Expedited VN: Preparedness Coordinator (P) (Internal Applicants Only)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17121
Position Title: Preparedness Coordinator
Duty Station City: Athens
Duty Station Country: Greece
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed Term (One Year with Possiblity of Extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 12 Months
Closing date: 28 October 2025

Introduction:   

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:

a) internal candidates and

b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time. 

Context

The Preparedness and Humanitarian Response Division (PHRD), within the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR), leads IOM’s institutional efforts to advance a coherent, systemic and whole-of-organization approach to crisis preparedness and humanitarian response, in line with the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028.. It also works towards initiatives that go beyond responding to displacement crises to a step change in how risks are understood, identified, and coped with preparedness, institutionalize early warning systems and anticipatory actions, and strengthen IOM and states capacities to mitigate and respond effectively to mobility dimensions of crisis. 

The Preparedness unit under the PHRD is the institutional focal point for preparedness and any action that is introduced before an emergency to improve the overall effectiveness, efficiency, and timeliness of response. The unit further seeks to address the humanitarian impact of climate and conflict induced displacement by increasing predictability, capacity and consistency in emergency preparedness and readiness planning (including strategic forecasting, horizon scanning and anticipatory action).

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director for Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR) department, and direct supervision of the Chief, Preparedness and Humanitarian Response Division, the Preparedness Coordinator will oversee the preparedness and anticipatory action work of the PHR division, including capacity development and foresight work.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate IOM’s response to preparedness and Anticipatory Action (AA), ensuring effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 
2. Provide technical guidance, contextualize tools and support in the establishment and maintenance of emergency preparedness and AA strategies and plans and contribute to the formulation of policies in line with IOM’s objectives and priorities.
3. Facilitate coordination among IOM colleagues in HQ, regional and country offices, to foster an institutional approach to preparedness and risk analysis.
4. Contribute to strategic foresight analysis exercises lead by Migration and Displacement Data and Research Analytics Division (MDDRA)  to identify potential future crises and trends affecting migration and lead on its operationalization, including through the Strategic Foresight and Preparedness Platform.
5. Support in streamlining various prioritization processes and identifying a standard framework for preparedness support to prioritized countries.
6. Identify  opportunities to enhance the preparedness strategy and support the implementation of effective preparedness and anticipatory action measures in country and regional offices to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration.
7.  Represent  IOM in inter-agency forums and technical working groups focused on emergency preparedness and anticipatory action.
8. Develop and maintain  partnerships (internal and external) to enhance the effectiveness and reach of IOM’s preparedness, anticipatory action and foresight initiatives.
9. Identify funding opportunities/ contribute to resource mobilization for preparedness and anticipatory action initiatives and support the development of project proposals.
10. Coordinate the design and execution of capacity-building initiatives, including the surge learning platform for adaptive response capacity (SPARC) for IOM staff and partners.
11. Represent the unit in cross-functional technical meetings to ensure that preparedness is streamlined in all functional areas and help strengthen integrated work across IOM's functional areas across the MCOF to achieve preparedness objectives.
12. Manage and supervise the Preparedness unit and staff and support the Chief, PHR Division in establishing the annual work plan, setting priorities/targets and performance measurements.
13.  Collaborate with Disaster Risk Reduction Unit,  to facilitate the integration of Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative Guidelines within IOM operations (from crisis preparedness to post-crisis actions) and provide technical support to states and other relevant stakeholders in including migrants in relevant preparedness and contingency plans.
14. Provide technical support and guidance to regional preparedness officers and country offices on preparedness programs, including anticipatory actions.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, Social Sciences, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience in emergency preparedness and response, including experience at the international level and in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. 

Experience

• Knowledge and experience of different aspects of emergency preparedness and response; 
• Experience working at an international level with UN, international organization and non-government organizations in complex humanitarian operations including conflict and post-conflict contexts;
• Experience in programme coordination, project development and monitoring and evaluation; and,
• Proven experience in strategic planning, coordination, resource mobilization and project management skills; excellent communication and negotiation skills; proficiency in data analysis and reporting; familiarity with humanitarian principles and standards.

Skills

• Knowledge of integrating human mobility considerations in disaster risk management;
• In depth knowledge of emergency preparedness, risk analysis, anticipatory action frameworks, early warning and early actions systems;
• Knowledge of humanitarian delivery considerations, including ensuring accountability to affected people;
• Ability to conceptualize and strategically analyze capacity, including articulation of the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require coordination within a UN response;
• Excellent communication and verbal skills, including capacity to organize and facilitate expert panels, and to present original materials in international conferences;
• Strong organizational and coordination skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, accurately and independently, including when working against sudden, multiple, tight, and demanding deadlines; and,
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products particularly SharePoint and Teams and other software used for presentations as well as PowerBi and other software used for dashboards.

Languages

IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish. 

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another UN official 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.

Required Competencies

IOM's competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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.
   

Notes

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 will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

This vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.

Required Skills

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