Position Title: Project Officer (Shelter and Settlements)

Duty Station: Maiduguri, Nigeria

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, 6 months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 01 May 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; 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; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

IOM has been present in Nigeria since 2001 with a footprint in five sub-offices (Benin City, Lagos, Yola, Katsina and Maiduguri) and a main office in Abuja, leading its interventions in 30 States and the Federal Capital. IOM Nigeria works closely with migrants, displaced populations and affected communities, ministries, departments and agencies, and intergovernmental and non-governmental partners at the Federal and State levels.

Since 2009, the insurgency in the Northeast involving several armed groups has resulted in widespread violence, displacement of over two (2) million people, and humanitarian crises, with significant social, economic, and political impacts on the affected communities and the country. The region has also faced environmental degradation, resource competition, and land use competition, further exacerbating tensions. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), as of February 2023, Nigeria is currently hosting 3.57 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to armed conflicts and other drivers of displacement. The tensions between farmers and herders, exacerbated by the increasing issues of accessing water and land, are forcing the population in Southeast, North-central and Northwest into internal displacement. Malnutrition, and waterborne diseases, including cholera, continue to plaque mobile populations in fragile contexts. The nature and scale of forced displacement in the country present humanitarian and development challenges, that require innovative approaches and response mechanisms from IOM and other stakeholders.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) or the Head of Office in Maiduguri, Nigeria and direct supervision of Programme Manager (Shelter and NFI), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Project Officer (Shelter and Settlements) will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the shelter and settlement programming in the North-East of Nigeria, both for emergency, transitional and durable solutions programs, including settlement planning, development and improvements.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the overall implementation of the project, including the oversight of the financial, administrative and technical aspects, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements.
2. Provide operational guidance and technical supervision to the project staff, assisting on programmatic strategy and implementation. Oversee the project progress specifically aimed at increasing effectiveness and recommending appropriate action.
3. Support the monitor and progress against Project’s strategic objectives, benchmarks, and provide advice with respect to improvements and corrections; coordinate the establishment of a common Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework that incorporate regular reporting requirements and impact evaluation strategies, in close coordination with M&E Officer in the Country Office.
4. Identify priority areas for project development and contribute to the development of new projects by selecting and summarizing background information, assessing the local context and segments for new project proposals.
5. Supervise the staff assigned to the project, as well as Consultants/Implementing Partners (IPs) recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities. Plan, develop, organize and deliver capacity building activities to build capacity of staff, partners, government officials, and other humanitarian actors.
6. Support monitoring and compliance with project partners, project staff and implementing entities. Liaise with Government entities, IPs, United Nations (UN) agencies and other stakeholders in the project.
7. Coordinate with other units in the Country Office for a smooth implementation of all project activities.
8. Coordinate the adequate information management on project related activities including visibility by providing regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials, in coordination with the donor and relevant Units at HQ.
9. Draft quality progress Financial, Narrative, and other reports related to the project activities. Coordinate the elaboration and dissemination of reports for donors, government and other relevant stakeholders by ensuring timely submission and compliance with donor and IOM requirements.
10. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical working groups, as well as other forums; contribute in coordination and presentation of IOM activities.
11. Participate in relevant UN working groups and activities to contribute to the mainstreaming of migration related issues into United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF).
12. Undertake duty travel as required to support coordination and monitoring activities for project implementation.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• 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.

Experience

• Experience in programme conceptualisation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
• Experience in project development and capacity-building activities;
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions; and,
• Experience in organizing consultations, workshops and seminars with stakeholders.

Skills

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;
• Good supervision, coordination, and information management skills;
• Good knowledge of the UN system, NGOs and other international organizations/institutions;
• Knowledge of migration data, labour migration patterns in West Africa and Lake Chad region and ability to negotiate with government authorities;
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management;
• Good conceptualization, analytical and writing skills;
• Good communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision;
• Ability to maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders;
• Familiarity with financial and business administration; and,
• Proven understanding of internal and international migration issues in the country and in the Region.

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 is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Hausa or any local language in Nigeria 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 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 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.