Expedited SVN : Geographic Area Officer (P)

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.

This is an expedited recruitment process, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only. 

Organizational Context and Scope

Beginning on 10 April 2026, Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacted Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), bringing heavy torrential rains and damaging gusts that caused widespread destruction across Chuuk Lagoon and the outer islands. The storm’s slow movement prolonged exposure, resulting in extensive damage to housing, public infrastructure, agriculture, and critical services across several communities in Chuuk State. On 13 April 2026, the FSM declared a State of Emergency, allocated funds from the Disaster Assistance Emergency Fund (DAEF), and requested assistance from the United States Government for disaster relief and humanitarian support, in accordance with the COMPACT agreement. As the USG’s implementing partner, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will support Chuuk with relief efforts and the reconstruction of public facilities and housing. IOM is therefore seeking Geographic Area Managers to coordinate the relief and emergency response activities in Chuuk.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and Head of Programme in Pohnpei, FSM, the Geographic Area Officer will be responsible and accountable for supporting programme implementation within the designated operational area. The role will support the implementation of IOM relief and reconstruction operations in line with IOM policies, standards and commitments across target geographic locations. Working with the Emergency Response Coordinator, Chuuk Head of Sub-Office and Programme Managers, the Geographic Area Officer will support programme implementation by facilitating programme deliverables, supporting logistical arrangements, maintaining liaison with relevant stakeholders, and providing field-level operational inputs. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Humanitarian Affairs, Law, International Relations, Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Management, 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

• Experience in humanitarian response, complex and post-conflict emergency operations at an international level;

• Experience in liaison with the government authorities, donors, national and international institutions and multi-stakeholders;

• Experience in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation;

• Experience working in the Pacific Region; and,
• Previous experience as Area Manager an added advantage.

Skills

• Experience in fields related to IOM emergency programming including emergency coordination, Food/NFI/Shelter, CCCM, DTM, protection, transition & recovery, or preparedness and response;

• Experience working on USG-funded projects is an added advantage;

• Experience working in post-conflict /emergency operations;

• Ability to support the implementation of multiple activities and work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;

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• Ability to work well under pressure and in difficult conditions;

• Good communication and negotiation skills, project development skills, and ability to draft clearly and concisely; and,

• A high degree of computer literacy.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

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.

Notes

This vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment 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 all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE 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.