Project Officer (Diaspora Engagement)

Position Title: Project Officer (Diaspora Engagement)

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: 25 January 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; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; 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; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

The Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI) Division within the Department of Programme Support and Migration Management (DPSMM) supports the empowerment of migrants and diaspora communities, facilitating their safe navigation of mobility pathways. IOM collaborates closely with States, communities, partners including the private sector to establish innovative, sustainable, and customized mobility solutions, ensuring access to essential services.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of engaging with diaspora communities as valuable partners for both development and humanitarian initiatives. In 2022, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as the leading international agency working on issues related to human mobility and as the Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration (UNMN), played a pivotal role in co-hosting the inaugural Global Diaspora Summit.

The Global Diaspora Summit reached a significant milestone with the adoption of the Outcome Document titled “A Future Agenda of Action for Global Diaspora Engagement,” also known as The Dublin Declaration. This declaration marked a crucial moment in mobilizing global efforts towards diaspora engagement. It stands as the first international declaration of its kind, designed to provide guidance to states on concrete next steps, while also contributing to the broader Global Compact for Migration (GCM) review processes.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion, the successful candidate will play a coordination role in consolidating and mainstreaming IOM’s stance on Diaspora Engagement.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and help shape IOM’s holistic strategy to engage with diaspora communities, rooted in data-driven solutions, which enable the promotion of effective policies and procedures, and establishing shared strategies, methods, and partnerships.
2. Coordinate solutions that enable the diaspora to help fulfill the promise of migration including through enhancing access to regular migration pathways.
3. Enhance and coordinate IOM’s diaspora engagement expertise through strategic partnerships across public, private, and third sectors, highlighting diasporas as innovative actors who enhance safe, orderly and regular migration by actively supporting, educating, and facilitating community sponsorships and creative collaborations.
4. Promote and advocate for the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA) to deliver practical solutions for Member States, diaspora groups, and key partners interested in diaspora engagement.
5. Engage in technical discussions with external partners from the public, private, and third sectors to explore innovative collaborations that optimize diaspora engagement, especially in the realms of climate change, youth empowerment, gender equality, and social inclusion.
6. Provide specialized thematic support for data collection, capacity building, policy development, and programming in the global field of diaspora engagement by unlocking the developmental benefits of safe and regular pathways.
7. Enhance and expand the iDiaspora platform by improving features, cultivating a vibrant user community, and increasing its organizational relevance, including through innovative partnerships with other stakeholders.
8. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social or Political Sciences, Communications, Development, Economics 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 development cooperation with an international or non-governmental organization, preferably in the field of transnationalism and diaspora engagement specifically, and migration more generally, with IOM or the United Nations system;
• Experience in UN/IOM administrative and financial management, budget monitoring, procurement, and internal control procedures; and,
• Experience in website content development and management, social media, and mobile platforms, in the context of transnationalism and diaspora would be particularly desirable.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization, and in particular diaspora engagement;
• Strong organizational, and communication skills;
• Excellent writing skills in terms of language and analysis;
• Ability to work independently against tight deadlines; and,
• Solid computer skills in particular related to online communications and website development and management.

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.