Mission and objectives

The International Organization for Migration is the leading inter-governmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with a presence in over 100 countries, and supporting 174 member states to improve migration management. In 2019, IOM provided support to 30 million persons, including 23 million persons on the move (internally displaced persons, migrants and refugees) and 7 million host community members. 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. The Organization works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, be they refugees, displaced persons or other uprooted people. The IOM Constitution gives explicit recognition to the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement of persons. It also operates in the four broad areas of migration management: migration and development, facilitating migration, regulating migration, and addressing forced migration. Cross-cutting activities include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants’ rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration. IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners.

Context

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. The Philippines is a country experiencing the multifaceted dimensions of migration. IOM Philippines has a holistic approach to the mobility continuum, whether in emergency or in development settings. While labour migration is an integral part of the social and economic fabric of the country, the Philippines also experiences a range of mobility linked to climate change, including displacement and migration due to both rapid- and slow-onset hazards. IOM works across the humanitarian-peace-development nexus to provide a range of humanitarian, recovery, and resilience-building support to affected populations in a safe and dignified manner. As part of IOM Philippines Climate Mobility and Displacement portfolio, IOM is initiating the project “Building Knowledge and Capacity on the Migration and Climate Change Nexus in South-East Asia”, which aims to support Governments in the region in enhancing data, policy, coordination, and actions at national, regional, and local levels in relation to climate change and migration. In this context, the UN Volunteer Specialist, will be assigned to the IOM Philippines Country Office, specifically as a Climate Action Officer, will be working on IOM’s climate mobility and displacement programme, specifically on the aforementioned project, to support the design and delivery of policies and programmatic interventions that support the priorities of the Government of the Philippines on climate change and human mobility, as well as the sustainable adaptation and resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change through a people-centered approach.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes, and in close coordination with the National Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer and the Migration Management Programme Manager, the UN Volunteer Specialist will undertake the following tasks: Partnership Building • Support the development of strategic partnerships relating to climate change and human mobility, including with government bodies, civil society and private sector. • Participate in relevant fora relating to climate change, including within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024-2028, as well as other relevant interagency fora and coordination mechanisms, particularly to ensure the inclusion of mobility considerations and representation of IOM interests and priorities. • Provide technical support to relevant agencies of the Government of the Philippines in their efforts to strengthen policy and programming relating to climate change and human mobility. Project/Programme Development and Implementation • Contribute to the design and development of the project workplan and implementation strategy on climate change and human mobility in line with donor priorities and in close coordination with government authorities, international and regional institutions, and partner organizations in civil society, the public and private sector. • Provide technical support to the programme team to ensure the mainstreaming and integration of climate action across different IOM areas of intervention. • Support the project team in the implementation of the workplan for the project, in alignment with government priorities, IOM policies and strategies, and donor guidance. • Organize regular briefing sessions and coordination meetings on thematic issues relating to climate change to support programme expansion and strengthening. • Regularly liaise with IOM’s Regional Office and Headquarters Climate Action Division in order to contribute to, learn from, and apply new developments and innovations in climate action and human mobility from the Philippines context, as well as to identify potential programmatic opportunities. • In coordination with the Programme Support Unit, contribute to the design and development of new projects on climate change and human mobility, based on needs, government priorities and donor interests. Knowledge Management • Contribute to the development and implementation of data and research initiatives relating to climate change and human mobility, including development of partnerships on research, and supporting development of research/assessment ideas, design, methodologies, analyses, and reports. • Draft talking points, narrative, and strategic documents that articulate IOM’s approach and contributions to priority issues relating to climate change and human mobility, including their linkages to institutional and global UN commitments. • Contribute to the development and implementation of internal and external capacity building initiatives relating to climate change and migration. • Actively participate in conferences, workshops, seminars, and learning exchanges relating to climate change and mobility. • Support donor reporting requirements, including through drafting of narrative reports, and monitoring of progress in line with the project workplan and budget. • Provide regular analyses and recommendations to the Chief of Mission, Head of Programmes, and Programme Managers on strengthening IOM’s strategic and programmatic approach towards climate action, in alignment with national, regional, and global priorities. Communication • In close coordination with the Project Support Unit of IOM Philippines, contribute to the development of strategic communication materials on the project, such as project briefers, factsheets, stories, and others; and climate change and human mobility. • Support efforts to ensure the visibility of IOM Philippines’ climate action initiatives amongst relevant stakeholders in the country and the region. Others • Perform any other related duties as assigned. Results/expected outputs: As an active IOM team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support is rendered to IOM and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Strategic partnerships relating to climate change and human mobility are developed and strengthened. • Project activities are planned and delivered in line with the project workplan, contributing to enhanced knowledge, capacity, and action on climate change and human mobility. • New projects/programmes and initiatives on climate action and human mobility are developed and initiated. • Climate action is effectively integrated across different intervention areas of IOM programming relating to climate mobility and displacement. • IOM programme/project teams have increased capacity to ensure the continued mainstreaming of climate action across different areas of programming. • Improved availability of data relating to climate change and human mobility through the development and implementation of data and research initiatives relating to climate change • Strategic communication materials on climate change and human mobility are developed and disseminated

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgment and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Respect for Diversity • Vision • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, consisting of more than 7,000 islands. The three main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The country is a unique blend of eastern and western cultures, with Filipino and English as its official languages. Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and the center of the country’s economic and cultural activities. It is also the base for the national offices of a wide range of UN agencies and international and national NGOs. IOM’s office is located in the vibrant Makati City. Entitlements of National UN Volunteer include Entry Lump Sum Allowance (USD400), Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) for the UN Volunteer category in Manila, Philippines, at about USD896 (*) paid in local currency equivalent; Insurance Coverage (Comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance); Annual Leave of 2.5 days per month; Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources; and Exit Lump Sum Allowance (1-month VLA/12 months) payable upon successful completion of the assignment. For further information on the full entitlements, please refer to the Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers (COS) at app.unv.org/explore *Calculators - UVP UNV VLA will be specified when the Offer of UN Volunteer assignment is issued.