National Programme Officer

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) of IOM Finland, and, in collaboration with relevant units at IOM Finland, and with relevant Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) at the Regional Office, the National Programme Officer (Border Management, Returns, Readmission) will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of projects activities concerning Border Management, Returns and Readmission of IOM Finland.

Responsibilities

1. Carry out the coordination and monitoring of the operational, administrative and financial aspects of projects in accordance with IOM policies and practices as well as donors’ requirements.
2. Keep the supervisor informed on the status of project implementation; identify gaps and suggest actions to improve implementation.
3. Participate in the development and adjustment of work plans, project budgets, Monitoring & Evaluation tools and standard operations procedures.
4. Coordinate the collection, verification and analysis of data and background information; update information management systems and social media platforms on project related activities including project awareness and visibility, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials.
5. Coordinate timely preparation and dissemination of project reports in accordance with IOM procedures and donor requirements.
6. Liaise and coordinate with donors, partners, United Nations agencies, local authorities and stakeholders and government counterparts.
7. Contribute to the planning, development, organization and delivery of capacity building activities targeting IOM staff, government and civil society partners, implementing partners and communities.
8. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, working groups, interagency coordination meetings, and other forums.
9. Carry out the preparation of concept notes, project proposals and a diverse range of communication products and other planning documents.
10. Supervise and provide training and technical guidance to project staff.
11. Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc.
12. Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
   
• Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
• Experience in working with migrants, including in the areas of border management, returns and readmission, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
• Experience in project management and results-based management, including working with bilateral donor programmes and related reporting requirements.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

• Migration expertise
• Sound knowledge of migration-related thematic areas, including border management, returns and readmission, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR), protection and rights-based approaches, and immigration and border governance.
• Strong understanding of the broader migration landscape and operational context.
   
• Programme and project management
• Knowledge of programme and project cycle management, including development, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Knowledge of UN, bilateral and government-funded programme cycles and donor reporting requirements.

• Ability to translate project documents into operational workplans and coordinate implementation across technical, administrative and financial components.

• Compliance and administrative knowledge
• Knowledge of organisational and donor financial, procurement and administrative rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to apply institutional and donor requirements.
   
• Partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Experience in liaising with and building partnerships with government counterparts, donors and civil society organisations.

• Supervision and technical guidance
• Ability to supervise project staff and provide technical guidance and capacity-building.
• Analytical and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
   
• Communication and drafting
• Excellent drafting and communication skills, including preparation of reports, project proposals, briefing notes and official correspondence.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and working knowledge of Finnish is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Swedish, other Nordic languages, or languages spoken by main migrant populations in the Nordic countries is desirable.

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 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, if with direct reports

• 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

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 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.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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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