Expedited SVN: Senior Global Programme Manager (Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration) (P)

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

This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:

1. internal candidates; and,
2. former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time. 

Organizational Context and Scope

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is one of the core areas of IOM expertise, and a field in which the organization has over 40 years of experience. IOM USA works with the US Department of State to provide eligible beneficiaries, both in the United States and in third countries, with their access to assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin or of legal status in a safe and dignified manner. In addition to travel arrangements, IOM’s assistance may include counselling of voluntary returnees, acquisition of travel documents, provision of medical or other escorts, departure, transit and arrival assistance. 

Under the overall supervision of the Director of IOM’s Global Office in Washington and direct supervision of the Chief, Global and Domestic Programmes Unit, the Senior Global Programme Manager (AVR) will be based in Washington DC, USA and will be responsible and accountable for the following duties: 

Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Global AVR (GAVR) Programme. Oversee planning, implementation, and quality assurance of GAVR.  Provide overall leadership, guidance and direction for the development of appropriate risk informed operating strategies, day-to-day programme implementation, continuous monitoring and regular reporting for programme implementation. Prepare reports, briefings, and background information for internal and external stakeholders and partners.
2. Serve as the primary liaison between IOM and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) at the U.S. Department of State and other relevant US Government agencies, international agencies and civil society stakeholders. Ensure efficient communication and coordination with these entities regarding IOM’s U.S.-funded GAVR activities overseas and in the United States.
3. Provide leadership of the staff working on GAVR Programme globally, including GO Washington GAVR staff members, IOM’s Country Offices and HQ to ensure smooth and effective workflow and implementation of GAVR activities in all countries. This includes stimulating dialogue, acting as a liaison, spearheading mediation, sharing best practices, promoting cooperation between GAVR activities and other IOM units, and directing problem-solving as needed.
4. Supervise Senior Return and Reintegration Coordinators, overseeing Global AVR component activities within and outside the United States. Provide comprehensive expert advice and guidance to the Senior Return and Reintegration Coordinators and initiate and maintain positive collaboration and communication with the Global AVR Management team to ensure necessary support to field mission leadership, foster a global team environment, and improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of IOM services.
5. Ensure strong programme governance including internal coordination and monitoring mechanisms for the management of GAVR, in collaboration with relevant units in the Regional Offices and departments at Headquarters (HQ), as well as relevant government institutions and donors. 
6. Engage collaboratively with the Heads of relevant thematic areas at HQ and Regional Offices —such as Protection and AAP, Migrant Protection Assistance (MPX), Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM), Migration Health (MHD) and Protection and AAP —to ensure that programme implementation is fully aligned with IOM standards and guidelines. Serve as a liaison by providing expert advice and guidance, sharing best practices, fostering cooperation between GAVR activities and other IOM units, and proactively addressing any challenges that arise.
7. Lead the establishment of operating and procedural standards, set reporting and accountability processes, and identify staffing and resource needs in collaboration with Senior Return and Reintegration Coordinators. Analyze and interpret IOM and PRM guidelines alongside country-specific legislation to ensure programmes are implemented in a manner that complements local legal, cultural, geographic, and historical contexts. 
8. Represent IOM on Global AVR matters in meetings, international conferences, and workshops, including high-level dialogues.  Regularly brief U.S. Congressional committees and staff. 
9. Liaise and consult with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, and other partner entities on the implementation of Global AVR activities in the United States. Manage and address the Global AVR-related challenges through meetings, information sharing, and joint planning in coordination with HQ, Regional Directors, and Chiefs of Mission.
10. In coordination with the Senior Management in the Global Office, Deputy Regional Directors (Management) and relevant Chiefs of Missions, plan, create, monitor, and report on the regional budget for GAVR according to donor requirements. Following budget approval, lead the implementation of activities in all countries in line with budget availability and operational efficiency.
11. In the absence of the Chief, Global and Domestic Programmes Unit, act as deputy, exercising mission, staff and financial management responsibility in the Global Office.
12. Oversee the administrative and logistical support provided by Country Offices to Global AVR country projects. Provide expert advice and guidance on potential administrative, budgetary, and financial implications of developments in mission operations.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, International Relations, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Proven staff leadership experience;
• Extensive programme leadership experience with oversight of large, complex project portfolios in a wide range of program areas;
• Representational experience;
• Extensive experience in project management, from development to implementation and monitoring;
• Extensive experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, project development, management and reporting;
• Extensive experience in liaising with governmental authorities, donors, UN agencies, academia, other national/international institutions and NGOs;
• Experience of regional issues in the United States and the Western Hemisphere a distinct advantage; and,
• Experience of working with US government a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Strong leadership, management, and coordination ability;
• Excellent team building skills with a track record in team coordination and building trust;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyse information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of resettlement and migration related subject areas dealt with by the International Organization for Migration;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, as well as civil society actors;
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds; and,
• Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors.

Languages

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

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

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

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

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 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 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 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 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

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 vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

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.

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 Valencia, Spain 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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