Senior Regional Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Specialist At International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Senior Regional Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Specialist

Duty Station : Bangkok, Thailand

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4

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

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 19 October 2021

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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok, Thailand is covering 40 countries across the Asia and Pacific region. The key responsibility of the ROAP is to formulate regional strategies and plans of action and to provide programmatic and administrative support to the Country Offices (COs) within its region, and the Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) in the various areas of migration management, policy and project development are based at the ROAP to fulfil this responsibility.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) for Asia and the Pacific based in Bangkok, Thailand and with technical oversight from the Head of the Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Division in Headquarters (HQ) in Geneva, Switzerland, the successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and supporting the analysis of regional thematic trends in the field of Immigration & Border Management (IBM), the development of and support to thematic projects, and the review and endorsement of IBM projects within the Asia and the Pacific region. The Senior Regional Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Specialist will also serve as an expert resource for IBM programming in support of IOM COs within the Region.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Act as a thematic resource person providing capacity building, training, and general support to COs in the Region. Contribute to building the capacities of IOM staff in the thematic area through a combination of formal training and on the-job mentoring. Support the COs in developing, implementing and monitoring IOM’s IBM strategy and activities in the Region, including, but not limited to, opportunities arising from regional and sub-regional discussions among the concerned governments.
2. Review, endorse and track IBM project proposals developed by COs in the Region, and provide regular updates to the concerned HQ Divisions on projects endorsed. Apply quality control by ensuring that all endorsed projects are: a. Consistent with the IOM Constitution, IOM Strategy and the Organization’s policies, thematic guidelines and manuals and any relevant national and/or regional strategies; b. Coherent, relevant, and feasible, and take into account good practices in the field of Immigration and Border Management; c. Developed according to IOM’s project development procedures as established in the IOM Handbook on Project Development and Implementation (PD&I).
3. Lead in the development of initiatives for national authorities to implement and enhance their admission and stay practices, including visas, permits, regularization initiatives, case management systems and the timely provision of information, leveraging relevant technological innovations centered on enhancing the availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration, in line with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Compact for Migration (GCM) objectives, in particular Objective 5 of the GCM.
4. Coordinate the provision of expert advice on a variety of immigration policy matters from a multi-disciplinary perspective. This includes advocacy and assistance for Member States with policy reforms oriented at expanding regular migration channels, including humanitarian admission programmes and pathways for migrants in vulnerable situations, through the enhancement of legislative frameworks and development of context-specific Humanitarian Border Management interventions. This includes developing, in coordination with the Migrants Health Division (MHD) RTS at ROAP, context-specific interventions in relation to IOM’s responses at Points of Entry (PoE) in the context of COVID19, as part of the overall support to the wider IOM’s Health, Border and Mobility Management (HBMM) framework.
5. Identify emerging national and regional migration dynamics relevant to the IBM thematic area and, accordingly, contribute to the development of thematic interventions, policies and reports. Monitor relevant regional and cross-regional developments in the IBM thematic areas and support IOM COs in the Region in project development and implementation, in close collaboration with the Regional Policy and Liaison Officer, the Regional Project Development Officer, other relevant RTS, as well as relevant HQ Departments. This includes, but is not limited to, border and identity solutions, as well as visa processing and consular assistance, the assessment of regional and national immigration practices, legal identity and identity management, Travel Document issuance, control and verification processes, Border Management Information System (BMIS), as well as related capacity building initiatives for immigration and border agencies, as well as policy and operational solutions for government entities that balance the human rights of migrants and the border security concerns of the States.
6. Develop regional, country and multi-country programmes and projects, including policy documents, information sheets, thematic notes and information sheets in the IBM thematic area in support to ROAP and COs needs, and identify anticipated synergies between thematic areas (Labour Migration, Counter Trafficking/ Irregular Migration, Migration and Health, etc.) in close coordination with HQ, concerned RTSs, and other ROs and COs.
7. Participate in and actively contribute to IOM’s network of RTSs globally, analyze and share best practices with relevant HQ Divisions and COs.
8. Ensure development and delivery of quality thematic training/workshops to Governments as required by COs in the Region. Help to ensure responsive and professional technical support to Governments/administrations, and IOM COs through, among other activities, the sharing of information and analysis, the development and provision of trainings, border assessments, as well as migration management assessments, and the organization and chairing of conferences and/or delivery of thematic presentations at conferences.
9. Represent IOM in the Region by actively participating in conferences, workshops and meetings related to the thematic area of expertise, as required by the Regional Director. Develop synergies and partnerships with other agencies active in the specific technical programming areas, as well as with potential donors, and in coordination with the Regional Policy and Liaison Unit (RPLU) facilitate the IBM regional coordination in support of the United Nations (UN) Network on Migration, for the establishment of thematic high-level coordination with regional organizations and multilateral cooperation mechanisms.
10. Develop and maintain effective relationships with international and regional organizations and other key partners relevant for IBM issues, in particular with the Regional Support Office (RCO) of the Bali Process, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIF-S) and the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC), relevant UN Agencies and – in close cooperation, among others, with IOM Canberra, IOM Tokyo and IOM Brussels- with key-donors for IBM projects in the Region.
11. Oversee project implementation of IBM projects that are directly implemented by the RO (subject to prior exceptional authorization given by DGO). Ensure the provision of in-depth technical guidance on identity management and travel documents, in line with the current programming priorities of the RO. Ensure due coordination with IBM Division in HQ and relevant concerned ROs and COs, and provide necessary technical support, guidance and develop new approaches to support for the expansion of the Document Examination Support Center (DESC) initiative in other regions.
12. Direct and supervise the implementation of the DESC initiative and provide overall guidance the Project Manager in relation to requests from the participating Governments in the Region and develop new approaches to support document examination and regional trends analysis.
13. Working in partnership with the APSCA, manage the IBM project “Border Management & Identity Conference” (BMIC), including the sequencing of activities for the preparation of the biannual Conferences held in Bangkok. In close coordination with IBM HQ for global stakeholders, and under limited direction for regional actors, identify key resources, speakers, technical expertise required to ensure high-level participation of thematic experts to the Conference. Liaise with concerned COs and RTS, to ensure large participation of government representatives from Asia Pacific Countries, extending to the participation of any relevant country from other regions. Coordinate with the Thai Ministry of Home affairs as needed, to ensure smooth arrival and departure of the delegates.
14. Participate and contribute to the Regional Consultative Processes, such as the Bali Process and the Colombo Process. Support the Asian Network for Document Examination (ANDEX) and fulfill IOM’s role as secretariat of this network.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or

• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, IOM

project development, and management;

• Demonstrated expertise relevant to IBM programming as follows: national migration and border management strategies; border management policy and practice, including border controls; travel and identity documents, including ID cards and passports; combating migrant smuggling and addressing irregular migration; border management and security; integrated border management; identity management solutions, including civil registry; biometrics and other technological developments related to migration & border management, including entry & exit Border Management Information Systems such as IOM’s MIDAS (Migration Information and Data Analyses System); international standards and good practices in the above fields; expertise in related policy and legal areas of border and immigration governance; and related training expertise;

• Experience of running large IBM projects and programmes, delivering IBM-related trainings/workshops to Government officials;

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and

NGOs;

• Extensive work experience with Government authorities in the thematic area of immigration and border management; and,

• Strong background on biometric technologies in order to support COs with advice and innovative ideas, which can be applied in the area of border and identity management.

Skills

• Knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation.

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the

Organization.; and,

• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

Languages

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

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

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 three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• 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.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• 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 action 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 3

• 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 potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

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. For this staff category, candidates who are

nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category 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.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.