Position Title : Project Officer (Border and Identity Solutions (BIS))
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 27 November 2024
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 work environment. Read more about diversity and
inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female
candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all
IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered
before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.
For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic
Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated
States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia;
Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;
Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.
Context:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and
orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for
migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the
operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage
social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and
well-being of migrants.
The Border and Identity Solutions (BIS) Unit within the Immigration and Border Governance
(IBG) Division offers tailored technical and operational support to Member States to enhance
border governance, considering gender-sensitive and rights-based practices across all activities.
BIS assists Member States in building capacities to effectively manage cross-border
movements, including through tools for registering, monitoring, and streamlining such fluxes.
Through these efforts, the Unit’s work is key to address irregular migration and counter

organized crime, with a focus on migrant smuggling, while ensuring that migrants' rights are
upheld. BIS also addresses critical areas such as integrated border management, alternatives to
detention, and community engagement and policing. These efforts contribute to the
establishment of efficient and secure border systems, promote regional cooperation, and
facilitate accessible pathways for regular migration.
Under the overall supervision of the Head, Immigration and Border Governance Division and
direct supervision of Senior Border & Identity Solutions Specialist, the Project Officer (Border
and Identity Solutions) will carry-out the following duties:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
Counter Migrant Smuggling Portfolio

• Serve as a technical headquarters (HQ) focal point for the development of technical tools,

operational guidance, reports, and other institutional materials that inform targeted interventions
in countering the smuggling of migrants. This includes a focus on the interception, investigation,
disruption, and prosecution of smuggling networks, while integrating rights-based approaches
and protection elements into IOM's counter-smuggling initiatives.

• Provide technical support for the consolidation of institutional tools, including training materials,

assessment frameworks, and reporting templates for IOM’s counter-smuggling initiatives. Check
if these resources adopt a comprehensive approach and address legal, procedural, human
rights, and protection dimensions. Bring issues to the attention of the supervisor.

• Provide technical inputs and assistance for the design and delivery of capacity-building

programs for regional and field offices, focusing on intelligence gathering, data analysis, and the
application of rights-based approaches in counter-smuggling efforts. Provide ongoing technical
support to enhance operational effectiveness in these areas.

• Assist with the design and/or implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks

to help assess the effectiveness of counter-smuggling interventions across IOM’s regional and
country offices. Integrate lessons learned and provide technical assistance to refine global and
regional counter-smuggling strategies.

• Coordinate and monitor thematic initiatives aimed at fostering intra- and inter-agency

cooperation in preventing and countering migrant smuggling, including with its linkages to
trafficking in persons. This includes providing technical inputs and information for joint research,
policy discussions, program development, and operational guidance, in close collaboration with
other IOM entities, UN agencies, regional bodies, and relevant stakeholders.

• Facilitate the mainstreaming of counter-smuggling expertise into broader migration

management and protection agendas.

• Provide technical inputs to facilitate the integration of considerations related to migrant

smuggling into other BIS-IBG portfolios, such as regularization, community engagement and
policing, search and rescue, and humanitarian border management. Project Implementation and MEAL

• Provide technical and administrative support to the Project Manager (Head of Unit) in

transitioning the newly launched Global Data-Driven Initiative on Irregular Migration and Security
from the development phase to full-scale implementation. This includes facilitating seamless
coordination across relevant IOM entities and external partners.

• Implement Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks that

systematically track project progress, check compliance with IOM standards, recommend the

mitigation of risks, and facilitate adaptive management, in close coordination with IBG Regional
Thematic Specialists and national focal points.
Communication and Outreach

• Coordinate social media activities for the BIS Unit, and in close coordination with other IBG

entities.

• Collaborate with internal teams to help develop outreach materials that ensure consistent

messaging and engagement with external audiences. Institutional Coordination and Partnership Development

• Contribute to institutional coordination with external partners, including UN agencies, regional

organizations, and governments, including through technical inputs for institutional reports,
speaking points, global engagement strategies, etc., to help strengthen partnerships and
advance the organization’s vision and goals. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in Migration Studies, Public Policy (with a focus on Migration and/or Security),

Global Security, International Migration and Refugee Law, Transnational Organized Crime and
Justice, Criminology, Anti-Corruption, Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, International
Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, Development Studies or a related field from an
accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in project management, implementation and/or coordination;
• Experience in case management within irregular migration contexts is an asset;
• Solid experience in institutional coordination, including within inter-agency settings (e.g., UN

agencies, government bodies, and regional organizations);

• Law enforcement background and/or experience is an advantage; and,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point) and experience with

project management tools and data analysis software. Skills

• Knowledge of trends and developments related to irregular migration, with a focus on

counter-smuggling and/or counter trafficking dynamics, or related issues;

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information,

data and trends for effective communication;

• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and

meet deadlines in a global institutional environment;

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and

collaborate with team members, as well as with a wide range of stakeholders, including
governmental, non-governmental, and international partners; and,

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work in diverse, cross-cultural

environments and participate in inter-agency cooperation initiatives. 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). Working knowledge of another
official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Notes
1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database
(https://whed.net/home.php).
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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p
df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding
confirmation.
This 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 to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in
the Professional Category of staff members.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,
accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security
clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be
required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the
medical clearance process.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No
late applications will be accepted.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 27 November 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment
system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:
From 31.10.2024 to 27.11.2024
No Fees:
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview,
processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank
accounts.
Requisition: VN 2024 650 Project Officer (Border and Identity Solutions (BIS)) (P2) Geneva, Switzerland
(59245397) Released
Posting: Posting NC59245398 (59245398) Released