National Project Officer (Durable Solutions)

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a related organization of the United Nations (UN), 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 Nigerian in the northeast region particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) States works with the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the State, Local Governorate Areas (LGAs), Wards, and Community levels to provide displaced communities with access to protection, assistance, and sustainable solutions support through an integrated and multi-sectoral approach.  
As part of the UN Secretary General’s Action Agenda, Nigeria has been identified as one of the 16 pilot counties to support sustainable solutions for its over 2.3 million IDPs and 2.1 million IDP returnees in BAY states. IOM contributes to this Action Agenda globally, as well as at the country and State level for the Solutions Action Plans with a wide range of support through Policy, Strategy, Coordination, Programmes, and Operations directly linked to sustainable solutions.

IOM, in collaboration with UNHCR and UN-Habitat and with the financial support of the European Union, will be implementing “EU support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa and Kano States, Nigeria (SIDPIN)” project. The purpose of this initiative is to strengthen durable solutions through local integration in urban and urbanising areas by adopting a multi-scale, integrated and area-based territorial approach for displaced communities in Adamawa State, Yobe State, Benue and Kano State, with a specific focus on women and children, and fostering conditions for sustainability, replication and scaling-up.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Borno State, and the direct Supervision of the Transition and Recovery Programme Coordinator, and in close collaboration with all relevant programmatic and support Units in Maiduguri, Makurdi and Yola, the National Project Officer (Durable Solutions) will be responsible and accountable for the day to day implementation of the joint EU funded Durable Solutions Project with a particular focus in Yobe, Adamawa and Benue States coordinating IOM’s Multi-sectoral assistance to IDPs. The incumbent will closely collaborate with relevant MDAs, LGAs, and partners including staff of the partner UN Agencies and other International and National organizations contributing to the durable Solutions effort in Adamawa, Benue and Yobe States while also providing technical support to other States.
 

Responsibilities

• In particular, he/she will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
• Support the overall implementation of the EU support for Internally Displaced Persons in Yobe, Adamawa and Kano States, Nigeria (SIDPIN)” project including the field coordination of all IOM team contributing to the project, government and SIDPIN partners, effective implementation and reporting
•  Support capacity building and training of State and local government authorities, and key partners on sustainable solutions including conceptual frameworks, planning, and implementation of durable solutions.
• Support overseeing effective implementation of housing, water and sanitation, livelihood, health, education, HLP, MHPSS activities in line with project plans and targets.
• Support the day-to-day planning, monitoring and implementation reporting of activities 
• Support enduring effective coordination across different components of the project as well as coordination with SIDPIN partners and government 
• Support and facilitate coordination and collaboration with government authorities and relevant Ministries in the Northeast to promote closer collaboration and engagement on durable solutions.
• Support the strengthening of the sustainable solutions coordination mechanisms and architectures at the state and LGA levels including through organizing, planning, and information sharing and facilitating regular durable solutions dialogue, engagement, and coordination mechanisms.
• Compile, review, and document national, regional, and international instruments, policies, and strategies relevant to internal displacement and durable solutions to IDPs to inform internal dialogue, planning, and programming. 
• Contribute to the sustainable solutions initiatives planning and implementation to promote material, physical, and legal safety through an integrated approach including long-term safety, security and freedom of movement, and an adequate standard of living (housing, WASH, education, health etc), access to livelihood and employment, HLP, family reunification, vital document, public participation and access to remedies and transitional justice where applicable 
• Compile partner updates contributing to sustainable solutions initiatives in the state, through regular field visits, meetings, and information sharing to update 5Ws on Solutions. 
• Compile and document challenges, achievements, lessons learned, and good and bad practices in the implementation of the IDSF project in the Northeast. This may also include supporting the collection, preparation, and dissemination of case stories, best practices, and success stories to promote the visibility of the IOM Sustainable Solution initiative in the Northeast.
• Conduct assessments, draft and prepare project concept notes, work plans, and inputs for internal displacement and sustainable solutions.
• Participate in the development of programs, projects, trainings, and workshops related to durable solutions in the Northeast and beyond as guided by the supervisor.
• Contribute to IOM's institutional support of sustainable solutions and UNSG AA at States and federal level including developing concept notes and proposals as per the guidance and in coordination with TRD Coordinator and head of sub-office and PCIU
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in political science, law, conflict resolution, community development, project management, conflict studies, or other related fields with two years of relevant professional experience

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

Experience

• Work experience in sustainable solutions, internal displacement conflict resolution, community development, and support to institutional development in the context of conflict-prone rural communities. 

• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams for integrated and multi-sectoral interventions. 
• Computer/software is literate, preferably knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Photoshop.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting 
• Advanced English writing, communication, and negotiation skills.

Skills

• Excellent understanding of the political economy of Nigeria broadly and the Northeast in particular including national and state level laws, policies, regulations, and strategies relevant to sustainable development and sustainable solutions 

• Excellent teamwork, planning, communication, and negotiation skills;
• Conversance and familiarity with the UNSG Action Agenda and Nigeria’s priority for sustainable solutions to internal displacement 
• Excellent in supporting inter-agency processes, initiatives, and coordination mechanisms as we as the ability to liaise and coordinate with government authorities 
• Demonstrable and practical experience in the operationalization of Internal displacement protocols, tools, resources, and initiatives 
• Good analytical skills, ability to interpret information, identify and analyze problems; 
• Good knowledge of assessments, research methodologies and tools, and data collection skills in sensitive issues such as conflicts; 
• Personal commitment to the mandate of the Organization, a quick learner, a strong drive for results, efficiency, and flexibility; 
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key counterparts, government authorities, international organizations, and other partners;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team and with colleagues from varied cultures, and professional backgrounds and respect for diversity;
• Good level of computer literacy; proficient in Microsoft Windows and MS Office applications.
• Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;
• Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;
• Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;
• Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;
• Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within the area or responsibility;
• Displays mastery of subject matter;
• Contributes to a collegial team environment;
• Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;
• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;

• Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet the resource needs of IOM

Languages

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, For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

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, if with direct reports

• 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

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.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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

Required Skills

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