Senior Programme Assistant – Berbera, Somaliland

SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title: Senior Programme Assistant

Vacancy Number: SVN/IOMSO/005/2020

Duty Station: Berbera, Somaliland

Classification: General Service, Grade G6**

Type of Appointment: Short term, six months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 15 April, 2020

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. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:

Somalia is characterized by a complex migration crisis caused by conflict, natural disasters and a general lack of opportunities. Both conflict and natural disasters have led to the displacement of millions of people, both internally and across international borders, resulting in approximately 1 million refugees in the region and 1.1 internally displaced persons. Further, an unknown number of migrants and refugees have also left the country towards Europe and the Middle East, as well as to Southern Africa. The situation in Somalia remains volatile with recurring drought and floods and an ongoing conflict between the Federal Government of Somalia with Al-Shabaab as well as inter-clan conflicts. While the situation in Somaliland is more stable, the recent drought and influx of returnees from Yemen, as well as the large number of IDPs pose a strain on the government’s capacity to respond.

Recent gains in stability, political development and a changing environment in the neighboring countries, however, have led to an increasing number of Somalilanders/Somalis returning to their country, leading to an increasing need to improve the coping capacities of return areas but also opening up opportunities for recovery, as many returnees have skills that are direly needed in Somaliland. The potential closure of Dadaab further highlights the need for comprehensive return and reintegration programming. The conflict in Yemen has further also led to significant return of Somalilanders/Somalis who require support. Durable solutions of IDPs are increasingly on the agenda within the framework of recovery and stabilization.

The selected Senior Programme Assistant – Migrant Protection and Assistance Division (MPA) based in Berbera, will support with the MPA National Project Officer with both programmatic and administrative tasks in Berbera to support the successful implementation of activities within the framework of MPA portfolio

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager – MPA, the direct supervision of the National Project Officer – MPA, based in Hargeisa, and in close cooperation and coordination with other Programme units, in particular Migrant Health Division (MHD), the incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Provide specialized assistance in the planning, implementation and monitoring of Migrant Protection and Assistance Division activities in Berbera, and surrounding areas. Provide inputs for proposals and donor reports on MPA portfolio to the MPA National Programme Officer and MPA Programme Officer/Manager. Support the coordination and implementation with all MPA activities, with a focus on the return of Somalis and facilitated Assisted Spontaneous Returnees (ASR), and self-Spontaneous Arrivals (SA) from Yemen by providing reception and onward transportation assistance. Coordinate with local and regional Government and inform/update them on IOM activities/programming, etc. Coordinate, organize and participate in assessments and field missions related to MPA activities. Represent the unit in internal and external meetings as assigned by the MPA National Programme Officer and/or the MPA Programme Officer/Manager in Hargeisa and/or Mogadishu. Act main focal point for Yemen returns tracking sheet numbers and database for both Berbera (Somaliland), and Bossaso (Puntland) and provide monthly reports to MPA National Programme Officer, and MPA Information Management Officer in Mogadishu. Coordinate daily activities with seconded MoH medical team to IOM health clinic in Berbera, Somaliland. Keep track of financial spending on assigned activities. Provide inputs to procurement plans and ensure procurement for assigned activities is completed in a timely fashion Provide inputs for tenders, calls for proposals, agreements and other project relevant documents with regards to MPA portfolio. Monitor work of local implementing partners and sub-contractors and report back to the MPA National Programme Officer/MPA Programme Officer/Manger. Continuously monitor to assess the progress of project implementation and recommend action to the MPA National Programme Officer in Hargeisa. Provide inputs to project reports and project updates Undertake duty travels as needed. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited academic institution, preferably in Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations and/or Law, or an equivalent combination of training with four years’ experience: or

High School Diploma in the above fields with six years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

Four years of work experience (or six years for candidates holding school diploma) in the field of migration issues, specifically in project design, management and implementation in the areas of Migrant Protection and Assistance Division (MPA).

Experience in project development, monitoring, and reporting.

Technically competent on writing, documentation and data management.

Good knowledge of Computer skills; MS Office (Outlook, Access and Excel).

Languages

Fluency in English and Somali is required.

Required 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 and 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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.