National Knowledge and Learning 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

This position is based in Erbil and will support IOM Iraq’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) efforts across all programmes (humanitarian and development). Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Monitoring & Reporting Officer, the National Knowledge and Learning Officer  will  support the mission’s approach to institutional learning and knowledge-sharing. With IOM Iraq’s broad portfolio across durable solution, peace building and stabilization, migration management, migration health and emergency response, there is a critical need to capture lessons learned, evaluate outcomes, and foster continuous improvement. The incumbent will  implement systems to manage knowledge generated by projects (evaluations, research, best practices) and  to inform strategic planning. The role is embedded in the mission’s MEAL Unit and works closely with programme teams, PSU, Research Team, the Regional M&E Officer, and external evaluation partners.

Responsibilities

1. Contribute to establishing, and  monitoring a mission-wide Knowledge and Learning Management (KLM) system for IOM Iraq. This includes  maintaining appropriate tools and platforms (e.g. knowledge repositories, lessons learned and management response database) to systematically capture, store, and disseminate programmatic lessons, research findings, evaluations, and best practices.  Contribute to making the system  user-friendly, accessible across the mission, and aligned with donor commitments and IOM requirements.
2. Plan, and coordinate  programme and project evaluations in accordance with IOM’s Evaluation Policy and donor requirements. I Implement an annual evaluation and lessons learned workplan;  coordinate independent external evaluations, including drafting Terms of Reference, liaising with IOM’s Evaluation Unit as required, procuring evaluation consultants or firms, and providing necessary data and documentation. Review inception and final reports to  verify quality, compliance with standards, and usability of findings before final approval by the supervisor.
3.  Coordinate mission-wide research initiatives and formative studies to inform programme design and adaptive management. Work with programme teams to identify knowledge gaps and learning needs, and  coordinate studies such as needs assessments, outcome and process evaluations, case studies, after-action reviews, and lessons-learned exercises.  Verify methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and proper documentation of findings.
4. Support the  supervisor in transforming data, research, and evaluation findings into actionable learning to improve programme quality. Support the M&E Officer in organizing and facilitating learning events, including evaluation debriefs, project review meetings, brown-bag sessions, learning workshops, and annual programme reviews. Contribute to the development of concise learning products such as briefs, success stories, presentations, and recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making.
5. Provide technical guidance and  training  on evaluation and learning to IOM staff and partners. Support programme teams in developing Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks and learning plans; train focal points on documenting best practices and lessons learned; and  train national M&E staff in survey design, data analysis, reporting, and facilitation of learning discussions.  Contribute to a mission-wide culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning.
6. Support  internal and external knowledge exchange practices coordination and  engagement with the Regional M&E Officer, other IOM missions, and inter-agency M&E or knowledge management working groups to share best practices and align with UN system learning initiatives. Collaborate with government counterparts, donors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to integrate feedback and disseminate IOM learning externally when appropriate.
7.  Contribute to the integration of cross-cutting themes (Protection, Gender, Accountability to Affected People) across all evaluation, research, and learning activities. Contribute to donor and internal reports by providing analysis of lessons learned, evidence of adaptive management, and programme improvements.
8. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IOM evaluation, monitoring, and Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks, tools, and institutional requirements.  Comply  with IOM strategies, policies, and planning frameworks, and provide technical support to strengthen mission adherence.

9. Implement knowledge and learning management plan, methods and tools on all projects and programmes, and collect, analyse, and report on lessons learned, project review meeting, success stories, internal and external evaluations in accordance with donor commitments and IOM requirements.

10. Support in organizing and facilitating learning workshops, project review meetings, evaluation validation workshops, community of practice exercises, and collate and document best practices to share with the wider community in the IOM network and partners.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in social sciences, development studies, evaluation, organizational learning, international relations, monitoring and evaluation, statistics, antropology, law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution ; or

• University degree in the above fields with   two years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL), research, or knowledge management in humanitarian or development programmes. Experience in an international organization or UN agency is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in designing or managing evaluations-including developing TORs, coordinating with evaluators, and disseminating results. Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods and standards (e.g. OECD/DAC evaluation criteria) is required.

• Proven experience in facilitating organizational learning: organizing workshops, after-action reviews, or communities of practice to reflect on project performance and outcomes is required.

• Excellent writing and reporting skills - able to synthesize technical evaluation findings into clear, concise reports and presentations. Experience authoring evaluation reports or research publications is a strong advantage.

• Experience in designing or managing knowledge/information systems or databases for capturing lessons and best practices is an advantage.

Skills

• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze complex project data and outcomes, and identify patterns, successes and areas for improvement. Should be comfortable working with statistical data as well as qualitative information.

• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies: Familiarity with logical frameworks, theory of change, survey design, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, etc., and ability to guide others in these techniques.

• Communication and facilitation: Strong ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences; skilled in facilitating discussions and learning events with staff at different levels.

• Project management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple evaluations or studies simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery. Capable of managing external consultants and coordinating stakeholders.

• Technological literacy: Proficient in MS Office; knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, R) or visualization tools is an asset. Comfortable with collaborative tools (SharePoint, Teams) for knowledge sharing.

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; and, 

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

• Expert knowledge of MS office and advanced statistical skills including knowledge of database management, statistical and project management software is a strong advantage; 

• Knowledge and understanding of the migration issues, return and reintegration in the region is an advantage.

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 is required 

Arabic and Kurdish are advantage Languages

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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