Community Liaison Officer (P)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in over 100 countries and has a diverse workforce that reflects the global nature of its mission. The organization emphasizes inclusivity and actively encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals from non-represented member countries.

Job Overview:
The Community Liaison Officer (P) position is crucial for engaging with refugee communities and ensuring effective communication and accountability between IOM and these populations. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Community Accountability Coordinator and will be responsible for counseling refugees, monitoring trends, and advocating for the delivery of services to refugee populations. This role requires proactive engagement with diverse groups of refugees to identify gaps in communication and to enhance existing mechanisms and processes. The officer will also contribute to the establishment of conflict resolution mechanisms as part of IOM’s commitment to Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP). The position involves regular visits and contact with refugees, providing tailored care and services, and supporting staff in building positive relationships with refugee communities. The officer will also play a key role in community engagement activities, information dissemination, and monitoring host community dynamics to foster peaceful coexistence between refugees and local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage with diverse groups of refugees to identify gaps in communication and accountability, providing feedback to relevant units and suggesting solutions.
• Provide support and care for refugees under the case management system, including regular visits and tailored services.
• Support staff in building positive relationships with refugee communities and report any misconduct.
• Contribute to community engagement activities, including information dissemination and general counseling.
• Co-chair regular case management meetings and monthly meetings with the Head of Sub-Offices.
• Provide inputs towards program implementation and monitoring, focusing on effectiveness and social cohesion.
• Maintain communication with program staff to follow up on individual vulnerabilities within the refugee community.
• Contact refugees to obtain information related to resettlement and partner needs.
• Support the promotion of AAP and appropriate communications with communities. 1
• Monitor host community dynamics and facilitate activities for peaceful coexistence. 1
• Perform interpreting and translating duties related to refugees. 1
• Support the implementation of activities by the Refugee Care and Health Care teams. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Language Study, Linguistics, or a related field from an accredited institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience. Training or certification as an interpreter and/or translator in the required language is a distinct advantage. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work effectively within a diverse team, and maintain confidentiality and discretion in their work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Language Study, Linguistics, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with four years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Additional training or certification as an interpreter or translator in the required language will be considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires experience working with asylum seekers or refugees in various environments, including detention, host communities, or refugee camps. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the Asia region, previous interpretation experience, and those who have worked with vulnerable groups providing humanitarian assistance. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multicultural setting is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French, or Spanish) as well as Dari, Farsi, Amharic, Omoro, and/or Pashto is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year with the possibility of extension. It is classified as a professional level position (P-2). Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile, and any offer made is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.