Programme Coordinator

Position Title: Programme Coordinator

Organization: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Duty Station: Freetown, Sierra Leone

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: 23 July 2023

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; Seychelles; Solomon Islands;

Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

Irregular migration along the Mediterranean routes is increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean is by far the deadliest route. IOM Sierra Leone is a key country of origin with over 300- voluntary returns in the past two years. In addition, human trafficking and other exploitative practices along the route are heavily affecting migrants during their migratory journey along migratory routes.

To meet these challenges IOM, with support from the European Union (EU), has been implementing targeted interventions across West Africa to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants along these important and dangerous migration routes and to help in improving the reintegration of returnees. This is achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, provision of direct assistance through search and rescue support, identification, referral and direct assistance to vulnerable migrants, assistance for voluntary return, support for sustainable reintegration in the communities of origin, the dissemination of accurate information on migration to migrants, potential migrants and communities, and the collection of data on migration flows. The aim is to strengthen the technical and material capacities of authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over the policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants developed and/or strengthened in the region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office (HoO), and in close coordination with the Regional Coordinator, the successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the coordination and implementation of the EU funded Migrant Protection and Return and Reintegration programme in Sierra Leone.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1.   Coordinate and ensure the project’s implementation in a timely manner, monitoring the administrative and technical aspects, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements and in close coordination with the Regional Coordinator of the Programme.

2.   Monitor project progress, specifically aimed at increasing effectiveness, and recommend appropriate action and cooperation with third party monitoring actors.

3.   Ensure timely monitoring of project expenses in compliance with workplan and budget guidelines provided by the regional office.

4.   Supervise all staff assigned to the project; monitor the work of consultants recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.

5.   Maintain effective working relationships with Government entities, implementing partners, UN agencies and other stakeholders in the project’s target country.

6.   Draft progress and other programme reports and ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the project between IOM, the programme’s donors and other stakeholders.

7.   Act as an IOM focal point for return reintegration and assistance to vulnerable migrants, and implement associated projects, upon request.

8.   Research and recommend new project possibilities in the country on return reintegration, migrant protection and counter-trafficking in relation to expressed governmental needs, donors’ priorities and in line with IOM’s mandate and strategy.

9.   Provide technical inputs for the development of regional projects in close cooperation with Government, donors and other counterparts in Sierra Leone.

10. Facilitate synergies with other ongoing IOM projects with regards to migrant assistance.

11. Participate in relevant seminars and meetings, as well as other events.

12. Act as Officer in Charge for the Mission in absence of HoO.

13. Undertake site visits and duty travel as required.

14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

•  Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Law 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 implementation, coordination and/or management, including the EU-funded projects in Africa would be highly desirable.

•  Experience coordinating the implementation of migrant assistance and return/reintegration projects with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international Organization is highly desirable.

Skills

•  Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;

•  Good knowledge of project management, monitoring and evaluation principles and practices;

•  Familiarity with budget/financial administration; proven resource management skills.

•  Ability to draft clearly and concisely;

•  Ability to supervise staff and coordinate administrative activities;

•  Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills;

•  Demonstrated strategic, organizational and time management skills;

•  Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds and respect for diversity and gender equality;

•  Proven track record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental, diplomatic authorities, UN agencies, and civil society ;

•  Teamwork oriented with a capacity to work independently;

•  High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office. Experience with case management systems such as IOM MIMOSA and data analysis systems such as PowerBi is highly desirable.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French 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

1 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 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:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system, by 23 July 2023 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

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 10.07.2023 to 23.07.2023

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.

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