Project Manager at International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Project Manager

Duty Station : Islamabad, Pakistan 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 : 27 June 2022

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; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Madagascar; 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 United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of individuals each year. The International Organization for Migration (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. 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 critical support and processing services for resettlement to the United States (US). As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IOM and the US State Department Bureau for Population Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages the RSC for Asia and the Pacific Region (Pakistan). RSC Pakistan 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 arriving individuals to resettlement agencies in the US and offers Cultural Orientation training to individuals departing for the US.

Under the overall supervision of the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Global Coordinator in Washington, D.C. for technical matters, the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Islamabad, Pakistan for administrative matters and in close coordination with the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Region in Bangkok, Thailand, relevant units in Headquarters (HQ), the relevant Chiefs of Missions in Asia and the Pacific Region, and the Manila Administrative Centre (MAC), the Project Manager will be responsible for the overall management of the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Pakistan.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In coordination with the Regional Directors and relevant Chiefs of Missions in Asia and the Pacific Region and the USRAP Global Coordinator and USRAP Programme Advisor in Washington, D.C., develop and/or strengthen RSC Pakistan activities in the region to ensure the RSC Pakistan portfolio is implemented effectively.

2. Oversee the RSC Pakistan hub in Islamabad, Pakistan, and RSC activities in other locations throughout Pakistan as covered by the RSC Pakistan portfolio. Oversight includes technical assistance, staff training, development and succession planning, executing efficient circuit rides, developing and standardizing regional operating procedures, responding to case inquiries and maintaining the security and confidentiality of RSC interactions and records per PRM Program Announcement 2014-05, Revised Guidelines for the Treatment of Refugee Records and all relevant attachments.

3. Guide respective RSC staff members, IOM Mission Administration, and IOM HQ to ensure the smooth and effective workflow and implementation of RSC activities in all countries in the region, including stimulating dialogue, acting as a liaison, spearheading mediation, sharing effective practices, promoting effective cooperation between RSC activities and other IOM units, and directing problem solving, where needed.

4. Serve as the direct IOM contact for RSC Pakistan with the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) Refugee Coordinators in the Pakistan region, the PRM Program Desk Officer in Washington, DC, and the United States Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for all Pakistan locations.

5. Liaise and consult with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Refugee Processing Center (RPC), PRM, USCIS and other partner entities on the implementation of RSC Pakistan activities. Contribute to the success of the USRAP by managing RSC Pakistan-related challenges through meetings, information sharing, and joint planning, in coordination with Regional Directors and Chiefs of Missions.

6. Serve as the Project Manager for RSC Pakistan. Coordinate activities closely with the USRAP Global team in Washington, DC, including the USRAP Global Coordinator and USRAP Programme Advisor, with the goal of harmonized management of RSC Pakistan activities. In relation to staff training, development and succession planning, work closely with the USRAP HR-Business Partner, taking into consideration global USRAP needs.

7. In coordination with USRAP Global, Regional RMOs, relevant Chiefs of Missions and the Manila Financial Support Unit, plan, create, monitor and report on the regional budget for RSC Pakistan according to donor requirements. Following budget approval, implement activities in all countries in line with budget availability and operational efficiency. Advise on potential administrative, budgetary, and financial consequences of developments in the missions’ operational activities.

8. Pro-actively implement fraud prevention measures in all aspects of program delivery in accordance with IOM policies and PRM Fraud Prevention and Mitigation Measures. Bring to the attention of the relevant Regional Director(s), Chief(s) of Mission and USRAP Global Coordinator any non-compliance of staff or other areas of concern and provide plans for improvements that will maintain the integrity of RSC activities in Pakistan.

9. Assist the Global Management team in developing methodologies to meet new technical requirements and improve RSC activities implemented by IOM.

10. Advise the Regional Directors, Chiefs of Missions, Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM) Division in IOM HQ and the USRAP Global Management team on the status of RSC activities in Pakistan, trends, situations of interest, and recommendations for program policies.

11. Request and analyze data prepared by the RSC Pakistan reporting unit on RSC activities, departures and forecasted processing figures in Pakistan. Present weekly, monthly and annual statistical and narrative reports to PRM, USRAP Global, and IOM HQ. In coordination with USRAP Global, the regional office and country missions, present an annual plan regarding RSC activities in Pakistan.

12. Conduct as required, but at least every two years, regional consultations with USRAP actors in coordination with the USRAP Global Coordinator to take stock of various developments and changes throughout the RSC Pakistan project.

13. Represent RSC Pakistan and the Organization in meetings, workshops, and international conferences, and, as required, write reports, presentations and background documents on behalf of the USRAP.

14. Monitor the administrative and logistical support provided by missions to RSC staff members and sub-offices in Pakistan.

15. Analyze and interpret IOM, USRAP Global and PRM guidelines in conjunction with country specific legislation to ensure programs are implemented in a manner that is complementary to a variety of situations, including local legal, cultural, geographic, and historic issues.

16. Ensure that training and staff development of IOM RSC personnel in the region are including in program planning and ongoing activities and are in line with USRAP Global program developments and new technical requirements.

17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies 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

• Minimum of seven years (or nine years of experience for candidates with a 1st level degree) of field and regional management experience in USRAP projects in at least two different regions;

• Service experience within the USRAP at two levels below this position (for instance, serving as a Sr. Project Officer and Deputy Project Manager in relation to an application for the position of Project Manager);

• Experience in project cycle management with particular emphasis on the USRAP;

• Experience serving as a donor liaison and writing donor reports;

• Experience creating and monitoring a USRAP budget, and knowledge of USRAP and IOM

financial management and budgetary procedures;

• Experience managing staff at various levels and from a range of cultural backgrounds, including teams of international staff; and

• Experience working in USRAP for other organizations or agencies is a plus.

Skills

• Demonstrated record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, as well as civil society actors;

• Knowledge of USRAP program implementation and familiarity with IOM’s administrative, financial, and business rules and practices is desirable;

• Proven written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and lead a team;

• Demonstrated proficiency with the START (USRAP Refugee Processing System);

• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applicants.

• Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;

• Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;

• Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;

• Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;

• Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;

• Displays mastery of subject matter;

• Contributes to a collegial team environment;

• Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;

• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;

• Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

• Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations;

• Effectively coordinates actions with other implementing partners;

• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives.

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). Working knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto 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 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 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.