JPO ​​Programme Officer (Returns)​ (P)

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.

This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to PEOPLE WITH THE NATIONALITY OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES: eligible-countries-DC-JPOs.pdf 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing a structured and comprehensive initiative to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Syrian nationals to Syria, and general movement operations from Syria. This includes transportation assistance, protection services, and coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless return process.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) and the direct supervision of the Senior Pogrammes Coordinator/ Head of Programmes and in close coordination with project managers, protection, health and resettlement colleagues at regional and global level, the JPO Programme Officer (Reuturns) will be accountable and responsible to support the planning, coordination, and operational setup of voluntary return movements. This includes supporting the establishment of operational infrastructure, organizing safe transportation, implementing protection-sensitive approaches, and liaising with stakeholders to support returnees throughout their journey.

1. →Support the overall implementation of the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme in Syria Country Office (CO), including its financial, administrative, and technical implementation, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements, agreed timeline and deliverables, in close coordination with Resources Management Unit (RMU), and other relevant units of the CO.
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   Assist with planning, preparation, and adjustment of all aspects of AVRR related activities, including work plans and arrangements required for the effective and timely implementation of AVRR activities, namely the provision of humanitarian and emergency assistance to migrants, the coordination of AVRR movements, or the organization of training for national counterparts.

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    Coordinate the return and reintegration activities in Countries of Origin (CoO) and liaise with IOM CoO Country Offices to facilitate provision of targeted assistance.

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   In coordination with the Protection Officer and the Senior Programme Coordinator, assist in monitoring the work of all staff assigned to the AVRR programme in CO, as well as Consultants, Implementing Partners and service providers recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.

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   Maintain close collaboration and contribute to the strengthening the partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as Government entities, national authorities, Embassies, donors, development partners, United Nations Agencies, and civil society for all AVRR related activities.

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   Draft and produce project reports, including ad hoc, interim, annual, and end-of-project reports, in a timely manner, in accordance with IOM procedures and donor requirements.

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   Contribute to the project development efforts for the continuation of existing projects, as well as new projects in the field of AVRR, in close coordination with the Head of Programmes, the Protection Officer, Regional Thematic Specialist (Protection), and other relevant colleagues.

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   Support in delivery of training workshops on AVRR and related Protection issues, in coordination with the Protection Officer, and other relevant units.

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   Promote best practices on AVRR, effectiveness, coherence, and integrity, as well as support the synergies between AVRR projects, regional reintegration projects and development of programmes in target countries of return in order to guarantee comprehensive assistance to vulnerable cases in the region.

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    Coordinate the adequate information management of AVRR related activities, including awareness-raising and visibility, through preparation and submission of monthly reports, press releases and production of other relevant materials. Respond to any ad hoc information requests from other IOM units, donors, and the Government of Syria.

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    Act as the initial focal point for all other movement operations as they are being established in Syria, including resettlement, family reunification, and general immigration/visas.

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    Contribute to the development and regular implementation of relevant monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to track policy mainstreaming initiatives; compile and present data to support tracking of progress and provide technical inputs to contribute to improvements in project delivery, data management and coordination.

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    Regularly review the current guidelines on reintegration and make recommendations for more effective and efficient reintegration interventions mechanisms.

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    In coordination with the Protection Officer and Head of Programmes, participate in conferences, working groups, workshops, steering committees, policy, and technical working groups, as well as other forums for coordination and presentation of IOM’s activities in the field of AVRR.

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    Undertake duty travel relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, project implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation as required.

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    Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

As an integral part of the IOM assignment the Junior Professional Officer will: 

• Gain experience in a UN Organization, including management and international cooperation activities, as well as understanding the dynamics of international working environment.  

• Be able to prepare documents using the IOM logical and legal framework.  

• Participate in development of programs, projects, trainings, and workshops related to different migration areas.  

• Gain experience in working with governmental, non-governmental, academia, and United Nations institutions.  

• Acquire in-depth knowledge of IOM operation and activities. 

• Be able to draft partner engagement plans, concept notes, project proposals and other resource mobilisation material.

• Enhance negotiation skills in a multilateral setting.

• 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 two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

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

• Experience working in complex humanitarian operations, specifically meeting timelines;

• Experience living and working in a conflict environment;

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities as well as with national and international institutions; and,

• Experience in resettlement and movements management.

• Motivational skills to solve / address day to day challenges;

• Team player and can work with minimum supervision;

• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills; 

• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills; and,

• Detailed knowledge of the UN System, NGOs and other international organizations/institutions.

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

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

Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

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.