Project Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P2) Niamey, Niger

Position Title: Project Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG))

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger

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: 22 February 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:

As the United Nations agency for migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As part of this commitment, IOM adopts a comprehensive approach in addressing risks associated with irregular migration and in ensuring that the human rights-based approach is fully incorporated into all its responses related to transnational organised crime. At the centre of IOM’s support is a holistic approach to counter-trafficking efforts, that privileges respect for migrants and human rights, and the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual and community. This is done through institutional capacity development, partnerships, and international cooperation, as a means of ensuring the sustainability of our actions.

IOM Niger Country Office’s (CO) Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit aims to strengthen the technical and operational capacities of the Government of Niger’s border management agencies, in particular the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) of the National Police, including the deployment of an efficient border management information system in adapted infrastructures at central, regional and border levels: the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) developed by IOM. IBG projects are implemented in all regions of Niger, in partnership with state security institutions and other development partners.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the Senior Regional Programme Coordinator (IBM), and in close cooperation with project teams including from other thematic areas such as protection and migration management, the Project Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) will be responsible and accountable for supervising and coordinating the implementation of the project: “Strengthen law enforcement services and community capacities to prevent and respond to serious crime, including human trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence, along the Central Mediterranean Route”, funded by the U.S Department of State (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs).

The Project Officer will provide support to the Senior Regional Programme Coordinator (IBM) in the implementation of complementary projects focusing on Immigration and Border Governance in Niger CO and neighbouring countries.

The CO’s Immigration and Border Governance Unit has been active since 2015 in Niger and has strategic partnerships with the National Police and the Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DST). The unit implements an average of 10 projects for a total budget of approximately 10 million USD per fiscal year, principally in Tahoua, Maradi, Zinder and Adagez and has a leading and strategic role in building the capacities of the Government of Niger in border governance and border management.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Supervise and coordinate the overall implementation of the “Strengthen law enforcement services and community capacities to prevent and respond to serious crime, including human trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence, along the Central Mediterranean Route” Project funded by the U.S Department of State (INL branch) and complementary projects in a timely manner and according to work plans, monitoring the budgetary, administrative and technical aspects of the projects, in line with IOM’s policies and practices as well as donor requirements.
2. Supervise project teams in implementing activities, including reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
3. Assist the Senior Regional Programme Coordinator (IBM) in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of IBG portfolio activities, as required.
4. Plan, coordinate and monitor the implementation of projects for achievement of activities and results, in close coordination with the relevant CO’s units and IOM Country Offices, draft and/or coordinate the preparation of regular project reports in a timely manner in accordance with donor’s requirements, IOM regulations, and established procedures and deadlines.
5. Facilitate cross thematic synergies within the CO, more specifically with the protection unit on complementary interventions in strengthening capacities to counter trafficking in persons.
6. Maintain effective working relationships with Government entities and relevant stakeholders.
7. Provide technical inputs and support for the design and implementation of contextualized capacity building activities in migration, border management and legal identity/identity management, targeting relevant institutions, communities, and migrants as well as project staff.
8. In accordance with IOM’s procedures, rules and regulations, facilitate timely recruitment processes, including the briefing of project staff, consultants and/or experts required for the implementation of the project activities, and provide technical information and guidance to help ensure that a cohesive methodology is maintained for the achievement of migration and border management activities.
9. Undertake duty travel, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations 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 report writing and project development, management, and monitoring;
• Proven experience in the field of migration and border governance;
• Experience in the field of capacity building with a government or UN agency, or a regional or International Organization;
• Experience in liaising with Government authorities, other national/international institutions and donors (including, preferably, EU institutions and civil society organizations);
• Experience with the construction/engineering world and external service providers is a distinct advantage; and,
• Knowledge and working experience in the Western and Central African (WCA) region is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Advanced IT skills;
• Good relationship and public liaison skills; and,
• Good coordination and managerial skills.

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 and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, 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.p df

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. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

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.