National Emergency Support Officer

Job Description

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2001, working across complex emergencies, providing humanitarian relief, and strengthening the capacity of the Government. IOM supports displaced populations in remote communities, assists stranded migrants, and safeguards the rights of vulnerable groups. Through its Head Office in Port Moresby and multiple satellite offices across the provinces, IOM delivers programmes in disaster management, emergency preparedness and response, peacebuilding, counter‑trafficking in persons, assisted voluntary return, migration and border management, and integration.

IOM is currently responding to Tropical Cyclone Maila, providing life‑saving assistance, coordinating with national and provincial authorities, and supporting affected communities through emergency shelter, food, non-food items, WASH, and protection interventions. This response is a key operational priority for the mission.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Port Moresby and working closely with the Emergency Management and Peacebuilding Coordinator, and direct supervision of the Emergency Response Officer, the successful candidate will provide day‑to‑day programmatic support to the Emergencies & Disaster Management (EDM) programme, with a particular focus on the ongoing Tropical Cyclone Maila response. The role will ensure high‑quality, accurate, and consistent delivery of activities that directly contribute to IOM’s emergency operations and the broader humanitarian response

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Emergency Response Officer in Port Moresby, the National Emergency Support Officer will provide day-to-day support for staff in EDM Unit including Port Moresby and in the relevant Field Office to implement project activities with high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. 

The National Emergency Support Officer will;

• As part of the Emergencies & Disaster Management (EDM) Unit in Port Moresby, lead the Field Office operations, and support and the IOM Port Moresby Head Office to ensure timely implementation of Tropical Cyclone Maila response activities, including assessments, distributions, and monitoring.

• Serve as a primary liaison for the Field Office, addressing operational, administrative, and logistical needs, and escalating issues to senior staff for decision‑making as required.

• Coordinate and oversee regular information collection from the field, ensuring timely submissions, data accuracy, and consolidation into unified operational reports.

• Organize and support meetings, including logistics, agendas, and documentation, ensuring alignment with the cyclone response priorities.

• Contribute to field assessments, post‑assistance monitoring, and event tracking. 

• Assist in developing survey tools, mission plans, and data inputs in coordination with the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, including participation in field missions for the Tropical Cyclone Maila response.

• Assist in the collection, and delivery of emergency relief supplies to targeted communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, ensuring accurate maintenance of distribution records and preparation of timely distribution reports.

• Contribute to response efforts by working closely with government counterparts, partners, and local communities to ensure coordinated, efficient, and accountable delivery of assistance.

• In coordination with the Emergency Support Officer, participate actively in various fora, including inter-agency coordination groups, and meetings with governmental authorities, and other stakeholders. 

• Undertake additional tasks to support the EDM Unit’s strategic and operational priorities, contributing to decision‑making, planning, and overall effectiveness of the Tropical Cyclone Maila response.

• Undertake duty travel relating to need assessments, project monitoring, liaison with counterparts, problem solving, and new project development, as required.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution in Humanitarian Assistance, Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Project Management, Public Administration, Community Development, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in emergency response, humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, community development, project implementation, field operations, monitoring and evaluation, or other related areas

Experience supporting field-based activities, including assessments, distributions, community engagement, data collection, and reporting.

Experience working with government counterparts, local authorities, communities, NGOs, UN agencies, or other humanitarian actors is an advantage.

Experience in emergency preparedness and response operations, including disaster-related interventions, is desirable.

Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in remote and challenging operational environments and undertake frequent field travel.


Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and 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 1

 

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.

Required Skills

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