Thematic Specialist (Climate Action Partnerships)

Position Title: Thematic Specialist (Climate Action Partnerships)

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

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: 17 October 2024

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; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

The Climate Action Division, engages in policy advocacy, in close collaboration with different departments/divisions, at national, regional and international levels, promoting the inclusion of migration considerations in climate change policies and financing by leveraging powerful operational expertise, community engagement, advocacy with different partners and member states, data capacity, evidence, and innovation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of migrants including freedom of choice, especially for those displaced and the most vulnerable due to climate change. CAD will aim to facilitate pathways in close cooperation with MPDI for regular migration, building on existing regular pathways and policy frameworks adopted by regional leaders such as the Kampala Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change, and the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility. CAD’s comprehensive approach will also address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on human mobility while advocating sustainable and inclusive solutions on a global scale.

Further, CAD and through the Climate Mobility Labs, will use a laboratory approach, that will leverage transformative change by co-designing innovative and customized quality solutions and climate adaptation and just transition which will reduce pressure on ecosystems, drive resilience and sustainability for people and biodiversity, and generate financial return for sustainable development for communities and investors. Under the lab, IOM will lead with diverse partnerships private sector, academia, financial institutions, diaspora alliance and local stakeholders and will develop models and initiatives that allow for new financing with a high return on investment with a focus on depth of transformation, scale and reach a strategic response to the pressing challenges faced by communities affected by climate-induced migration.

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Climate Action, the Thematic Specialist (Climate Action Partnerships) will manage and ensure the implementation of functions under the Director’s office, including ensuring coordination and synergy with the work of the Climate Policy Advocacy unit and the Climate Mobility Labs unit, for the effective implementation of IOM`s Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2030 Strategy and the Climate Mobility Road Map.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide expert technical, programmatic and operational support to the CAD team, and provide recommendations with respect to Climate Change and Human Mobility related trends and issues in view of strategic, programmatic and programme-specific funding opportunities for the Climate Mobility Labs (CML).
2. Oversee the engagement with different coordination mechanisms, departments, divisions and thematic expertise for the Climate Mobility Lab (CML) coordination.
3. Work with the Director of CAD to scale up engagement with the private sector, academia and other actors in coordination with the Private Sector Partnership Division and the CAD units.
4. Substantively support the Climate Mobility Lab Unit in the scale up of strategic partnerships and networks, and proactive collaboration with internal and external partners.
5. In coordination with the CAD Director, and Climate Mobility Lab Chief of unit, coordinate the establishment of the steering committee and the innovation committees under the CML.
6. Contribute to CAD team efforts to identify donors’ priorities and strategies under the CAD thematic area, develop follow up initiatives and/or initiate programme development processes for portfolio expansion, and support the development of project and funding proposals in relation to expressed governmental needs, donors’ priorities and in line with IOM’s mandate and strategy.
7. Coordinate contextual analysis and mapping of IOM best practices in Climate Mobility initiatives, and identify and pursue new activities to be implemented as part of the Road map and the CMIL.
8. Develop and ensure the implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to track and assess mainstreaming initiatives and measure progress and effectiveness, take action for course corrections, and continually develop improvements.
9. Represent IOM in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical and policy working groups, as well as other forums, to present and promote IOM activities, and advance synergies and partnerships.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Environmental, Economics, Development Studies, International Development, Business 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

• Experience in Climate change, Migration and human rights programme management, implementation, project development and academia and research;
• Experience in humanitarian and development settings; preferably at regional levels with focus on Africa and Asia;
• Experience in overseeing the work and coordination of various divisions/units/departments at HQ and Regional levels under the programme;
• Experience with UN, IOM and International Agencies, international or local NGOs preferred; and,
• Work experience at global/regional level is an advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of UN/IOM’s or International Organizations, regulations, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of building strategic partnerships with academia, governments and private sector.
• Knowledge and experience in working with PRIMA or similar system is an advantage;
• Sound writing, communication and negotiation skills; and,
• Excellent organization skills, analytical and creative thinking.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and 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.

Notes

Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

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.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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification 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.