National Program Officer

Position Title: National Program Officer / Head Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction Department

Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Classification: NOB-1
Type of Appointment: One Year Fixed Term, with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

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 environment. Applications from qualified female candidates are especially encouraged. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a fixed-term or short-term graded or
ungraded contract and staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP).

United Nations- International Organization for Migration is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture amongst others. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups are encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

United Nations, International Organization for Migration has a zero-tolerance against Sexual exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH). Everyone is responsible for preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), and all UN personnel must adhere to the standards of conduct that preserves PSEA principles (both during work hours and outside work hours). All selected candidates will, therefore, go through a safe hiring process.

Context:

As the leading inter-governmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration since 1951, IOM plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through different areas of intervention that connect both humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development, for migrants and their communities. Migration brings significant benefits in the form of skills, strengthening the labour force, investment and cultural diversity. It supports growth by contributing to the improvement of communities in countries of origin through the transfer of skills and financial resources.
IOM contributes to the government of Nepal’s efforts to manage migration more effectively through a wide range of projects aligned to IOM’s Migration Governance Framework (MiGOF), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), partnering with Governments, Civil Society, Private Sector and academia
IOM Nepal has been working to promote a comprehensive, evidence and rights-based approach to migration in the context of environmental degradation, climate change and disasters for the benefit of migrants and societies in addition to projects supporting Labour Mobility; Migrant Assistance & Protection; Migration and Development, Refugee Resettlement, Migration and Health and Emergency Response.
This position will manage the overall Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction related projects in the mission. Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Chief of Mission and in close coordination with the Thematic Specialists based in the Regional Office and Geneva, the Head of MECR will manage the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of MECR activities at country level and contribute to project development.
In close contact with the programme partner agencies, the Head of MECR will also ensure coordination and articulation of Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction related initiatives on a multi-stakeholder level, liaising with the operational teams at UN agencies and relevant national and sub-national entities also working on migration, climate change and disaster risk reduction and management related fields.

The Head of MECR will also work in close coordination with the Chief of Mission and the Regional Thematic Specialists at the ROAP in designing new projects in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework strategic priority 3: Environment Sustainability, Climate and Disaster Resilience. The Officer will work closely with IOM Nepal PMs in developing and implementing the IOM Nepal strategy and create synergies among projects to the extent possible.

The coordination and articulation of the initiatives on a multi-stakeholder level, liaising with the relevant national and sub-national entities and UN agencies are considered critical to the alignment of national and sub-national initiatives as well as improved support and coordination between local and national governments in target countries. This is necessary for the sustainability and improved development impact of the programme.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support COM in the planning, implementation and expansion of Migration, Environment, Climate change and Risk Reduction related projects at country level and in line with the regional strategy With the support of the Chief of Mission, coordinate with national, provincial and local governments in implementing projects and to support stakeholders’ commitment to projects activities.

• Support the COM in the designing of new projects in line with UNSDCF Strategic Priority Area 3: Environment Sustainability, Climate and Disaster Resilience. Coordinate with government counterparts, project managers in the mission and IOM specialists in ROAP and Headquarters in conceptualization of ideas.
• With the support of COM, coordinate the smooth implementation of projects namely- Strengthening Institutional Knowledge and Capacity of Provincial and Local Governments to Embark on Disaster Risk Management Actions and Implementation (SIKAI) Project and Nepal: Promoting a Human Security and Gender Equality Based Approach to Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and Adaptation to Climate Change.
• Assist COM to Develop, finalize and manage the implementation of Regional Project on Migration, Environment and Climate Change and work in close coordination with other missions in the region namely India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives.
• In coordination with COM, the IOM experts in ROAP and Headquarters, formulate and implement a capacity building plan for actors at local, provincial and national levels to support the good delivery of migration, environment, climate change and risk reduction projects activities.
• Work with IOM experts in Headquarters for implementing the pilot initiatives in integrating Disability and Inclusion on DRR projects.
• With guidance from COM, support the lead ministry(ies) at the federal and provincial level for the mapping of Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) related activities by cluster members and in integration of CCCM cluster specific activities in Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan annually.
• Provide targeted support for rolling out programme activities at local level.

2. Assist COM in the reach out to all stakeholders working on Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) and between local/national/regional stakeholders to increase programme’s outreach

• Facilitate a decentralized approach to programme management through engagement with UNCT to foster inter-agency cooperation and creation of synergies between activities of the UNCT and the programme;
• Assist COM and carry out duties and update information as mission’s focal point for DTM, CBI, CCCM, Shelter, Early Warning Initiatives, when required.
• Support the identification of activities led by joint UN programming on MECR;
• Support the conduction of capacity building activities for the Government of Nepal to facilitate the mainstreaming of MECC within the work of Government of Nepal inline with UNSDCF and IOM MECC strategy;
• Provide support in mapping, reaching out, mobilizing and creating synergies with existing networks of local government authorities at national and provincial level;
• Build or strengthen strategic alliances of local and national governments with civil society organization, universities, academia, social entities, the private sector and other local stakeholders on MECR;
• Assure close contact, coordination, information exchange and reporting with donor and build synergies with other activities funded by the donor;
• Coordinate and strengthen all alliances with all key stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels to increase programme impact, visibility and performance;
• Communicate with stakeholders and IOM relevant offices in order to consolidate outreach strategies vis-à-vis national, local authorities in the target countries and at global level.

3. Support the documentation of best experiences and policy recommendations

• Work in close coordination with the IOM Publications Unit in finalizing the publications on MECR.
• In close liaison with the IOM ROAP and Headquarters, consolidate the results coming out of the monitoring and evaluation of the funded initiatives in the target countries;
• Collect lessons learnt and good practices and provide support in the drafting of lessons learnt documents;
• Disseminate lessons learnt and good practices with IOM offices;
• In partnership with the relevant units of IOM, plan and organize peer to peer knowledge exchange and study visits between target countries.

4. Administrative and logistical support

• Organize and coordinate meetings with partner agencies, national, provincial and local governments, civil society organizations, social entities, universities and other relevant actors and report on progress made and decision-making processes
• Provide meeting reports and disseminate ideas and conclusions to all stake-holders
• Other administrative tasks as needed

5. Monitoring and Evaluation of progress of interventions

• Implement a risk management framework to the monitoring and evaluation process
• Ensure correct budget expenditure of approved initiatives
• Ensure correct and timely implementation of initiatives that are coherent with objectives established
• Closely monitor initiatives in order to highlight and provide support in the implementation of any changes or adjustments necessary for the success of the initiatives in view of any unexpected obstacles or issues that may arise.
• Inform COM and IOM relevant units of any and all changes, progress and incidents at all times
• File regular monitoring and evaluation reports to the relevant units of IOM

6. In coordination with COM Provide technical inputs and strategic support to the government on Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction and contribute to the broader goal of the Government towards the development of a resilient nation.

7. Perform other duties as maybe assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree, preferably in disaster management; migration studies; development studies or related field with two years of relevant professional experience.
  OR,
• Bachelor’s degree preferably in disaster management; migration studies; development studies with four years of relevant work experience.

Experience

• Experience on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Environment and Climate Change, Conflict Management, Internal Displacement with emphasis on policy, strategy and programme design and implementation.
• International experience as well as experience with an international development organization or a reputable non-governmental organisation would be a distinct advantage.
• Substantive knowledge and experience in project management exclusively into project development, project implementation and monitoring & evaluation.
• Experience of working with key Ministries and Government institutions at the all three government spheres.
• Experience in working effectively with stakeholders including UN entities, development partners, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country or regional objectives.
• Experience on institutionalization of various knowledge products and its outreach
• Knowledge on donor liasing, coordination and reporting
•  Ability to work under pressure under minimum supervision

Skills

• Knowledge on computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office package (Office, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) is mandatory. Additional skill interms of research packages would be an advantage. .
• Good database management skills & Report writing skills.
• Leadership skills
• Communication and coordination skills

Languages

Fluency in English and Nepali (oral and written).

Desirable

Working knowledge of other local language is desirable.

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.

• 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 leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

How to apply:

Interested Candidates are requested to submit their application indicating clearly the position applied, VN number and CV with three references to the following address: Human Resource Department, International Organization for Migration, P.O. Box 25503, Baluwatar, Kathmandu or email to iomnepaljobs@iom.int by 30 July 2023. Only short-listed candidates will be called for interview.

Posting period:
From 17.07.2023 to 30.07.2023

Tagged as: IOM, Kathmandu, NGO INGO, Program Officer