Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) (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 numerous countries around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration management and humanitarian response.

Job Overview:
The Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) plays a crucial role in providing advice and supporting the implementation of institutional policy from Headquarters (HQ) in Country Offices (COs) across the region. This position involves oversight, quality control, and thematic expertise to ensure consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming. The specialist contributes to thought leadership on saving lives and protecting individuals on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration. The role also includes identifying regional opportunities and risks, fostering knowledge sharing, encouraging policy and research development, and supporting cross-thematic collaboration internally. Externally, the specialist offers advocacy, policy, and technical program recommendations to regional entities, Member States, and relevant migration forums, acting as the go-to source for humanitarian response and recovery expertise and guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit in delivering regular thematic guidance and technical support to COs in the contextualization of the Strategic Plan.
• Assist and provide strategic advice to the DRD for Operations by articulating IOM's Strategic Plan to external stakeholders or in forums, discussions, and platforms.
• Lead the delivery of technical assistance on thematic and cross-cutting priorities based on identified or requested needs in collaboration with HQ and COs.
• Provide thematic training and capacity building to COs and RO staff as well as external partners.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with a diverse range of regional actors, including donors, UN, private sector, and Member States.
• Advocate programmatic priorities with new and traditional donors, including the private sector.
• Facilitate the project development and reporting process through technical inputs, review, approval, and endorsement.
• Hold regular discussions with CO thematic focal points to assess challenges, opportunities, and trends.
• Provide oversight and support to COs on the identification, management, and treatment of risks. 1
• Promote the use of cash-based modalities in line with IOM's global strategies. 1
• Contribute to and facilitate the use of knowledge sharing platforms and disseminate innovative practices. 1
• Provide thematic support and recommendations on regional and country-level policies. 1
• Analyze and disseminate thematic data to inform strategic planning and programming. 1
• Convene and maintain a community of practice for thematic focal points in COs. 1
• Lead engagement in inter-regional, continental, and multi-country initiatives. 1
• Promote, integrate, and mainstream cross-cutting priorities in all areas of DHRR’s work. 1
• Manage the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit, overseeing the delivery of the Unit’s responsibilities. 1
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response and recovery, project development and management, thematic capacity building, and liaison.
• Minimum five years of experience working in non-OECD countries managing humanitarian response and recovery projects.
• Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions, and civil society.
• Experience working in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, United Nations, or government.
• Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building on humanitarian response and recovery.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields is acceptable if accompanied by at least nine years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires a demonstrated level of experience in humanitarian response and recovery, with a focus on project development and management, thematic capacity building, and effective liaison with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience working in non-OECD countries managing humanitarian response and recovery projects. Additionally, experience in advocacy, resource mobilization, and working with governmental and diplomatic officials, as well as civil society, is essential. Experience in international organizations, including the United Nations, is also required, along with a proven track record in capacity building related to humanitarian response and recovery.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, both oral and written. IOM’s official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and all staff members must be fluent in one of these languages. Working knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish is considered an advantage. The proficiency of required languages will be specifically 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 at the P-4 grade level and is a professional recruitment type. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. The 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 for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff members in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.