Job Identification (Reference Number): 14107
Position Title: Regional Humanitarian Operations Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Dakar
Duty Station Country: Senegal
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 10 April 2025

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 non-represented member states of IOM.

Context

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Thematic Specialist (Emergency and Post-Crisis (EPC)), the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations, and the guidance of the Humanitarian Operations Division (HOD) in Headquarters (HQ), the Regional Humanitarian Operations Officer coordinates and supports the implementation of institutional policies from HQ in Country Offices (COs) across the Region. Specifically, the Regional Humanitarian Operations Officer provides oversight, quality control, and thematic coordination and support to promote consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming for humanitarian response.

Under the leadership of the DHRR RTS and together with other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs), the Regional Humanitarian Operations Officer contributes to thought leadership on saving lives and protecting individuals on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration. Under the DHRR RTU, the Regional Humanitarian Operations Officer identifies regional opportunities and risks, monitors crises and trends related to mobility dimensions, fosters knowledge sharing, encourages policy and research development, and supports cross-thematic collaboration internally. Externally, the Regional Humanitarian Operations Officer also provides advocacy, policy, and programmatic recommendations regarding humanitarian response to regional entities, Member States, and relevant migration fora, spearheaded by IOM’s RO and CO leadership.

1. Coordinate building the capacities of COs in the Region in humanitarian programming through training (formal and on-the-job) and expert thematic guidance in line with the Humanitarian Operations Division (HOD) under the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR).

2. As delegated by the DHRR RTS, participate in regional meetings/working groups relevant to HOD and develop country-specific or regional initiatives related to crisis response in collaboration with relevant COs and Regional Thematic Units (RTUs) in the RO, including the Protection RTU (PXD RTU).

3. Coordinate knowledge management efforts in coordination with the Regional Project Development Officer (RPDO), the DHRR RTS, and HQ, including the collection of information, best practices and lessons learned from COs for regional reporting and knowledge sharing and relevant improvement in the region.

4. As delegated by the DHRR RTS, facilitate and coordinate the review, endorsement, and monitoring of project proposals developed by COs in the Region in line with the responsibilities of the DHRR RTU.

5. Maintain regular coordination with relevant HQ Departments, Divisions and Offices, as well as Global Offices (GOs), Country Offices for Partnership and Advocacy (COPA), and liaison offices, to facilitate review, endorsement, and monitoring of proposals, reports and overall resource mobilization efforts in the Region relevant to HOD.

6. Monitor and assess humanitarian crisis and trends in the region, in collaboration with the DHRR RTS, other RTUs, COs, HOD, DHRR, and GOs, to support IOM‘s strategic positioning, resource mobilization, programming excellence and project implementation.

7. Provide guidance and technical and thematic knowledge to COs in the development and implementation of HOD-related activities as requested and including travel as needed, in coordination with the DHRR RTS, particularly as it relates to humanitarian operations.

8. Facilitate coordination, prioritization and operational planning relevant to HOD in the region including through the use of the Migration Crisis Operational Framework (MCOF).

9. Coordinate the development and support of regional, multi-country and cross-border planning, initiatives, programmes and projects relevant to humanitarian operations.

10. Coordinate resource mobilization efforts for IOM’s humanitarian operations in the Region through evidence-based advocacy in conjunction with the DHRR RTU, HQ, Global Offices, Liaison Offices, among others.

11. Coordinate the development of regional thematic guidance notes, information sheets and policy documents in coordination with COs, RTUs, HQ and other IOM offices as relevant.

12. Coordinate the development and maintenance of partnerships in Region, including with the governments, UN, special political missions, NGOs, private sector, civil society, academia and others as relevant.

13. Promote the use of a data-driven and evidence-based approach to IOM humanitarian programming in the region, in close coordination with the Regional Data Hub (RDH) and COs, particularly as it relates to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix operations (DTM).

14. Undertake travel to COs in the Region to advise and guide the development and implementation of HOD-related activities and support risk monitoring in close coordination with the DHRR RTS.

15. Oversee and support the integration of cross cutting priorities in CO programming related to humanitarian operations in the Region.

16. In the absence of the DHRR RTS, ensure the continued functioning of the DHRR RTU by managing and responding to requests from internal or external partners.

17. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with at least seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian operations and related areas relevant to project development and management, thematic capacity building, and liaison;
• Experience working in non-OECD countries managing humanitarian operations;
• Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions and organizations, civil society, and private sector actors;
• Experience working in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, United Nations, or government; and,
• Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building related to humanitarian operations.

Skills

• Ability to understand complex contexts and fast-changing migration and displacement dynamics and ability to frame them in their regional, global, and political contexts;
• Proven track record of successful engagement with donors, developing projects, and mobilizing resources for IOM priority areas;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate with a diverse teams of specialists;
• Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to effectively summarize, present, and communicate findings;
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of relevant international standards and classifications relevant to humanitarian operations; and,
• Proven agent of change or willingness to foster a culture of learning and knowledge management.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three 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

• 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 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 and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category 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.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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.

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