Community Engagement Technical Advisor

Context/Reporting line:

The Transition and Recovery Division (TRD) of IOM Iraq focuses on addressing the initial challenges of reintegrating individuals impacted by displacement in post-conflict areas and those affected by climate change.

TRD works to remove the initial obstacles to reintegration of people affected by displacement in Iraq’s post-conflict areas and as a result of climate change and lay the foundation for longer-term recovery, economic development and reconstruction in general. In addition to extensive work in post-conflict recovery, since 2018, the IOM Transition and Recovery Division has been providing support to communities affected by climate change, with a focus on fostering climate resilience. This community-driven support entails addressing issues such as water scarcity, waste management, enhancing agricultural value chains, building resilience for smallholder farmers, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. TRD’s engagement includes activities related to data and research, leadership of coordination and strategy development mechanisms and field-level activities such as housing, livelihoods and economic development, basic services rehabilitation, durable solutions, civil society and community strengthening and other activities. Community engagement and participatory planning are at the core of TRD’s programming, to ensure that programming is responsive to community needs and to promote active participation of community members and local authorities in the recovery and development of their own communities.

Under general guidance of the Head, Transition and Recovery Division, the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (DurableSolns&ComE), the direct supervision of the National Community Engagement Officer and in close coordination with the Programme Coordinator for Migration, Environment and Climate Change, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating implementation of programs related to climate change adaptation within the area of responsibility as below:

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Plan and coordinate the execution of community engagement activities for within the Transition and Recovery Division (TRD) and in close coordination with the Programme Coordinator for Migration, Environment and Climate Change. This should be done in compliance with available community engagement tools.
2. Develop plans and materials for staff capacity building to maintain quality control standards.
3. Engage with government officials, local authorities, and community leaders to support field teams in carrying out community engagement activities.

4. Provide technical guidance to all TRD operational staff in the Area of Responsibility, identify the bottleneck, seek technical advice, and provide orientation; provide recommendations for improvement or corrective action to the Operations Officer.

1. Prepare and implement tools for climate vulnerable communities in coordination with the Programme Coordinator for Migration, Environment and Climate Change, as well as the Community Engagement Technical Core team to address challenges and obstacles.

6. Follow up with procurement and finance unit to process with all payment request related to program activities in the area of responsibility.
7. Consolidate activity-related information and develop technical field reports to facilitate information sharing with reporting and monitoring and evaluation colleagues.

1. Coordinate with the National Community Engagement Field Officer to conduct field visits and provide technical assistance.
2. Foster collaboration and capacity building among UN agencies and NGO partners in the field to promote coordination efforts.
3. Develop strong connections with communities and relevant stakeholders to understand community structures and power dynamics.
4. Ensure that community perspectives, capacities, needs, and resources are considered in the implementation of strategies and plans.
5. Promote the integration of cross-cutting issues such as Communication with Communities, Accountability to Affected Population, Protection mainstreaming, Gender mainstreaming, Disability inclusion, and Conflict-sensitivity in all approaches and activities.
6. Perform any other assigned tasks.

Education:

• University degree in social science or any related field from an accredited academic university or

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in community engagement, climate change, environmental degradation and climate related displacement though a gender lens and experience with international organization is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Ability to present clear and concise information.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, ability to handle confidential matters.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Languages:

• Fluency in English, Kurdish and Arabic is required.

Behavioral Competencies

• Work prioritization and ability to multitask.
• Shares knowledge and experience.
• Positive, constructive attitude.
• Ability to work and act under pressure with discretion in politically sensitive environment with a minimum of comfort.
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
• Ready to work independently, under tight deadlines.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment with a positive attitude.
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty.
• Strives for supportive working environment and positive working relationship.

• Creates a respectful office environment free of harassment, retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).

While this vacancy is open to both Internals and Externals, priority shall be given to qualified Internal applicants.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this link:

https://jobs.my-soc.org/apply/20240207121536/k7VP0iZqdFRWtblGuJ2sv45mj        

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly completed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.