IOM

Call for Applications for UN IOM Policy Officer (ECOWAS)

UN Jobs SpecialistFebruary 19, 2024

0 297 4 minutes read

Deadline : 27 February 2024

Location : Abuja, Nigeria

Background About UN IOM

The overall objective of the programme is to maximize the development potential of free
movement of persons and safe, orderly and regular migration in West Africa in the context of the
regional integration process. This second phase of the FMM programme will build on the
success of the previous EU-funded support toward implementing ECOWAS migration-related
policies and frameworks and improve migration governance in the region through a
multi-stakeholder consortium implementation modality comprised of the International Centre for
Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), under
the lead of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Career 2

Brief Information and Context of the Position

This five-year programme will be implemented at regional, national and local levels within
ECOWAS Member States (MS) and Mauritania, with the main objective of effectively
implementing the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and the ECOWAS Common Approach on
Migration.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM Nigeria, the direct technical
supervision of the Senior Programme Manager (FMM II), in close coordination with the Director
of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, under the Commissioner of Economic
Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, and in collaboration with the Programme’s
Consortium partners, the Policy Officer (ECOWAS) will be responsible for providing technical
support and assistance with migration policy related activities of the European Union (EU) –
funded Programme Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa, phase
II (FMM II)

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the functioning of the programme governance and management structures by
providing technical assistance on the implementation of migration policy related activities of the
programme to the ECOWAS Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism,
in accordance with programme’s workplan.

Facilitate the secretariat of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA), promote the
active role of its working groups and encourage its expertise and activities in the ECOWAS
sub-regional development cooperation frameworks.
Promote ECOWAS and MIDWA’s engagement in international migration related frameworks
such as the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), Global Forum on Migration and Development
(GFMD), among others.
Support the implementation, in coordination with the Consortium partners and Member
States, of the programme’s policy and migration management, border management and Free
Movement components, as well as Information and sensitization activities.
Ensure that monitoring and evaluation frameworks and activities are carried out to support the
overall follow-up of related activities, results and objectives of the programme and ensure the
timely submission of narrative and financial reports, in accordance with the provisions of the
contribution agreement signed between Consortium Partners and the EU.
Ensure regular liaison between IOM, ECOWAS Free Movement Directorate, Committee for
Programme Steering and Coordination (CPSC), EU Delegation (EUD) in Abuja, other ECOWAS
Directorates and Member states, and relevant programme stakeholders.
Facilitate trainings on the Free Movement Protocol and ECOWAS to Member States and key
governmental and non-governmental actors.
Ensure synergies between FMM II and other programs related to free movement of persons
and mobility to maximize impact and avoid duplication of efforts.
Promote and contribute to integrating and mainstreaming gender, protection, human rights
and other pertinent cross-cutting issues into programme implementation.
Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed, in close coordination
with the Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration.
Should be capable of undertaking frequent travels within the sub-region.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Law, Development
Studies, Migration Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two
years of relevant professional experience; or,
University degree or equivalent in the above fields with four years of relevant professional
experience.
Experience
Experience in similar positions of progressive responsibility;

Experience in coordinating complex inter-agency programmes and engaging with multiple
partners and stakeholders;

Experience liaising with regional bodies, governmental authorities, diplomatic missions and
other international/national institutions;
Experience working with migration management related issues (policy, donor liaison,
protection, labour mobility and/or social inclusion);
Previous work experience on migration-related programmes or projects in the Africa’s Regional
Economic Communities (RECs) is an advantage; and,
Previous work experience in the West African Region is an advantage.

Skills

Ability to take responsibility for actions and results, to manage constructive criticism and to
propose solutions to problems;
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a team of colleagues, clients (CSOs, UN
Agencies, among others) and stakeholders (including Government Officials) from varied cultures
and professional backgrounds;
Excellent written and oral communication skills; exceptional interpersonal skills, a focused
listener;
High level of computer literacy (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint);
Ability to independently carry out tasks;
Ability to multi-task and to prioritize required;
Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender
participation;
Knowledge of UN, ECOWAS and bilateral donor programming;
Understanding of the continental integration architecture in Africa and the role of Regional
Economic Communities (RECs) is an advantage; and,
Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with Government and
Non-Governmental counterparts, international organizations, civil society and/or private sector
entities.
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). For this position, fluency in
English 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

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
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