Project Officer (Social Cohesion) (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17293
Position Title: Project Officer (Social Cohesion) (P)
Duty Station City: Cox’s Bazar
Duty Station Country: Bangladesh
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to six months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 12 November 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.

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, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Following the escalation of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar in 2017, more than half a million Rohingya refugees crossed the border and sought shelter in Teknaf and Ukhiya sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.  Cox’s Bazar is ranked amongst the poorest districts of Bangladesh.  Therefore, the Joint Response Plan includes assistance to the host communities to foster social cohesion and enhance resilience. The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) humanitarian response includes projects to improve social cohesion between the refugees and the host communities including in the areas of skills development, livelihoods and disaster risks reduction.

In order to strengthen self-reliance, disaster risk management, maintain social cohesion and reduce risks and vulnerabilities, it is crucial to address essential development needs of the district’s population and strengthen the coherence, complementarity and synergies between humanitarian and development efforts. 

It is also important to support all residents of Cox’s Bazar to not only transition smoothly from the humanitarian phase to the post crisis era but also to seize the opportunity to accelerate development, access to quality services, restore natural resources and decent livelihood opportunities. 

Against this backdrop, and in line with the priorities outlined in the 2025 Joint Response to the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh, IOM continues to maintain a dual strategy; first, ensuring the basic needs of the Rohingya refugees to be effectively addressed and secondly, promoting initiatives that foster social cohesion in order to mitigate the effects of the presence of the  displaced people on the host communities. 

Under the overall supervision of Head of Sub-Office Senior Emergency Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Head of Humanitarian Assistance and Operations, the Project Officer (Social Cohesion) will be responsible for supporting the formulation, design, planning, implementation, , monitoring and evaluation of projects related to social cohesion between the host communities and the Rohingya refugees covering various types of interventions including, livelihoods and  disaster risk reduction. 

Responsibilities

1. Support monitoring implementation of activities against results matrix, procurement and budget expenditure plans and discuss findings with the supervisor to address any associated risks to minimize gaps and maximize effective utilization of project resources.
2. Contribute to the development of livelihoods and disaster risk reduction projects that promote social cohesion by linking up with existing emergency operations and through close collaboration with other units of the mission, national and local authorities, entrepreneurship, and relevant authorities.
3. Coordinate community consultations to prioritize Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) with community leaders and relevant stakeholders, and recommend implementation strategies that are inclusive, participatory and promote local ownership.
4. Identify appropriate cash-for-work initiatives based on need for short term employment opportunities on most highly impacted communities including women and youth. 
5. Through innovative ways (use of E-commerce platforms, community Information Technology (IT)-Integration services etc.) promote alternative livelihoods. 
6. Support the process of knowledge creation and dissemination to publicize and inform stakeholders, donors, etc. on IOM’s activities contributing to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in the camps and in host communities. 
7. Support senior management by providing timely information and insights to maintain strong partnerships and effective liaison with government, non-government, private sector, international development organizations, the United Nations (UN) System, and donors
8. Support IOM senior management in engaging with local authorities and non-governmental organizations; particularly relevant law enforcement agencies, District Commissioner (DC) and Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) office officials.
9. Supervise Social Cohesion Programme staff and coordinate  with other programmes, particularly with the protection unit, to facilitate the timely implementation of social cohesion programme activities.
10. Work with the Programme Support Unit (PSU) in the drafting of concept notes, common appeals and project proposals by providing technical inputs on conflict prevention, access to justice, disaster risk reduction and livelihoods.
11.   Participate in relevant workshops, conferences, sector meetings and other fora to support proper presentation and coordination of IOM’s social cohesion activities with stakeholders.
12.  Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Environment and Sustainability, Communication, Economics or related fields 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

• Relevant experience in managing community response projects (livelihoods, disaster risk reduction, social rehabilitation, community development, employment generation, youth entrepreneurship); 
• Experience and familiarity with UN system;
• Experience and knowledge of the region is an advantage.
• At least five years experience in the field of conflict analysis, conflict transformation, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, disaster management and resilience, protection and humanitarian response;
• Experience in managing implementing partners; 
• Experience in project development, management and reporting is an advantage; and,
• Knowledge of the region and/or country is an advantage.

Skills

•  Coordination and negotiation skills with a range of different stakeholders including government partners, UN agencies, NGOs, sectors;
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff at an operational level in humanitarian emergencies;
• Excellent knowledge of the IOM project management cycle;
• Good knowledge of UN and donor programming;
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely in English;
• Strong computer skills;
• Proven representation skills, such as speaking at events and providing situational analysis;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds; and,
• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English language is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and French) 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.

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 can 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

• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely in English.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff at an operational level in humanitarian emergencies.
• Excellent knowledge of the IOM project management cycle.
• Good knowledge of UN and donor programming.
• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines.
• Proven representation skills, such as speaking at events and providing situational analysis. Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong coordination and negotiation skills with a range of different stakeholders including government partners, UN agencies, NGOs, sectors.

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