Position Title : Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Management)
Duty Station : Cotonou, Benin
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 12 November 2020
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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
Internal candidates
Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.
Context:
Community engagement in border security and management is a program developed in Senegal in 2015. This innovative approach to border security and management is a result of the consideration that efforts made by States and international partners in strengthening border security in the Sahel, have not yet resulted in increasing the security of people in this Region. Indeed, the development of the capacities of the state security actors and the central government in tackling crime and terror in the Sahel have contributed to increase their capacity of responding to an incident, but very little they have contributed to the prevention of crime and violence, particularly for those communities living along the borders.
IOM thus proposes a program that would promote good community policing practices across the region, from Senegal to Benin. The development of a cooperation framework between border
populations and security forces will help the border communities to understand reporting needs and mechanisms for threats and changes they might observe at the border. The close relationships between the institutions and the populations along the borders built on trust, would promote cooperation between the two parties at the regional level to prevent crimes and react to cross-border emergencies.
In addition, IOM has been active in Benin since 2012. Activities in the country include capacity building on managing labour migration, counter human trafficking and human smuggling, return and reintegration of returning migrants, and border management. IOM Benin is supporting the enhancement of border management equipment and infrastructure in the North, while also supporting the reinforcement of the resilience of cross-border communities around Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso.
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission in IOM Ghana, Togo, and Benin, in close coordination with Program coordinator in CO Dakar and relevant units in Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ), the successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of the community engagement in border security and management program and oversee the monitoring of all other projects in Benin. The program officer will be accountable for the below described tasks.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
Responsible for the timely implementation and monitoring of all relevant project activities in Benin, in coordination with the IOM Offices in Ghana and Senegal. Follow up on operational, logistical, administrative, and budgetary arrangements. Cooperate with national and international authorities, provide information and assist with arrangements required for the recruitment of project staff.
Supervise project team in implementing activities, including reporting, monitoring and evaluation in coordination with the offices in Ghana and Senegal
In coordination with IOM Ghana, provide support to oversee and monitor the operations of the office to maintain effective and efficient office procedures, including monitoring procurement and administrative procedures
Provide technical inputs and guidance for the formulation of needs assessments. Analyse progress and implementation reports, propose action to expedite project delivery, and identify and document significant project events, decisions, problems, or deviations.
In coordination with IOM Ghana, facilitate relations with the Government of Benin, the Beninese Administrative Authorities, the communities, and other partners, to support implementation of IOM Benin projects.
In coordination with the Program Coordinator and the Program Officer based in Senegal, plan and undertake study visits for Beninese central and local authorities, to meet Senegalese counterparts and discuss best practices on community engagement in border security and management.
In coordination with the Program Coordinator, the Program Officer, and with the assistance of the sociologist based in Senegal, contribute to the development of the sociological assessment questionnaire to be used to conduct the security perception research in the Beninese areas covered by the program.
Draft and contribute to the preparation of a diverse range of communication products that support project engagement strategies.
In coordination with the Program Coordinator and the Program Officer based in Senegal, draft the quarterly/final reports covering the activities in Benin.
In coordination with IOM Ghana, maintain relations and contribute to strengthening partnerships with relevant migration management stakeholders in Benin, including donors, development partners, United Nations agencies, and civil society.
Provide inputs for and draft segments of new project proposals, and contribute to fund raising initiatives in Benin by participating in the development of knowledge tools and advocacy materials. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, policy and technical working groups, as well as other forums to ensure proper coordination and presentation of IOM activities.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
• Experience in community engagement program implementation;
• Experience or knowledge in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region and regional security realities is required;
• Experience in the practice of conception, development and implementation of border crisis simulations exercises is highly recommended;
• Previous experience of working in the border management field.
Skills
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to analyses complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Strong general analytical skills;
• High level of computer practice and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is required;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in French and English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of 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.
Notes
1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database
Required Competencies:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.
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 action 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
• 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 potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system, by 12 November 2020 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:
From 30.10.2020 to 12.11.2020
No Fees:
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.
Requisition: VN 2020 236 Programme Officer (IBM) (P2) Cotonou, Benin (56701313) Released
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