Context/Reporting line:

Following the end of hostilities against ISIS, the return of approximately 3.6 million Iraqis is threatened by the large presence of debris, heavy damage to community infrastructure and destroyed shelter. The work of the Return and Recovery Unit within IOM Iraq is to remove these initial obstacles to return and lay the foundation for longer-term recovery, economic development and peacebuilding programming.

The Area of Responsibility will be the Ninewa Governorate with travel to other governorates as required. Based in Mosul, the National Durable Solutions Officer and Team Leader will be expected to maintain a constant field presence within this Area of Responsibility.

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission (COM), the overall supervision of the Head, Return and Recovery Unit and Senior Programme Coordinator, the administrative supervision of Head of Sub Office (HoSO) and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, in close coordination with the National Operations Officer and under the technical support of the Durable Solutions Officer, the “National Durable Solutions Officer & Team Leader” will support return activities taking place in the Ninewa governorate both in camps and areas of origin.

Based out of and the IOM Mosul office, with constant visits to the different communities throughout Ninewa and camp sites including missions to other governorates as they relate to returns in NInewa, the position will implement return operations and coordinate relationships with stakeholders across the governorate and follow the same channel of reporting in the unit. The position will be responsible for overseeing all durable solutions field operations and be responsible for the direct line management of both DS Senior Field Associates as well as DS Field Associates.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Overseeing assigned durable solution staff and provide constant operational guidance on workplans and population engagement in camps, areas of displacement and areas of origin.
2. In coordination with the CE and DS programme coordinator and technical team, support and supervise the DS field associates(s) and other relevant field staff in all activities related to the return and reintegration project in areas of displacement and in areas of return located within Ninewa – including, but not limited to: sensitization, registration , coordination, referrals, monitoring and evaluation.
3. Assist in the implementation of all operational activities in the governorates within the Area of Responsibility, focusing on the IOM Return File but offering additional support as requested to other IOM programmes in the area of responsibility.
4. Support field-based teams in the identification of locations, projects and beneficiaries within the Area of Responsibility by conducting field visits with relevant team members and community structures to assess the needs of the locations, report on existing and planned interventions and resources, and analyze desired impact of project activities.
5. Demonstrate excellent leadership skills while monitoring field staff productivity and provide constructive feedback and supervise attendance and adherence of IOM standards.
6. Support review of reports and analysis on return areas to conduct rapid assessments and activity implementation based on return trends.
7. Liaise with technical specialists within IOM regarding implementation of community-planning and project selection methodology, shelter and livelihood activities, and Community Service Projects (formerly known as QIPs) to incorporate best practices and ensure compliance with IOM’s procedures related to general activity implementation.
8. Conduct outreach and participate in forums held by national, regional and local government entities, UN Agencies, NGOs, and other parties within the Area of Responsibility to facilitate project implementation, create partnerships and ensure proper coordination and information sharing.
9. Assist management to ensure that responsibilities are carried out effectively and efficiently by field-based teams, reporting any substantiated staff performance concerns and recommendations for improvement or corrective action.
10. Pro-actively offer suggestions and advice to management regarding improvements in implementation and procedures and initiate such improvements as requested.
11. Assist in the recording and documentation of field activities to provide information to support units within IOM related to donor liaison, project development and public information / press outreach.
12. Ensure community participation in feedback mechanisms and expression accountability to populations during project planning and implementation. Develop creative community engagement approaches for affected populations.
13. Demonstration of complex problem solving and an ability to think critically and creatively whilst in the field and under potentially sensitive circumstances.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by supervisor(s).

Education:

• Master’s degree in political science, Migration Studies, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution or
• University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience and Skills:

• Experience in managing several types of community-based projects.
• Experience in interventions aimed at supporting area-based community recovery.
• Experience in liaising with government authorities, other national/international technical counterparts and NGOs, and building effective partnerships.
• Proven ability to supervise, coach, and direct staff and manage operations in transitional / postconflict contexts.
• Strong communication and ability to facilitate two-way dialogue and engagement with both team and community members, ability to work and employ interpersonal skills.
• Extensive experience in team management and development.Previous working experience in Iraq or the Middle East and Northern Africa region is advantageous.
• Willing to conduct constant travel within the Area of Responsibility
• Proficiency in office applications, including Work, Excel and email literacy.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
• Kurdish and/or minority languages spoken in Iraq is advantageous.

Behavioral Competencies

• Work prioritization and ability to multitask.
• Shares knowledge and experience.
• Positive, constructive attitude.
• Ability to work and act under pressure with discretion in politically sensitive environment with a minimum of comfort.
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
• Ready to work independently, under tight deadlines.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment with a positive attitude.
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
• Strives for supportive working environment and positive working relationship.
• Creates a respectful office environment free of harassment, retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).

While this vacancy is open to both Internals and Externals, priority shall be given to qualified Internal applicants.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this link:

https://vacancies.my-soc.org/apply.php?job=20201112141353&token=d5sLkDZhVvG9arQqHji8nyUIS

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly completed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.