Position Title: Liaison Officer and Special Assistant to the Chief of Mission

Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 01 August 2023

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:

Over the last several years, Somalia has made slow but steady progress towards restoring peace and security. The Somali Government – at the federal and federal member state levels – is an increasingly viable partner to IOM and the broader international community. It remains nascent, however, and the Government still struggles to address the negative effects of conflict and natural disaster, which have resulted in more than two million displaced. Increasingly, opportunities are emerging to support durable solutions to displacement. In accordance with the United Nations Secretary General’s (UNSG) Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, IOM has been instrumental in its support of communities to drive, and government to increasingly lead on building progress towards durable solutions to displacement. With strong emphasis on localised capacities and community priorities, increasing partnerships are building momentum towards durable solutions.

Since the formation of the new Federal Government of Somalia last year, the country has made significant progress towards restoring peace and security. However, significant destabilizing factors remain, including conflict and natural disasters. With about 2,9 million displaced in Somalia, and a significant number of returnees from the region and beyond, Somalia has struggled to cope with high numbers of displaced, particularly in a highly urbanizing context.

Over the last several years, Somalia has made slow but steady progress towards restoring peace and security. The Somali Government – at the federal and federal member state levels – is an increasingly viable partner to IOM and the broader international community. It remains nascent, however, and the Government still struggles to address the negative effects of conflict and natural disaster, which have resulted in more than two million displaced. Increasingly, opportunities are emerging to support durable solutions to displacement. In accordance with the United Nations Secretary General’s (UNSG) Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, IOM has been instrumental in its support of communities to drive, and government to increasingly lead on building progress towards durable solutions to displacement. With strong emphasis on localised capacities and community priorities, increasing partnerships are building momentum towards durable solutions.

Since the formation of the new Federal Government of Somalia last year, the country has made significant progress towards restoring peace and security. However, significant destabilizing factors remain, including conflict and natural disasters. With about 2,9 million displaced in Somalia, and a significant number of returnees from the region and beyond, Somalia has struggled to cope with high numbers of displaced, particularly in a highly urbanizing context.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), the Liaison Officer and Special Assistant to the Chief of Mission will play a pivotal role in supporting the COM in their day-to-day responsibilities and strategic engagements. The Liaison Officer and Special Assistant to the Chief of Mission will serve as a key liaison between the COM and various stakeholders, including government entities, IOM teams, and partners involved in the implementation of programs. They will be responsible for building and maintaining a healthy rapport between the government and IOM, ensuring effective communication, and addressing government requests and concerns in a timely manner. Additionally, the Liaison Officer and Special Assistant to the Chief of Mission will work closely with the pillar heads in Transition and Recovery (T&R), Migrations, and Emergency Post Crisis to facilitate the smooth implementation of programs and ensure coordination across different areas of focus. This position requires exceptional coordination, facilitation, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Coordination and Facilitation

1. Provide substantive and practical support to the Chief of Mission (COM) in implementing the mission’s mandate, including coordination and facilitation of activities.
2. Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of IOM programs in close collaboration with government offices, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between all stakeholders involved.
3. Act as a liaison between IOM and government offices, proactively engaging with relevant authorities to address their requests, concerns, and feedback, and ensure smooth coordination and cooperation in the implementation of program.
4. Act as liaison between IOM and all of the UN agencies in Somalia and in Kenya when necessary.
5. Coordinate donor briefings and meetings on behalf of the COM.
6. Support the COM in organizing the Senior Management Team and the Program Manager Team Meetings.
7. Keep the COM informed about all matters requiring personal attention, assist in formulating options on how to handle those matters, and ensure appropriate follow-up as directed.
8. Organize and manage the COM’s meetings and mission events, prepare written summaries, and conduct follow-up activities as appropriate.
9. Coordinate and draft correspondence for the COM’s signature.
10. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with mission components, authorities, the broader UN family, donors, and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters.

Political Analysis, Advice, and Reporting

1. Identify, analyze, and monitor political developments and emerging issues relevant to the implementation of the mission’s mandate.
2. Assess implications and make recommendations on possible policies, strategies, and other measures to address issues of concern and advance mandated objectives.
3. Coordinate and draft summary and analytical reports, including situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file.

Management

1. Assist in formulating and managing the implementation of the mission’s program of work, including support to planning and budgetary processes.
2. Assist in the selection of new staff.
3. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by Chief of Mission (COM).

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Economics, Law, Public Administration, 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
• Professional training in planning, facilitation, and/or coordination is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or a related field, demonstrating a track record of increasing responsibilities and depth of knowledge in these areas.
• Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting, showcasing the ability to engage with various stakeholders, conduct research and analysis, provide strategic advice, and prepare comprehensive reports on political developments and issues.
• Strong experience working in or in support of a field operation of the United Nations CountrySystem or a comparable international organization or non-governmental organization. This includes practical knowledge of working in complex and dynamic operational environments, understanding the mandates and functions of international organizations, and navigating the intricacies of field-level operations.
• Desirable experience includes previous work in the office of a senior public official and/or serving as a Special Assistant (or in a similar role) to a senior public official. This experience highlights the ability to provide high-level support, handle sensitive and confidential matters, and collaborate effectively with senior officials in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

Skills

• Excellent coordination and facilitation skills, demonstrated by the ability to effectively organize and facilitate meetings, coordinate activities among various stakeholders, and ensure smooth implementation of programs.
• Strong political analysis and reporting abilities, including the capacity to analyze complex political situations, assess implications, and provide well-informed recommendations and reports to support decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, enabling clear and effective communication with diverse audiences, including high-level officials, partners, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to listen attentively, interpret messages accurately, ask clarifying questions, and share information in a tailored and audience-appropriate manner.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to produce high-quality documents, reports, and presentations for various purposes.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in managing competing priorities and delivering results in a timely manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships, fostering teamwork and cooperation with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and data integrity in all aspects of work.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Somali 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

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

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.

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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

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