Policy Officer (ECOWAS) at the International Organization for Migration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Policy Officer (ECOWAS)

Location: Abuja
Job Type: Full Time
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Type of Appointment: Special short-term ungraded, 6 months with possibility of extension
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade UG

Context

• Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM Nigeria, the direct technical supervision of the Senior Programme Manager (FMM II), in close coordination with the Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, under the Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, and in collaboration with the Programme’s Consortium partners, the Policy Officer (ECOWAS) will be responsible for providing technical support and assistance with migration policy-related activities of the European Union (EU) - funded Programme Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa, phase II (FMM II). The overall objective of the programme is to maximize the development potential of free movement of persons and safe, orderly and regular migration in West Africa in the context of the regional integration process.
• This second phase of the FMM programme will build on the success of the previous EU-funded support toward implementing ECOWAS migration-related policies and frameworks and improve migration governance in the region through a multi-stakeholder consortium implementation modality comprised of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), under the lead of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Support the functioning of the programme governance and management structures by providing technical assistance on the implementation of migration policy related activities of the programme to the ECOWAS Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, in accordance with programme’s workplan.
• Facilitate the secretariat of the Migration Dialogue for West Africa (MIDWA), promote the active role of its working groups and encourage its expertise and activities in the ECOWAS sub-regional development cooperation frameworks.
• Promote ECOWAS and MIDWA’s engagement in international migration related frameworks such as the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), among others.
• Support the implementation, in coordination with the Consortium partners and Member States, of the programme’s policy and migration management, border management and Free Movement components, as well as Information and sensitization activities.
• Promote and contribute to integrating and mainstreaming gender, protection, human rights and other pertinent cross-cutting issues into programme implementation.
• Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed, in close coordination with the Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration.
• Should be capable of undertaking frequent travels within the sub-region.
• Ensure that monitoring and evaluation frameworks and activities are carried out to support the overall follow-up of related activities, results and objectives of the programme and ensure the timely submission of narrative and financial reports, in accordance with the provisions of the contribution agreement signed between Consortium Partners and the EU.
• Ensure regular liaison between IOM, ECOWAS Free Movement Directorate, Committee for Programme Steering and Coordination (CPSC), EU Delegation (EUD) in Abuja, other ECOWAS Directorates and Member states, and relevant programme stakeholders.
• Facilitate trainings on the Free Movement Protocol and ECOWAS to Member States and key governmental and non-governmental actors.
• Ensure synergies between FMM II and other programs related to free movement of persons and mobility to maximize impact and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Law, Development Studies, Migration Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree or equivalent in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Experience in similar positions of progressive responsibility;
• Experience in coordinating complex inter-agency programmes and engaging with multiple partners and stakeholders;
• Experience liaising with regional bodies, governmental authorities, diplomatic missions and other international/national institutions;
• Experience working with migration management related issues (policy, donor liaison, protection, labour mobility and/or social inclusion);
• Previous work experience on migration-related programmes or projects in the Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs) is an advantage; and,
• Previous work experience in the West African Region is an advantage.

Skills:

• Ability to take responsibility for actions and results, to manage constructive criticism and to propose solutions to problems;
• Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;
• Knowledge of UN, ECOWAS and bilateral donor programming;
• Understanding of the continental integration architecture in Africa and the role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) is an advantage; and,
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a team of colleagues, clients (CSOs, UN Agencies, among others) and stakeholders (including Government Officials) from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; exceptional interpersonal skills, a focused listener;
• High level of computer literacy (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Ability to independently carry out tasks;
• Ability to multi-task and to prioritize required;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with Government and Non-Governmental counterparts, international organizations, civil society and/or private sector entities.

Languages:

• IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages. For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

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:

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• 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.
• 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.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Notes

• Only citizens of ECOWAS Community will be eligible for this position. The successful candidate will be working at the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons’ premises in ECOWAS.
• Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Any offer made to the candidate about this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible. Appointment will be

Application Deadline 27th February 2024.