Project Associate (Communications & Cultural Orientation) At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Project Associate (Communications & Cultural Orientation)

Duty Station: Doha, Qatar

Classification: General Service Staff, G-7

Type of Appointment:One Year Fixed Term, with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 27 December 2023

JOB DESCRIPTION

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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 environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to 85,000 or more individuals each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. Some 1200 multi-disciplinary staff members work in support of the USRAP which has an annual budget in the range of USD 200 million. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs.

Under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) provides criticalsupport and processing services for resettlement to the US. As part of an MOU between IOM and the US State Department Bureau for Population Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages the RSC for MENA. RSC MENA manages US resettlement activities in the countries. RSC MENA prepares applications for adjudication by and provides support to visiting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, facilitates security and medical screenings, provides information about arrivals to resettlement agencies in the US and offers Cultural Orientation (CO) training to individuals departing for the US.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator, Compliance, Communications& Cultural Orientation in Doha, and the direct supervision of the Project Officer, Communications & Cultural Orientation, and in collaboration with relevant units in Doha and regional office (RO) the successful candidate is responsible for supervising communications & cultural orientation activities, with the following duties and responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise up to two teams of RSC MENA staff members undertaking communications and cultural orientation activities in an assigned area or areas related to communications & cultural orientation, case consultation, the information center and /or public affairs, including overseeing staff development processes such as hiring, providing training, assigning duties and giving feedback to staff members on their performance on a regular basis to ensure high quality work and the accurate completion of communications and cultural orientation activities.
• Oversee the efficient and effective management of communications systems utilized by RSC MENA, including, if assigned, email management systems, phone systems, websites and online case inquiry systems, walk-in case consultation spaces and applicant waiting areas. As needed, identify system issues and potential solutions to communications challenges.
• In relation to case consultation, ensure case consultation spaces are as confidential as possible while remaining secure for staff members and that case consultation spaces can accommodate the existing volume of scheduled and walk-in individuals as well as potential influxes. Ensure staff members undertaking case consultation are adequately trained and provide efficient, effective, accurate, clear and courteous information to all individuals.
• Oversee the information center, if assigned, ensuring that all communication undertaken by staff members by phone, email, through website(s) and other technological means and, if relevant, in person, are efficient, effective, accurate, clear and courteous. Ensure the information provided by the RSC MENA information center is up to date, relevant and accessible to all persons, including to at-risk individuals, and that the staff members providing the information are adequately trained.
• Oversee activities related to public affairs, including, as assigned, planning, developing, designing, producing and distributing materials for individuals served by RSC Doha RSC management, IOM, partners and donors, including print, audio, visual and online materials. As required, oversee responses sent to Congressional inquiries made to RSC MENA about cases,
• Ensure START, other relevant databases and case files are updated in a timely and effective manner with communications & cultural orientation -related content, and supervise communications & cultural orientation-related processes being carried out within and between units, including by email and phone.
• Utilizing reports and other oversight mechanisms, oversee regular QC of communications & cultural orientation -related data in START and other communications and cultural orientation tools such as email systems to ensure the accuracy and clarity of information shared with individuals as well as the RSC’s compliance with all USRAP and RSC SOPs. Proactively address communications & cultural orientation-related backlogs or other issues in coordination with RSC management.
• Oversee the communications and cultural orientation training activities and provide technical assistance and support as they undertake training activities. Draft training lesson plans in accordance with RSC MENA communications & cultural orientation objectives, ensure that student-centered activities are featured in all classes throughout the Region; assist in the development of teaching materials, visual aids and bulletin boards supporting the curriculum, maintain inventories of instructional supplies and order required materials on a regular basis.
• Laise with other teams and units in RSC MENA and with external partners such as USCIS, the Refugee Processing Center (RPC), panel physicians, the US Embassy and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Prepare unit statistics and report regularly to the Project Officer, communications and cultural orientation or RSC management on relevant activities, problems and solutions related to the workflow and processing pipeline.
• Train other communications & cultural orientation team members to efficiently and effectively manage communications & cultural orientation activities, training, scheduling and childcare, update START and other databases accurately and to supervise communications and cultural orientation team members and activities.
• In order to develop and maintain communications and cultural orientation training-related skills, participate in and contribute to teacher trainings and staff development seminars and engage in self-directed study for professional development, including reading resettlement updates, language tutorials, attending communications and cultural orientation workshops and seminars.
• Undertake duty travel as needed to participate in communications & cultural orientation- related activities, for meetings and for training.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the USRAP, SOPs and START, as well as the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with applicants, colleagues and partners. Develop and implement SOPs as needed.
• Maintain and promote the confidentiality and integrity of all RSC-related information by implementing control procedures in line with USRAP standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert RSC management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by RSC staff member.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• University Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution with minimum five years of relevant experience; or
• Completed Senior High School degree with at least seven years of relevant work experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Teaching, training and curriculum development
• Experience communicating with legal representatives is an advantage.
• Experience within USRAP Communications and Cultural Orientation (CO) or programmes for other resettlement countries

Skills

• Experience in leading interactive training seminars or orientation sessions for youth and adults.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.

Languages

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 (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

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

Working knowledge in Arabic, Pashto and/or Dari is desirable.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. – 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.
• 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.

– 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.

– behavioural indicators (Level 2) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)

• 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.

Notes

• 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.
• This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination.
• 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.
• IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.