Position Title: Partnership and Outreach Officer

Duty Station: Dakar, Senegal

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: 08 December 2024

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; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; 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; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRD-O), the direct supervision of the Regional Liaison and Policy Officer (RLPO) and in coordination with the Regional Planning and M&E Officer (RPMEO) as well as relevant colleagues in the Office of Partnership, Advocacy and Communication (OPAC), the Partnership and Outreach Officer will be responsible to facilitate and substantively support overall regional coordination on matters pertaining to the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Opportunity/Issues Based on Coalition (OIBC), the Mano River Union, the Liptako Gourma Authority, and to facilitate IOM’s efforts in partnerships and outreach.

Throughout these respective forums, collaboration with UN agencies, regional entities, international community and stakeholders’ is paramount to ensure a holistic and whole-of-society approach in the work that is carried out, including through fundraising.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP and OUTREACH

1. Identify and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, regional and sub-regional organizations, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academic institutions.

2. Contribute to the development and execution of outreach strategies that engage new partners and strengthen existing relationships, ensuring alignment with IOM’s strategic objectives. This includes identifying opportunities for collaboration, organizing stakeholder meetings, and preparing communication materials that effectively convey IOM’s mission and goals.

3. Organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, roundtables, and networking events to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among key partners, including government agencies, international organizations, and civil society. Work to ensure that IOM’s perspectives and priorities are effectively communicated and integrated into broader regional and global initiatives.

4. Manage and strengthen IOM’s strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts within the Sahel region by serving as a key liaison with the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Opportunity/Issues Based on Coalition (OIBC), facilitating the integration of IOM’s priorities and programs into regional initiatives, promoting IOM’s mission and objectives within UNISS and UNOWAS frameworks, and facilitating the organization’s participation in key decision-making processes.

5. Represent IOM in regional fora, workshops and conferences, promoting IOM’s mission and the organization’s visibility.

POLITICAL ANALYSIS and STRATEGIC POSITIONING

6. Continuously monitor political developments in the Sahel region to help identify trends, risks, and opportunities for intervention. Coordinate the preparation of monthly updates on political events, social movements, and governmental changes.

7. In close coordination with the RLPO, provide support to the Regional Office and Country Offices’ interactions with external counterparts on matters concerning political and strategic positioning. Maintain records and ensure timely follow-up on actions.

8. Assist in supporting Sahel-related initiatives, including those with UNISS, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and the Mano River Union (MRU).

DOCUMENTATION and INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY

9. Coordinate inputs from Regional Thematic Specialists and Country Offices for the elaboration of strategic contributions towards key regional processes, including the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and other relevant UN and UNOWAS documents.

10. Establish and maintain an archive of key documents, communications, and presentations within the RD’s office to consolidate institutional memory.

11. Undertake duty travel as required for donor liaison, project development, and coordination purposes.

12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Economics, 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 in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in legal affairs, political affairs, civil affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field;
• Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required;
• Proven work experience in liaising with regional multilateral bodies, governments and other national/international institutions;
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and,
• Work experience in the West and Central African region is an asset.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Good knowledge of project management;
• Sound knowledge of migration law;
• Excellent knowledge of technical cooperation principles, concepts and techniques;
• Excellent skills in liaison, communication and partnerships to foster collaboration on strategic areas;
• Innovative approached to migration portfolio;
• Proven analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative;
• Excellent communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write clearly, succinctly and in manner that appeals to a wide audience;
• Strategic thinking, including demonstrated ability to effectively synthesize information, organize complex ideas and place them in a wider organizational context;
• Understanding of migration issues, trends and policies in West and Central Africa;
• Maturity of judgement to ensure appropriate handling of sensitive issues; and,
• Proven ability for protocol management.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese 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.p df

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 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, and background verification 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.