Project Officer (Counter Trafficking) at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

International Organization for Migration (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 andnon-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for thebenefit 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 (Counter Trafficking)

Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria
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

• Since the beginning of 2014, north-east Nigeria has witnessed an increase in violence perpetrated by non-State armed groups (NSAGs), causing a major humanitarian crisis. The intensification of attacks has resulted in prolonged insecurity, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable civilians, and triggering waves of forced displacement as well as the violation of human rights. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the already dire living conditions and the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in north-east Nigeria rose from 7.9 million at the beginning of 2020 to 10.6 million. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Round 33, dated August 2020, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased to over 2.1 million. For those displaced and affected by the crisis, the situation on the ground remains critical as the majority of them still heavily rely on humanitarian assistance. These populations face grave protection risks and abuse such as exploitation, family separation, restrictions on freedom of movement and violence, including gender-based violence (GBV). Vulnerabilities are exacerbated by pre-existing and emergency induced problems faced by the affected population, in particular for the more vulnerable sub-groups.
• Globally, IOM’s operations are mandated to safeguard the dignity and well-being of all crisis-affected persons, especially women and girls, and aims to ensure that their equitable access to services is prioritized, integrated and coordinated across all IOM crisis operations.
• Furthermore, As part of its protection response, IOM’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) unit is implementing the project “Strengthening Response Mechanisms and Accountability to Gender Based Violence in North East Nigeria” in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe State, and seeking a Protection Officer for its implementation, including capacity building.
• Under the overall supervision of the Head of Sub-Office in Maiduguri (Emergency Response) and the direct supervision of the MHPSS Programme Manager in Maiduguri, and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialists (RTSs) based in Dakar, Senegal, the successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with the implementation, monitoring and effective coordination of the counter-trafficking projects and activities.
• They will also support in maintaining contact with relevant government authorities and technical partners, to enhance IOM’s presence in the humanitarian community in addressing the risk factors of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and exploitation among affected populations.
• Activities will be carried out in coordination with the United Nations (UN) humanitarian response system, and especially the protection sector working group as well as government counterparts such as National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Support the overall implementation of the mission’s counter-trafficking and victim protection activities and the development of new ones especially in North East Nigeria. Monitor and track the financial, administrative and technical oversight of projects to ensure adherence to IOM’s policies, practices and global standards on counter-trafficking (particularly focusing on the victim-centred response) as well as relevant requirements, guidelines and grant agreements regarding the issue of trafficking in persons.
• Coordinate daily project activities and participate actively in training development and delivery. Communicate and follow up with appropriate IOM units and field offices, including in relation with psychosocial activities, IOM counter-trafficking and other vulnerable groups regular programmes on-going in the Mission.
• Promote dialogue, information-sharing and cooperation among Government and non-governmental actors on IOM’s priority areas for cooperation. Monitor the protection needs of the victims of trafficking, their families and communities and coordinate systematic reporting.
• Collect and report critical information related to counter-trafficking activities/stakeholders or existing plans in North East, Plateau, Kaduna and Niger states.
• Assist with the integration of victim protection related variables into assessments and tools used by IOM (such as DTM) and coordinate their analysis and treatment within IOM and other key protection actors.
• Implement victim protection strategies, notably identification, referral and assistance activities for children (special focus on unaccompanied and separated children), victims of human trafficking and exploitation, victims of gender-based violence and/or other survivors of violence, exploitation and abuse, in coordination with other colleagues and concerned protection actors.
• Coordinate project staff as well as consultants recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.
• Participate in protection focused seminars and other meetings of governmental and non-governmental entities, as requested.
• Draft regular reports covering counter-trafficking and protection activities; prepare inputs for briefings, statistical/narrative reports and background information as required including specific information requested by Governments and other entities.
• Liaise with IOM Regional Office on project development opportunities linking counter-trafficking to other programme areas.
• Provision of technical support to NAPTIP in North East Nigeria, particularly on counter-trafficking in emergencies. This will include provision of support in strengthening their data base.
• Identify key areas of research on TIP and implement strategies to reduce risks factors for affected people to be trafficked in North East Nigeria.
• Undertake duty travels, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master’s Degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations or International affairs, Human Rights, Law, migration studies 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:

• Experience in project implementation or programme development;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and NGOs;
• Working experience in the region is an asset.

Skills:

• Good knowledge of project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and practices;
• Good level of computer literacy, including database applications;
• Ability to supervise staff and coordinate administrative activities;
• Ability to formulate relevant programmatic inputs;
• Ability to work quickly and accurately and pay attention to detail;
• Willingness to assist efficiently in a very busy project environment;
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to analyses complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Excellent general analytical skills;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

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 is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French, Spanish, and Hausa 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
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.

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 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.

Application Closing Date
1st February, 2022.