Position Title: Programme Manager (Protection)

Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand

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: 15 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.

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:

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

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Thailand implements a range of national and regional projects aimed at addressing migration challenges and delivering increased protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants in partnership with government, civil society and private sector counterparts.

IOM supports the development of sustainable solutions to reduce systemic vulnerabilities and to provide increased support to vulnerable migrants, including stranded migrants, victims of trafficking, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and exploited and abused migrants. Projects support in the delivery of protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, including victims of trafficking, unaccompanied and separated migrant children, victims of sexual and gender-based violence. This includes reintegration counselling as well as economic, social and psychosocial assistance at the individual, collective and community levels.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, IOM Thailand, and the direct supervision of the Head of Protection Unit (PXU), and in close coordination with all relevant stakeholders, the Programme Manager (Protection) will be responsible for managing all core protection programming under the Protection Unit.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the overall implementation of the Core Protection portfolio in IOM Thailand (including Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants-Counter Trafficking, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Child Protection sub-units, amongst others), covering both national and regional level interventions, backstopping its financial, administrative, and technical aspects, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements. Maintain coordination with appropriate IOM units, Regional Office (RO) in Bangkok and the Headquarters (HQs).
2. Oversee and ensure the integrity and quality of the response for persons with specific needs and vulnerabilities (including VoTs and SGBV, USMCs, people with MHPSS needs, people with disabilities, amongst others), including vulnerability screening and identification, case management, family tracing and reunification, reintegration programming, coordination and referral with partners, in line with IOMs Approach to Protection and other relevant institutional policies and approaches (MIMOSA); ensure coordination with other relevant (Sub) Units including AVRR and MHD.
3. Monitor projects’ progress, specifically aimed at increasing effectiveness and taking appropriate action.
4. Manage and supervise all staff assigned under relevant projects, as well as consultants recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.
5. Lead the provision of capacity building and technical assistance to state and non-state actors and ensure that programme activities are aligned to international best practices, as well as IOMs institutional Approach to Protection.
6. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with relevant Government and non-government stakeholders, UN Agencies, NGOs as well as the private sector at the national and regional level, including through regional and multilateral bodies and processes (ASEAN, COMMIT, as well as Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime) to advance strategic objectives and programming related to Protection.
7. Provide expert guidance and advice to programme staff on policies and procedures related to protection, which includes the development of internal and external Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other tools for protection, child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) casework, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programmes, and community engagement strategies, in coordination with EPC and MHD.
8. Support resource mobilization and project development efforts for the expansion of IOMThailand’s Protection Portfolio, providing strategic guidance and development of project proposals in close collaboration with the Head of Unit, PSU, as well as other relevant colleagues.
9. Oversee the preparation of project specific monthly dashboards, interim reports, regular briefings, press releases, other reports, and communications, and ensure alignment with donor requirements and IOM standards and procedures.
10. Support Protection Mainstreaming initiatives and advocate for the inclusion of the rights of vulnerable migrants in relevant response plans and cooperation frameworks.
11. Make strategic recommendations, provide advice and regular updates on the implications of the established programme, policies and needs to the HoU.
12. Represent IOM at relevant seminars and meetings as well as other events.
13. Undertake duty travel as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree preferably in law, international relations, political science, social science, or a related field with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree with at least seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in the thematic area of protection at both policy and programmatic level, specifically counter trafficking and child protection;
• Demonstrated experience leading case management processes and providing rights-based protection and assistance support to vulnerable groups, including VoTs, USMCS, victims of SGBV, people with disabilities, amongst others;
• Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International NGOs);
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities, as well as the private sector;
• Demonstrated experience working on Protection issues in the Southeast Asia region, liaising with senior Government officials, including through, national, bilateral, regional or multi-lateral processes;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines; and,
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong strategic and creative thinking;
• Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation;
• Ability to guide and supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters;
• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broad community to advance country office or regional objectives; and,
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Burmese or other languages spoken by minority groups from Myanmar, Khmer, and Lao 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.