Details
Mission and objectives
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.
Context
As the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is increasingly called upon by Member States to assist in addressing complex migration and border management challenges in order to maintain the delicate balance between the facilitation of cross-border movements, while upholding border security and protecting migrants’ rights. IOM’s Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Division supports Member States in improving the policy, legislation, operational systems, human resources and administrative and technical structures required to respond more effectively to diverse migration and border management challenges. IBM activities are in line with IOM’s commitment to facilitate orderly, safe and regular migration and mobility. IBM activities are designed as partnerships with governments and other relevant interlocutors to identify needs, determine priority areas, and shape and deliver interventions. The IBM team’s activities are continuously evolving to meet new migration dynamics on the national, regional and international levels. There are two distinct and complementary portfolios within IBM: (a) Border and Identity Solutions: Efficient border and migration management policies and structures, supported by professional, well-trained personnel, facilitate and foster enhanced movement management at borders, prevents irregular migration, helps dismantle organized criminal networks, and protects the rights of migrants. Upon governments’ request, the Border and Identity Solutions Unit (BIS) addresses a broad range of migration and border management issues by building and enhancing Member States’ capacity. BIS solutions include readmission, border and information solutions, humanitarian border management, counter-migrant smuggling, regularization, border management and development/trade. (b) Immigration and Visas: The IBM - IV Unit supports Member States in analysing, developing and implementing evidence-based visa policies and solutions. With over a billion people on the move today, visa policies are a central tool for Member States to better manage legal migration and to prevent irregular migration. The unit provides innovative, technology-driven operational support to visa application processes, by working closely with immigration and consular authorities and other partners, to facilitate visa schemes in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. IBM’s operational solutions enhance regular pathways for migration and mobility, making them more accessible, better informed, dignified, timely and transparent. IV solutions include immigration/visa policy support, consular and citizens services, visa/permit facilitation, document verification solutions. Regional context Description: IOM’s Immigration and Border Management (IBM) Programme has evolved steadily over recent years in response to the need for innovative solutions to manage rapidly changing migration flows and cross border mobility patterns in North America, Central America, Caribbean, and South America.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Senior Regional IBM Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will: 1. Support IOM Country offices and Regional Offices in developing new IBM-related programmes/projects targeting countries with less IBM activities, ensuring compliance with identified needs and IOM’s strategies -especially the Immigration and Border Governance Strategy for the Americas 2022-2027, thematic guidelines and project development procedures, and building upon good practices and lessons learned in the field; 2. Contribute to the draft or review of internal guidance notes, project documents, reports, policy briefs, articles, press briefing notes, projects’ evaluations and any other relevant document related to IBM; 3. Support IOM Country Offices in the implementation of their IBM projects, liaising with relevant colleagues in HQ/Regional Offices and counterparts to provide technical information, guidance and tools; 4. Participate in international IBM related fora and support the organization of trainings, conferences and workshop in various IBM technical areas;5. Support the IBM RTS in developing internal capacities through trainings and information sharing on relevant IBM topic such as legal identity, visa policies, regularization, counter migrant smuggling, humanitarian border management, border and identity management systems and biometrics for IOM colleagues in both regions; 5. Participate in IBM specific and cross thematic working groups and delivering advice; 6. Monitor IBM-related issues and developments in both regions and globally to share relevant information with colleagues in Country Offices and contribute to the development of thematic reports and policies. 7. Promote a knowledge management culture within both regions on IBM-related topics and support the organization of activities among colleagues to share good practices and lessons learned; 8. Track all projects and draft the yearly IOM IBM Program compendium; provide the Immigration and Border Management Division (or other concerned HQ division) with updates on on-going projects, as well as projects under development; 9. Maintain strong working relationships with project development officers and project managers globally – with a special focus on those coordinating/implementing IBM-related projects/programmes – and provide technical input when necessary through research, information sharing and training; 10. Undertake duty travel as required to conduct programme assessments, liaise with counterparts, represent IOM at IBM-related conferences, workshops and meetings, deliver training and/or presentations, and assist ROs and COs with troubleshooting; 11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UNV mandate within their assignment and promote volunteerism through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate part of their time to the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant publications, developing networks with volunteering organisations and taking an active part in UNV activities (for example, in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end-of-assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible. Results/Expected Outputs: As an integral part of the IOM assignment the Junior Professional Officer will: • Gain experience in an international organization, including management and international cooperation activities, as well as understanding the dynamics of international working groups. • Be able to prepare documents using the IOM logical and legal framework. • Participate in development of programs, projects, trainings and workshops related to different migration areas. • Be able to review documents (project proposals and reports) on PRIMA. • Gain experience in working with governmental, non-governmental and United Nations institutions globally.