Head of Sub-Office

Position Title : Head of Sub-Office

Duty Station : Cucuta, Colombia

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 14 April 2022

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; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

The ongoing political instability and the deteriorating socioeconomic situation, growing insecurity and violence in Venezuela have led to the largest exodus in Latin America and the Caribbean’s modern history. The main migratory routes are through the borders of Colombia and Brazil although the migration flows are affecting the entire Central and South America. As of 2019, it is officially estimated that approximately 1,447,000 Venezuelans reside in Colombia and this number is expected to grow in 2020.

Since 2016, IOM has been working with the Government of Colombia to address the massive influx of Colombians from Venezuela, many of those previously displaced by the armed conflict. IOM continued to be one of the main respondents to the needs of Venezuelan migrants through the provision of comprehensive assistance services, among others: monitor the mixed migration flows through the IOM Global tool – Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), orientation and referral services; provision of shelter and temporary accommodation, humanitarian transportation, and primary health care; prevention of xenophobia and institutional strengthening. Since 2018, IOM, jointly with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has been leading the Regional Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants that brings together 17 countries and many organizations involved in the holistic coordination efforts.

Under overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Bogota, and direct supervision of Deputy Chief of Mission and in coordination with the Heads of Programmes for Peace and Migration portfolios, Programme Coordinators and support units, the Head of Sub-Office will be responsible and accountable for the overall administration of the IOM Sub-office in the area of Norte de Santander, Colombia as well as the implementation, monitoring and coordination of assigned project/s and related activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In coordination with relevant units in CO, supervise the operational, administrative, and budgetary activities of the sub-office in accordance with the Organization’s regulations and procedures.

2. Support the Programme Managers and Coordinators in the overall implementation of projects and in supervising the day-to-day activities to facilitate compliance with relevant IOM and donors’ policies, procedures, and requirements.

3. In coordination with the Resource Management Unit (RMU) in Bogota and in accordance with the relevant CO directives and instructions, supervise sub-office administration, budget, and local procurement activities.

4. Supervise sub-office staff and ensure timely completion of outputs and activities. Ensure adequate reporting from each section/team to its respective programme manager as well as compilation of weekly reports.

5. Ensure appropriate implementation of IOM’s policies and procedures regarding safety and security, emergency response and post-crisis management.

6. Work closely with the Program Coordinator and Project Managers to ensure progress in implementation of agreed projects’ activities by supervising field teams, maintaining awareness of key program progress, challenges, and deliverables, and communicating these effectively, and ensuring compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

7. Conduct visits to project sites to maintain up-to-date contextual awareness of the sub-office’s operating environment.

8. Carry out technical assessments of programming opportunities for potential funding or resource mobilization in close collaboration with Programme Managers, DCoM and CoM.

9. In close coordination with the DCoM and CoM, maintain liaison with local government, national agencies, donors, and partners, by participating in relevant events and gatherings and regularly consulting and meeting with local government entities and other local stakeholders.

10. Participate in relevant United Nations (UN) coordination mechanisms in close coordination with the DCoM and CoM.

11. Support the DCoM, CoM and Programme Managers by drafting inputs and providing information for the preparation of programme reports, outreach materials, situation reports, media outreach and after-action collation.

12. In close coordination with the local United Nations Department for Safety & Security (UNDSS) and the IOM Staff Security Unit (SSU), monitor compliance with the Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS) of office premises and operational procedures, including activation of the warden system, formulation of an evacuation plan and a business continuity plan and other related preparedness measures.

13. Monitor the implementation of IOM’s policies and procedures regarding emergency response and post-crisis management, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, zero tolerance for corruption, and promotion of a respectful work environment.

14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, Business Administration, Statistics 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

• Field experience in migration and refugee assistance, relief activities targeting Internally

Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, conflict-affected communities and vulnerable migrants;

• Experience in a complex humanitarian emergency or post-conflict environment;

• Experience in project/offices management in emergency environments;

• Management capability and experience in transition and recovery, community stabilization, peacebuilding and social cohesion;

• Previous experiences with IOM and with other UN specialized agencies is an advantage;

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities as well as with national and international institutions;

• Experience in project implementation, scheduling and deployment of resources.

Skills

• Good level of computer literacy (e.g. Powerpoint Presentations, Spreadsheet, etc.);

• Familiarity with financial reports and budget administration.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English and Spanish 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.

Notes

1 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 three 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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 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.