Project Officer (ICRS) at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Officer (ICRS) (P2)

SVN No.: SVN2019/38(P)
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, Six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context
In response to requests for support by civilian and military branches of the Government of Nigeria (GoN) to assist their efforts in de-escalating the Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa in Lake Chad Basin conflict, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is developing an approach building on concepts of 3rd Generation Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), as well as IOM’s long-standing operational assistance to similar processes, including in Somalia. The current approach features Demobilization and Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) for Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa (BH/ISIS-WA) former fighters, associates and victims, including those caught up in related security operations.

This approach capitalizes on IOM’s longstanding operational experience to integrate various elements of legal, protection, prevention, stabilization, victims’ assistance and peace building know-how throughout four key pillars of work:

• Assessment and Context Analysis to inform the development of policies, legal and operational frameworks;
• ‘Upstream’ Government Support including development and implantation of vetting systems, capacity building for government service providers and direct assistance to transitional facilities working with ‘low risk’ individuals;
• Individual Case Management and Referral Services; and
• Community-based Peace building, Reconciliation and Reintegration.

These four pillars cover the broad areas of work required to establish a scalable system of support which will support government counterparts, victims of the conflict including communities, as well as those wishing to disengage or disassociate from BH/ISIS-WA and the conflict.

The IOM DDRR program currently in place in Nigeria is supporting the Government of Nigeria in its efforts to create legal, policy and operational frameworks which facilitate positive ‘off-ramping’ options for individuals seeking to separate from BH/ISIS-WA. However, it is key for the success of the DDRR programme in the region to also assist the Government of Nigeria in designing and implementing a successful reintegration process, including direct support for those who entered a disassociation/reinsertion program such as Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), for individuals currently detained in civilian centres or who remain within military custody, but who will return to conflict-affected communities.

Therefore, IOM aims to implement in Nigeria its models and technical skills in supporting Governments with individual case management, with an initial first step special focus on the 95 low-risk former combatants/defectors that just graduated from Gombe Transition Centre and are returning to their communities in North-East Nigeria. IOM is willing to expand this work to future upcoming individuals to be graduated from Gombe and additional transitional centers where low risk former associated to ISIS WA – BH follow reinsertion programmes.

Scope of Work

• Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (DDDR), technical supervision of the Regional Information Counseling and Referral Service (ICRS) Manager, and overall supervision of the DDRR Programme Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting in developing and setting up as well for the direct field implementation of the Information,
• Counselling and Referral Services System in Nigerian Transition Centers for Reinsertion programmes as well as in communities of return, addressed to Low risk Boko Haram associates in Nigeria, in direct support to the Military and Civilian management authorities of the centers, as well as state and local civilian authorities and communities, with potential expansion to different geographical areas and centers in Nigeria.
• This ICRS Project will include the following aspects:
  • Information: including socio-economic/demographic profiling and the management of a reintegration database (registration and profiling) and information management system including the support in designing and effective implementation of periodic risk assessment protocols;
  • Counselling: for program participants and their host families to address psychosocial needs and provide vocational guidance;
  • Referral mechanism to link former combatants with skills training, education and job opportunities based on their backgrounds, ambitions and special needs.
• The system will be followed by its effective implementation.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Support the design / scale up and implementation of ICRS project to respond to individual case management for reintegration of Former ISIS WA and Boko Haram low-profile associates in Nigeria, eligible for reinsertion programmes in transition centers and during their return back to the communities
• Direct Implementation of the ICRS project with a specific initial target of 250 low profile male adult ISIS WA and BH associates from Gombe Operation Safe corridor rehabilitation center (85 among them already graduated, released and currently in a transition center in Maiduguri), plus 600 adult women who were already released and are back to the communities
• Support in the identification, set up and roll out for material, financial and human resources needs: for larger project design and implementation (new individuals to join reintegration phase after reinsertion programme in Gombe and including potential expansion to additional caseloads from Gombe and Maiduguri rehabilitation centers)
• Support the Regional ICRS manager and the DDRR Programme Officer exploring potential IOM ways to collaboration at field level: with relevant UN agencies and other key implementing partners to address IOM ICRS system potentially extendable for children and overall link with community reintegration and reconciliation support
• Support the Programme Officer in liaising with relevant Federal and State Government counterparts involved in low profile ISIS and Boko Haram associates’ reinsertion and reintegration programmes for larger planning design, inclusion in National DDRR Action Plan
• and definition of Capacity Building priorities for Nigerian Government officials
• Support the Regional ICRS manager and the DDRR Programme Officer in identifying the links between ICRS information system and the ongoing databases being implemented in screening areas, detention centers and reinsertion facilities
• Assist the Regional ICRS Manager in preparing user manuals and conducting training programs as required
• Provide backstopping for the management of field staff, ICRS administration and finance aspects
• Travel to different field locations as needed
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree in International Relations, Management, Development Studies, Planning, Business Administration 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:

• Reintegration Assistance Programmes; specific management of ICRS programmes is an asset;
• Specific international work experience on DDR programmes, and/or engagement in security sector initiatives will be an advantage;
• Strong knowledge and cultural understanding of the region and conversant on regional politics;
• Experience in project implementation, Capacity Building and Information Management projects;
• Experience in Conflict settings related to Violent Extremism;
• Experience in management of multidisciplinary teams is an asset;
• Knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protocols and experience working in a phase III (or above) security environment;
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to analyses complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Experience in developing and maintaining budgetary disciplines across a wide range of grant activities;
• Experience working with staff from diverse environments and backgrounds;
• Strong general analytical skills;
• Significant reporting and database experience required, preferably with Microsoft Access;
• Experience working within the region an asset;
• Experience living or working in a developing or transitioning country an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Desirable Competencies
Values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible
• 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.

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 action 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 potential
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

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
• 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 security clearances.

Application Closing Date
12th February, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application on your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.