Vacancy No. IOM-SVN/0078/22

Position Title National Liaison Officer

Duty Station Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Classification NOB

Type of Appointment SVN, Six months with the possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date As soon as possible

Posting Period 27.05.2022 to 10.06.2022

Since 1995, IOM through its Special Liaison Office in Ethiopia has been working in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Union Commission (AUC). IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with the AUC to meet the operational challenges of migration, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and work towards effective respect of the human rights and wellbeing of migrants. The AU-IOM partnership in the area of migration is anchored on AU’s vision of promoting Africa’s political and socio-economic integration and development, and consequently, its positive framing of migration as an effective tool for development. The partnership also recognizes and is geared toward supporting AU’s aspiration of continental integration as stipulated in Agenda 2063 towards an inclusive, broad-based, and sustainable development.

As Africa seeks sustainable development, facilitating the free intracontinental movement of persons will be an essential and key strategy in realizing the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Right of Establishment, a flagship program of the African Union sets out to facilitate the creation of an economic community on the continent through a progressive, phased, implementation of a free movement regime. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 acknowledges that the free movement of persons in Africa is not only an aspiration but also a tool with which other development aspirations can be realized. Free movement of Africans throughout the continent, if implemented incrementally alongside appropriate systems and procedures, can be a positive force for increasing trade, tourism, and industrialization. Each of these sectors generates employment, within and across borders, and strengthens African economies and prospects for a stronger role in the global economy.

On the other hand, the benefits of free movement of persons in the continent need to be coupled with appropriate measures to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable migrants within the context of irregular migration. In unsafe, irregular migration, vulnerable migrants are viewed as commodities to be exploited for financial gain and taken advantage of in the informal economic sectors in dangerous and degrading circumstances. The transgressions involved during irregular migration directly affect the rights of victims to productive employment and decent work, their right to live in a peaceful and inclusive society, and their collective aspiration toward human security, and development.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal & External candidates are eligible to apply for this vacancy.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of Special Liaison Office, and the direct supervision of the Migration Policy Officer, the National Liaison Officer is expected to facilitate stronger partnership between the IOM and AUC towards the effective implementation and review of the Free Movement of Persons Protocol (FMP), and its Implementation Road Map as well as continental policy frameworks, initiatives, and activities geared towards addressing irregular migration in the continent.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Maintain regular liaison with the AUC, and keep abreast of new developments, key activities, on FMP and key continental policy frameworks, ongoing developments, and initiatives to address irregular migration in the continent
2. Maintain contact with relevant IOM officers and experts at HQ, and Regional Offices to keep them updated on ongoing developments relating to the FMP, its Implementation Road Map, and continental dialogue and responses to address irregular migration
3. Foster good working relationships and engagement with relevant stakeholders such as government and non-governmental agencies, donors, and implementing partners towards a coordinated partnership in the implementation and review of the FMP, its Implementation Road Map, as well as initiatives to address irregular migration
4. Maintain a registry of relevant experts and officers in IOM HQ, Regional and Country Offices, AUC, donors, and partners from the UN, CSOs, research institutions, and advocacy groups working in the area of implementation
5. Participate in relevant meetings with the AUC, partners, and relevant stakeholders, and where necessary provide technical support towards conceptualizing and drafting the meeting agenda and relevant documents, and presentations, and produce meeting reports
6. Draft policy briefs, concept notes, sections of project proposals, talking points, opening/closing remarks, reports, and terms of references as it relates to the area of implementation and that is dedicated to promoting migration policy and dialogue at different levels through the collection, analysis, and sharing of relevant information
7. Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings and workshops in coordination with the relevant Resource Management Unit such as Procurement, Finance, HR, Communications Team, Operations, and Transportation
8. Support coordination, planning, and review meetings – both internal and external - with relevant partners and stakeholders as it relates to the area of implementation.
9. Produce regular reports and participate in risk assessment; provide recommendations for addressing existing challenges in the effective implementation of the FMP, its Road Map, as well as continental frameworks and initiatives to address irregular migration
10. In close coordination with the supervisor, support the identification of needs, drafting of project concepts and proposals, donor liaison, and resource mobilization for sustained and targeted support towards the effective implementation of the FMP, its Road Map, as well as continental frameworks and initiatives to address irregular migration
11. Implement activities as per the logical framework of existing projects related to the area of implementation and ensure compliance with IOM as well as donor requirements for financial and technical reporting
12. Ensure coordination of activities with other units in the IOM Special Liaison Office and work towards complementarity and effective team dynamics
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, International Relations, Conflict Studies, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

 Experience:

• Four years of relevant professional experience for master’s holder and nine years’ experience for first degree holders.
• Proven experience working with/within the AUC, UN or for an INGO, or in the field of migration policy and/or other related topics.
• Experience in liaising with the African Union, donors, governmental and non-governmental institutions.
• Good understanding and knowledge of multilateral cooperation, especially with regards to the AUC.

 Skills:

• Demonstrate effective ability to work with a diverse team, teamwork, as well as the ability to work independently
• Excellent communicator both in written and verbal
• Strong report writing skills
• Attention to detail and highly organized, collaborative, and team-oriented 
• High levels of proficiency with Microsoft Excel; proficiency with PowerPoint and Word 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills; ability to think critically and creatively

Languages

• Thorough knowledge of spoken and written English and Amharic is required.
• Working knowledge of French or any other AU language is desirable.

VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values:

• Inclusion & respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity & 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

• 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

• 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: work strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

The 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 neighboring 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 neighboring country located within commuting distance, and a work permit, as applicable.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application/ motivation letter enclosed with only detailed CV written in English through CLICK HERE, on or before June 10, 2022. Please indicate the position title, vacancy number, and the duty station in the subject line of your application letter. (Application for National Liaison Officer, IOM-SVN/0078/22, Addis Ababa). No photocopies of educational/training certificates are required at this stage; an applicant who doesn`t follow the required application procedure will automatically be disqualified from the competition.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We strongly encourage qualified women to apply!