Job Description

Introduction

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) and overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (Operations), and the guidance of the Preparedness and Humanitarian Response Division, the Regional Preparedness Officer coordinates and supports the implementation of institutional policy from the Headquarters (HQ) in Country Offices (COs) across the Region. Specifically, Regional Preparedness Officer provides oversight, quality control, and thematic expertise to promote consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), preparedness, early warnings, anticipatory action to preventing risks from turning into crisis or reducing their potential impact; and adaptation measures for climate change and environmental degradation, as well as natural hazards leading to disasters and climate change impacts on livelihoods, communities, and affected populations. Under the leadership of the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) and together with other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs), the Regional Preparedness Officer identifies regional opportunities and risks, fosters knowledge sharing, encourages policy and research development, and supports cross-thematic collaboration internally. Externally, the Regional Preparedness Officer also provides advocacy, policy, and programmatic recommendations regarding DRR, preparedness and anticipatory action to regional entities, Member States, and relevant migration fora, spearheaded by IOM’s Regional Office (RO) and CO leadership. 

Responsibilities

1. Facilitate the review, endorsement, and monitoring of project proposals developed by COs in the Region in the area of preparedness, anticipatory action, DRR and Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) - as delegated by the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery).
2. Coordinate building the capacities of COs in the Region through training (formal and on-the-job) and support COs to strengthen states’ emergency preparedness capacities. 
3. Participate in governmental and inter-agency meetings/working groups relevant to DRR, preparedness and anticipatory action in collaboration with relevant COs and Regional Thematic Units (RTUs) in the RO, particularly the RO Climate Action Unit.
4. Participate in the development of country-specific or regional DRR, preparedness and anticipatory actions initiatives in collaboration with relevant COs and Regional Thematic Units (RTUs) in the RO, particularly the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery). 
5. Support Country Offices to develop and enhance DRR and preparedness actions and contingency plans, and to establish or strengthen anticipatory action frameworks where applicable and in coordination with relevant RTUs. 
6. Coordinate knowledge management efforts with a focus on preparedness, anticipatory action, DRR and MICIC in coordination with the Regional Project Development Officer (RPDO) and HQ, including the collection of information, best practices and lessons learned from COs for regional reporting.
7. Maintain regular coordination with relevant HQ Departments, Divisions and Offices, as well as Global Offices (GOs), Country Offices for Partnership and Advocacy, and Liaison Offices, to facilitate review, endorsement, and monitoring of proposals, reports and overall resource mobilization efforts in the Region relevant to preparedness, anticipatory action, DRR and MICIC.
8. Monitor and assess DRR and Preparedness-related contextual developments and trends in the Region, in collaboration with the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery), other RTUs, COs, DHRR, and GOs, to support resource mobilization, programming excellence and project implementation.
9. Provide technical and thematic expertise to COs on complex situations as requested and including travel as needed, particularly as it relates to DRR, preparedness, anticipatory action and MICIC programming.  
10. Facilitate coordination, prioritization and operational planning relevant to preparedness, anticipatory action, DRR and MICIC in the Region including through the use of the Migration Crisis Operational Framework.
11. Coordinate and support the development of regional, multi-country and cross-border programmes and projects relevant to preparedness, anticipatory action, DRR and MICIC. 
12. Coordinate resource mobilization in the Region relevant to DRR, preparedness and anticipatory action, including through advocacy in conjunction with the other RTU, HQ, GOs, Liaison Offices, among others.
13. Coordinate the development of regional thematic guidance notes, information sheets and policy documents in coordination with COs, RTUs, HQ and other IOM offices as relevant.
14. Coordinate the development and maintenance of partnerships in the Region, including with the governments, UN, special political missions, NGOs, private sector, civil society, academia, diaspora, and others as relevant.
15. Promote the use of a data-driven and evidence-based approach to IOM programming in the Region to anticipate and mitigate risks and enhance DRR and preparedness, in close coordination with the Regional Data Hub and COs, particularly as it relates to IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix operations (DTM) and Foresight.
16. Undertake travel to COs in the Region to advise and guide the development and implementation of preparedness, anticipatory action, DRR and MICIC-related activities including supporting risk monitoring and analysis to inform contingency, DRR, preparedness, anticipatory action and response plans. 
17. Oversee and support the integration of cross-cutting priorities in CO programming related to DRR, preparedness and anticipatory action, such as, gender, protection-centred or MICIC.
18. In the absence of the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) during leave or duty travel, ensure the continued functioning of the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit by managing and responding to requests from internal or external partners.
19. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.     

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Disaster Risk Management, Engineering, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with at least seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in preparedness anticipatory action and related areas relevant to project development and management, thematic capacity building, and liaison; 
• Experience working in non-OECD countries managing preparedness projects; 
• Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions and organizations, civil society, and private sector actors;
• Experience working in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, United Nations, or government; and,
• Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building on preparedness.

Skills

• ​​​​Ability to understand complex contexts and fast-changing migration and displacement dynamics and ability to frame them in their regional, global, and political contexts; 
• ​​Proven track record of successful engagement with donors, developing projects, and mobilizing resources for IOM priority areas;   
• ​​​Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate with a diverse team of specialists;  
• ​​Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to effectively summarize, present, and communicate findings;  
• ​​Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of relevant international standards and classifications relevant to preparedness and anticipatory action; and,  
• ​​Proven agent of change or willingness to foster a culture of learning and knowledge management. ​ ​

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian)  and/or Portuguese is an advantage.

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.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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. 

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
 

Required Skills

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