Senior Programme Assistant- PVE

Context/Reporting line:

IOM Iraq’s PVE program aims at analyzing and addressing underlying drivers, motivations and vulnerabilities to violent extremism that may arise in context of marginalization, exclusion, human rights violations, social isolation, exposure to radical ideologies, and lack of livelihood opportunities. To address these factors, IOM relies on its institutional strengths as building blocks for its efforts to address local conditions that are conducive to violent extremism. Working at the institutional, community and individual levels, IOM Iraq supports a whole-of society approach to understanding and addressing underlying vulnerabilities and building community and individual resiliency.

In this context, IOM’s Peacebuilding and Stabilization Division is supporting the Government of Iraq (GoI) to

roll out its “National Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism,” adopted in 2019 by the National Security Council and Endorsed by Prime Minister in 2021. More specifically, IOM is supporting the GoI’s Implementation Committee to pilot the National Strategy in six locations, working closely with local and regional authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), communities and other stakeholders to develop and roll out Plans of Action based on priority components of the overarching Strategy. This approach recognizes challenges related to both vertical and horizontal intra-governmental coordination in the Iraq context, and the importance of targeted measures to bridge the policy-implementation gap.

IOM’s recent research demonstrated that drivers of violent extremism remain prevalent in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). This study identified several factors and drivers which could contribute to an increased risk of VE, or a conducive environment for VE, in the KRI. In the coming months, IOM will build on this research piece and existing engagements with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) to support the strengthening of KRI PVE policy and programming efforts.

Under the general guidance of the Head, Peace Building and Stabilization Division, the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Peace Bldg & Stabl), and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer- PVE, the incumbent will support the implementation of technical assistance to the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) on PVE.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. In coordination with the PVE National Program Officer and Head of the Erbil Office, serves as the primary point of contact between IOM Iraq PVE Program and the Kurdish Regional Government on all PVE matters, including the MoI, the chair of interministerial KRG PVE committee, the DNGO, and other KRG institutions relevant for PVE.
2. Support the PVE National Officer to support on all policy engagement, coordination and additional research as necessary to work in partnership with the KRG to develop a policy strategy document which localizes the National PVE Strategy to the Kurdish context.
3. Acts as the primary point of contact between the IOM Iraq PVE Program and the Head of the Erbil Office on all PVE programming, including the Wasl Civil Society Fund, which is implemented in the KRI. Including ensuring timely submission of approvals for events to the JCC, updating the KRI events tracker, and providing inputs into IOM SoPs related to KRI and KRG.
4. Support the organization of strategic prioritization sessions with KRG stakeholders working on PVE based on IOM’s research on PVE in KRI to inform the development of a KRI PoA.
5. Support the provision of technical assistance to the KRI on the development of the KRI PoA, including through workshops with relevant KRG authorities.
6. Support the facilitation of exchanges between the National PVE Committee and KRG.
7. In coordination with the PVE Program Officer and PVE National Program Officer, supports the design and delivery of technical assistance activities to PVE government stakeholders.
8. Supports the strengthening of relationships and synergies with other IOM programs, UN agencies, and local and international CSOs working on PVE relevant areas of work within KRI.
9. Supports the development of capacity building materials, for civil society, government, and other non-government actors. Supports the development of materials and professional skills for the PVE team, trainers, and civil society partners. Provides facilitation support as required during trainings and other capacity building activities.
10. Attend meetings with government and donor as required, including present key findings and lessons learned from programming and research, facilitate meetings and workshops and discussions.
11. Travels to Baghdad and the six PoA locations (Mosul, Tel Afar, Hawija, Halabja, Zubair, and Fallujah) to attend coordination meetings with relevant government and nongovernment stakeholders.
12. As needed, contributes to narrative and progress reports, cost modifications, public information material, and other documents, as required by IOM and/or project donors.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigne

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, Development studies, Social Sciences, Business Management, Public Administration, or any related field from an accredited academic university or institute.

Experience and Skills:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience  in program implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting government engagement with senior officials in the Kurdish Regional Government.
• Experience in prevention of violent extremism or relevant areas such as peacebuilding is desired.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of actors, including government authorities and humanitarian actors.
• Experience in facilitating and organizing technical assistance and capacity building activities.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills, with a focus on creating clear, concise, and official documentation for government partners and donor reporting.

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/20240221110509/7WZreQ0xblDui6E29dvFt3VNp       

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