Project Officer (Labour Mobility & Social Inclusion (LMI)) At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Project Officer (Labour Mobility & Social Inclusion (LMI))

Duty Station: Manama, Bahrain

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: 25 October 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; Solomon Islands; Suriname;

The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

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

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading UN Migration Agency, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to; assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

The proportion of foreign workers in the employed population in Gulf countries is among the highest in the world with an average of 70.4 %, and account for over 10% of all migrants globally. To support safe and regular labour migration to the region, IOM works closely with Governments and other stakeholders to strengthen labour-related processes and policies that ultimately benefit foreign workers, Governments, employers, recruitment agencies, and other actors.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM-Bahrain and the direct supervision of the Head of Labour Mobility & Social Inclusion (LMI) and Comprehensive Information Orientation Program (CIOP) Hub, the Project Officer (Labour Mobility & Social Inclusion (LMI)) will be accountable and responsible for coordinating relevant programmatic activities under the LMI Unit in IOM-Bahrain, focusing largely on promoting ethical recruitment and decent work for all as well as strengthening the evidence-base for reforms to the domestic work sector. The Project Officer will be based in IOM-Bahrain, with frequent travel to Saudi Arabia.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the execution of LMI-related activities in Saudi Arabia, in close collaboration with the Head of LMI of IOM-Bahrain, monitoring implementation and raising issues with the Head of LMI in order to identify solutions in a timely manner.
2. Encourage the implementation and utilization of capacity-building initiatives for recruitment agencies and employers on ethical recruitment and the reduction of migrant vulnerability, focusing and relying on IOM’s International Recruitment Integrity System (IRIS) and Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking (CREST) programmes.
3. Support the development of the CIOP Hub by providing thematic guidance and information to assist in strengthening labour migration considerations within orientation programming and promoting cross-fertilization with other thematic units, including but not limited to protection, migrant health and climate-change.
4. Coordinate and implement initiatives that further IOM-Bahrain’s evidence-base on vulnerabilities faced by migrant domestic workers to help inform policy recommendations and reform programmes, working closely with different thematic specialists.
5. Monitor closely all developments of labour reforms in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, including conducting analysis and reviews to understand impact.
6. Support the Head of LMI of IOM-Bahrain and the Senior Regional Thematic Specialist for LMI to identify opportunities to further enhance the LMI portfolio in Bahrain as well as the CIOP Hub.
7. Undertake travel on authorized duty (TDYs) as required.
8. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, 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 the thematic area relevant to labour migration;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs);
• Experience with project management and/or coordination.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of a broad range of subject areas related to labour migration and migrant workers;
• Project coordination or management skills;
• Knowledge or experience of regional issues an advantage; and
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and Arabic 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 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.