Project Officer (Border and Identity Solutions (BIS))

Position Title: Project Officer (Border and Identity Solutions (BIS))

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 27 November 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 International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

The Border and Identity Solutions (BIS) Unit within the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Division offers tailored technical and operational support to Member States to enhance border governance, considering gender-sensitive and rights-based practices across all activities. BIS assists Member States in building capacities to effectively manage cross-border movements, including through tools for registering, monitoring, and streamlining such fluxes. Through these efforts, the Unit’s work is key to address irregular migration and counter organized crime, with a focus on migrant smuggling, while ensuring that migrants’ rights are upheld. BIS also addresses critical areas such as integrated border management, alternatives to detention, and community engagement and policing. These efforts contribute to the establishment of efficient and secure border systems, promote regional cooperation, and facilitate accessible pathways for regular migration.

Under the overall supervision of the Head, Immigration and Border Governance Division and direct supervision of Senior Border & Identity Solutions Specialist, the Project Officer (Border and Identity Solutions) will carry-out the following duties:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Counter Migrant Smuggling Portfolio

• Serve as a technical headquarters (HQ) focal point for the development of technical tools, operational guidance, reports, and other institutional materials that inform targeted interventions in countering the smuggling of migrants. This includes a focus on the interception, investigation, disruption, and prosecution of smuggling networks, while integrating rights-based approaches and protection elements into IOM’s counter-smuggling initiatives.
• Provide technical support for the consolidation of institutional tools, including training materials, assessment frameworks, and reporting templates for IOM’s counter-smuggling initiatives. Check if these resources adopt a comprehensive approach and address legal, procedural, human rights, and protection dimensions. Bring issues to the attention of the supervisor.
• Provide technical inputs and assistance for the design and delivery of capacity-building programs for regional and field offices, focusing on intelligence gathering, data analysis, and the application of rights-based approaches in counter-smuggling efforts. Provide ongoing technical support to enhance operational effectiveness in these areas.
• Assist with the design and/or implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks to help assess the effectiveness of counter-smuggling interventions across IOM’s regional and country offices. Integrate lessons learned and provide technical assistance to refine global and regional counter-smuggling strategies.
• Coordinate and monitor thematic initiatives aimed at fostering intra- and inter-agency cooperation in preventing and countering migrant smuggling, including with its linkages to trafficking in persons. This includes providing technical inputs and information for joint research, policy discussions, program development, and operational guidance, in close collaboration with other IOM entities, UN agencies, regional bodies, and relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate the mainstreaming of counter-smuggling expertise into broader migration management and protection agendas.
• Provide technical inputs to facilitate the integration of considerations related to migrant smuggling into other BIS-IBG portfolios, such as regularization, community engagement and policing, search and rescue, and humanitarian border management.

Project Implementation and MEAL

• Provide technical and administrative support to the Project Manager (Head of Unit) in transitioning the newly launched Global Data-Driven Initiative on Irregular Migration and Security from the development phase to full-scale implementation. This includes facilitating seamless coordination across relevant IOM entities and external partners.
• Implement Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)frameworks that systematically track project progress, check compliance with IOM standards, recommend the mitigation of risks, and facilitate adaptive management, in close coordination with IBG Regional Thematic Specialists and national focal points.

Communication and Outreach

• Coordinate social media activities for the BIS Unit, and in close coordination with other IBG entities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to help develop outreach materials that ensure consistent messaging and engagement with external audiences.

Institutional Coordination and Partnership Development

• Contribute to institutional coordination with external partners, including UN agencies, regional organizations, and governments, including through technical inputs for institutional reports, speaking points, global engagement strategies, etc., to help strengthen partnerships and advance the organization’s vision and goals.

Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Migration Studies, Public Policy (with a focus on Migration and/or Security), Global Security, International Migration and Refugee Law, Transnational Organized Crime and Justice, Criminology, Anti-Corruption, Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in project management, implementation and/or coordination;
• Experience in case management within irregular migration contexts is an asset;
• Solid experience in institutional coordination, including within inter-agency settings (e.g., UNagencies, government bodies, and regional organizations);
• Law enforcement background and/or experience is an advantage; and,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience withproject management tools and data analysis software.

Skills

• Knowledge of trends and developments related to irregular migration, with a focus oncounter-smuggling and/or counter trafficking dynamics, or related issues;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information,data and trends for effective communication;
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks andmeet deadlines in a global institutional environment;
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage andcollaborate with team members, as well as with a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental, and international partners; and,
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work in diverse, cross-cultural environments and participate in inter-agency cooperation initiatives.

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

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.

How to apply

To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM e-Recruitment system by 27 November 2024.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

Posting period:

From 31.10.2024 to 27.11.2024

No Fees:

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

Requisition: VN 2024 650 Project Officer (Border and Identity Solutions (BIS)) (P2) Geneva, Switzerland (59245397) Released

Posting: Posting NC59245398 (59245398) Released