Programme Manager at International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Programme Manager (DDRR)

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, four months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 10 June 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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; 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.

Context:

The eight-year violent conflict across Northeastern and East Nigeria and bordering areas in Niger, Chad and Cameroon has created a deepening social, political, security and humanitarian crisis that has displaced approximately 2.6 million people and affected some 17 million. In response to requests from Governments in the Lake Chad Region, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is supporting activities aimed at creating the necessary pre-conditions for the identification and reintegration of ‘low-risk’ Boko Haram detainees and defecting former fighters, reducing recruitment into armed groups and promoting broad reconciliation for sustained reintegration and peacebuilding.

Under technical supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator DDRR in the Head, Transition and Recovery Division (TRD) at IOM Headquarters (HQ), and direct administrative supervision of the Chief of Mission and close coordination with Emergency and Post Crisis (EPC) Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office of West and Central Africa (ROWCA), the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Demobilization, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) programme in the respective country office of Niger, Cameroon or Chad. The successful candidate will provide overall guidance to IOM’s country-level DDRR activities with a particular focus on supporting a government-led process, including the development of respective national legal and policy frameworks, and supporting aspects such as registration and vetting processes, public outreach and communications, community-based reconciliation mechanisms to provide locally tailored reintegration assistance to individuals who have separated from Boko Haram, as a critical step for regional peace-building and restoration of social cohesion. S/he will convene multiple stakeholders across government, in the international community, and within the Organization to facilitate programme success.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the implementation of DDRR programme operations at the country level and ensure the programmatic, financial, administrative and technical oversight of programme activities in line with IOM policies and procedures, as well as relevant donor requirements.
2. Develop and oversee research components of the programme, including stakeholder mapping, assessments of the policy and legal environment, mapping of existing return and reintegration assistance models for disengaged combatants and conflict analyses; assess entry points for regional synergies and outcomes across programme elements.
3. Working closely with the Chief of Mission and the TRD Advisor, assess strategic opportunities within the programme framework, provide regular risk analysis, and develop a detailed work plan in accordance with the project commitments taking into account developments in context, donor coordination and commitments, and in support of government partnership.
4. Support country level donor coordination and outreach in coordination with the Chief of Mission, TRD and relevant Divisions at HQ, in order to support programme development, donor information needs and coordination requirements.
5. Ensure operational oversight across four key pillars of concurrent activity, building on regular context analysis and programme assessment, to include national policy and framework development; technical government capacities and transition processes; individual beneficiary profiling, needs and support (donor support pending); and community-based return, reintegration and reconciliation activities.
6. Oversee the development of information and strategic communications activities, assessing synergies and partner efforts in this area; within the IOM programme, establish feedback mechanisms to inform adjustments in strategy and implementation.
7. Train and sensitize staff on the principles of Do No Harm and ensure that conflict sensitivity is integrated in programme analysis, planning, recruitment, procurement, partnerships, communications and monitoring and evaluation.
8. Promote access to facilitate programme activities, and undertake regular field travel and on-site monitoring; oversee implementation of programme impact evaluations, as required.
9. Represent IOM at relevant seminars, meetings, and other events to promote awareness of key DDRR initiatives, conflict reduction and prevention of violent extremism and disseminate stakeholder views of context analysis, initiatives and the results of broad partnership initiatives.
10. Maintain regular outreach to all counterparts including UN and national authorities while participating in and ensuring regular donor coordination updates and reporting, both locally and regionally.
11. In close coordination with the CoM and RMO, plan and oversee the implementation of core staffing plans and requirements; work in close coordination with HQ / TRD on the deployment of technical expertise and consultancies.
12. Direct, supervise and train DDRR programme staff.
13. Provide regular updates and recommendations for operational improvements to the COM, RTS and TRD.
14. Uphold security procedures and requirements towards ensuring the safety and integrity of programme staff and operations.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Development Studies and Planning 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

• Professional experience at an international level with specialized international agencies (United Nations Agencies, International Organizations, and International Non-Government Organizations) would be an advantage; experience in complex crisis operations, including conflict and post-conflict situations required, delivering on programmatic objectives;

• Operational field experience in programme formulation, implementation and evaluation relating to demobilization/disengagement and reintegration of ex-combatants;

• Experience facilitating government-led processes, involving multiple government actors and demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of local ownership;

• Previous work experience in technical programmes involving legal or policy formulation, community-led recovery and stabilization programmes, and or security sector related reforms. Familiarity with DDR practices, principles and operations, and/or conflict mitigation components; recent field or research experience on the prevention of violent extremism an advantage;

• Previous experience in supervising staff; and,

• Experience in setting clear tasks and team-building with staff from diverse environments and backgrounds.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security protocols and experience managing staff in volatile security environments.

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 and French 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

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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