Position Title: Programme and Communications Officer (IOM GSAC)
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
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: 18 April 2023
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:
- Internal candidates
- Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; 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:
Staff members of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are invited to join the IOM Global Staff Association (GSA), which is represented by a democratically elected Global Staff Association Committee (GSAC) The GSA/GSASC aim to safeguard the rights and advocate for the interests of IOM staff members globally, both collectively and individually, particularly by promoting the improvement of employment conditions, career development and staff welfare in a broad sense. The democratically elected GSAC formally represents staff interests with the IOM Administration in collective discussions dealing with personnel policy. GSAC works to resolve issues arising between IOM staff members and the Administration.
Under the direct supervision of the elected GSAC Chairperson, as well as through engagement with the elected GSAC Regional Representatives, and as part of the GSAC Secretariat, the
Programme and Communications Officer (IOM Global Staff Association Committee, GSAC) will provide support in the following broad areas:
- Development of programme-specific documents and communication materials.
- Collection of data to be used for reports, advocacy efforts, monitoring and keeping track of activities and performance.
- Organisation and coordination of meetings and events; and 4) Supervision of the work of a GSAC intern.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Support the GSAC Chairperson in the coordination and implementation of GSAC’s work plan by drafting programme-specific documents and providing support to the implementation of activities. Keep track of progress and performance in relation to relevant plans and indicators to help ensure tangible results are achieved and the planning of future activities.
- Support GSAC’s outreach activities and the planning, content, design, and dissemination of communication and information materials (such as info sheets, newsletters, infographics, and video content) for fellow IOM staff members, notably the IOM GSA members, to inform them about GSAC’s work and to further mobilize their active participation and help them better understand and defend their rights.
- Support appropriate coordination and information flow between the GSAC Chairperson, the Bureau, Regional Representatives, and the Secretariat as well as National Staff Association Committees (NSACs) so that a common vision and approach can be developed globally.
- Help collect and consolidate feedback from GSAC members during policy consultations and coordination on documents sent by the Administration for inputs. Conduct ad-hoc research activities and prepare short analyses related to conditions of service and staff representation in order to provide information to the Committee and its subcommittees. Draft documents required for advocacy purposes and meetings. Keep track and maintain online records of advocacy efforts and other relevant documentation.
- Coordinate GSAC meetings (such as AGM, EGM, JAGSAC), events, and webinars by drafting content documents including presentations, position papers, talking points, concept notes, training materials. Draft the GSAC annual narrative report, agendas and any other relevant documents and reports. Carry out ad-hoc desk research work to be used in bilateral meetings, as requested by the GSAC Chairperson.
- Facilitate communication with other units and departments in the context of GSAC’s advocacy efforts. Contribute to the development of tools including surveys and provide logistical support (organizing staff webinars and selecting staff to be interviewed for the collection of qualitative data).
- Organise recruitment processes for consultants, interns and short-term staff required in the lead up to events and support the Chairperson in the supervision of such staff for the duration of their assignments by providing guidance.
- Help strengthen relations with the network of IOM National Staff Association Committees (NSACs) by providing inputs for the development of guidance documents and training materials for existing ones, and by facilitating the communication flow with GSAC HQ to assist in raising awareness of issues affecting national staff locally and in strengthening front-line assistance mechanisms.
- Backstop the GSAC Administrative Assistant during times of absence including monitoring GSAC’s individual case management system and assigning colleagues for follow up as well as responding to members’ requests for information.
- Undertake duty travel.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Master’s degree in Law, Political Sciences, International Relations, 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
- A minimum of two years (four years for bachelor’s degree holder) of progressively responsible experience in programme work in related to personnel management, conflict resolution or a related area of relevance for the work of a staff association;
- Experience in liaising with a variety of different stakeholders;
- Experience in writing and developing reports, position papers, and communication materials;
- Proven experience in facilitating meetings, training events, etc.;
- Proven experience in carrying out research and data analysis with the ability to integrate information from varied sources into clear conclusions and recommendations and related documentation;
- Work experience in a staff association of the United Nations (UN) system a distinct asset.
Skills
- Knowledge of the staff associatons of the United Nations system;
- Knowledge of the Unified Staff Regulations and Rules and main IOM policies, instructions, and guidelines of interest to staff;
- Research and analytical skills.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Notes
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 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 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 actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
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.