrative/management support;
• Experience in both development and emergency contexts;
• Supervisory and management experience; and,
• Excellent understanding of and proven experience in the UN systems and experience in a crisis context.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds, including from other agencies;
• Ability to work independently, with excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills;
• Ability to work in challenging settings, under pressure while respecting tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability for leadership in the context of partnership building and consensual decision-making. Works effectively with Donors, local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives;
• Familiarity with programmatic issues surrounding relief to recovery transition, including good understanding of Durable Solutions frameworks; and,
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated