Job Identification (Reference Number): 13135
Position Title: Programme Officer (Immigration & Border Governance) (P)
Duty Station City: Belize City
Duty Station Country: Belize
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 Months
Closing date: TBD    

Introduction

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from nonrepresented member states of IOM.

Context

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in 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 began its operations in Belize in 2010 and has provided supported the Government of Belize in the areas of migration, border management, systems strengthening, capacity building and integration.

The Border Management and Border Integration Project under the Multiannual Indicative Plan (MIP) Belize 2021-2027 of the European Union (EU) International Partnerships and within the Priority Area 2 action, seeks to improve the capacities of officials in the Government of Belize in respect to the border management system MIDAS and integrated border management, as well as  the NGOs involved in Forest Conservation and Patrol activities.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office and with the technical guidance of the Regional Thematic  Specialist (RTS) for Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Programme Officer (IBG) will be based in Belize City, Belize and will be responsible and accountable for managing, coordinating and overseeing the activities of the IBG Programme in Belize Country Office (CO).

1. Coordinate the overall implementation of the  IBG portfolio, including, but not limited to, projects focusing on border management information systems, regular pathways, regularization, readmission cooperation, admission and stay channels, immigration policy, legal identity, counter-migrant smuggling, border and development/trade initiatives and Humanitarian Border Management , to ensure their impact, effectiveness, coherence and integrity, and their timely completion, in line with IOM’s policies, practices and the donor’s contractual requirements.
2. Provide technical inputs for the development of policy and operational resources aimed at enhancing safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways through the implementation of immigration and border governance policies and tools.
3. Provide guidance and substantive support to the Regional Office and relevant Country Offices (COs), in coordination with IBG RTS, on emerging national and regional trends, donor priorities and resource mobilization for the development and execution of IBG projects.
4. Provide operational guidance and technical supervision on IBG projects, including managing and providing technical support to relevant programme staff, and capacity development initiatives.
5. Coordinate and conduct capacity-development activities in coordination with technical experts on IBG thematic areas including, but not limited to, document security, passport examination, legal identity, identity management, the responsible use of biometrics, readmission, cooperation, admission and stay pathways, and Advance Passenger Information, amongst others.
6. Establish and maintain close and effective working relationships with government counterparts at the technical level, to guide project implementation and the resolution of implementation related challenges, including organizing periodical meetings with relevant stakeholders.
7. Oversee the elaboration of public information and training materials, including resources for customs, border and immigration authorities, visa officers, and other border governance stakeholders for internal and external use, in coordination with IBG Specialists and other relevant Divisions.
8. Pursue the establishment of partnerships with UN Agencies, humanitarian organizations, government, and community interlocutors, and with a broad range of stakeholders towards the successful implementation of IBG programmes.
9. Contribute to advance IBG thematic areas within the respective UN Network on Migration (UNNM) and other initiatives related to institutional efforts to implement the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and strengthen migration governance.
10. Undertake travel duty as required to strengthen, coordinate and/or support programme implementation.
11. Perform any such duties as may be assigned.

Education 

• Master’s degree in international relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in programme conceptualisation, development, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
• Experience in programme development and capacity-development activities;
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions;
• Familiarity with financial and business administration;
• Sound and proven understanding of internal and international migration issues in the country and in the Region;
• Experience in organizing consultations, workshops and seminars with high level stakeholders;
• 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.

Skills

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills;
• Detailed knowledge of the UN System, NGOs and other international organizations/institutions;
• Knowledge of migration data, labour migration patterns in the relevant region   and ability to negotiate with government authorities;
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management;
• Strong conceptualization, analytical and writing skills;
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision; and,
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Spanish and/or an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is an advantage.

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

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 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, 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.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies