JPO - Project Officer (Migration, Environment and Climate Change) - (Belgian Nationals only) (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17882
Position Title: JPO - Project Officer (Migration, Environment and Climate Change) - (Belgian Nationals only)
Duty Station City: Bujumbura
Duty Station Country: Burundi
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension) - up to 3 years
Recruiting Type: Professional 
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 27 January 2026 (23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland)

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

Context:

IOM recognizes the urgent need to address the linkages between climate change, natural hazards and displacement and migration, and to develop sustainable solutions that enhance resilience and protect the rights and well-being of affected populations.  IOM is the first UN agency and international organization to have established a Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC) Division in 2015, dedicated to the migration-environment nexus. The objectives of the MECC Division are threefold: (1) To prevent forced displacement that results from environmental factors to the extent possible, (2) To provide assistance and protection to affected populations when forced migration does occur, and to see durable solutions for these situations, and (3) To facilitate migration as a climate change adaptation strategy and enhance the resilience of affected communities.

Burundi is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, which exacerbate existing challenges related to displacement and migration. The changing climate patterns, including flooding, increased frequency of hazards and environmental degradation, have severe consequences for the livelihoods, food security and well-being of communities. These climate-related factors significantly contribute to population displacement and migration within the country and across borders. In Burundi, IOM established a presence in 2010 and contributes to strengthening the capacity of the Government to address migration challenges and maximize the benefits of migration. In 2019 IOM was selected as the Lead for UNDAF Burundi (2019-2023) Pillar 4, which focuses on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation, and ecosystem preservation and continues being the co-lead of this pillar under the new United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027. IOM Burundi Programmatic Portfolio includes Migration Environment and Climate Change/Climate Adaptation/Disaster Risk Reduction (MECC/CAD/DRR) interventions, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and the National Platform for Risk Prevention and Disaster Management as well as other relevant actors and UN Agencies. Furthermore, IOM Burundi is also Co-Lead for the NFI/Shelter emergency response sector in Burundi. At country level, IOM Burundi provide Government, humanitarian and development community with data tools including multi-hazard risk map by commune and the Stability Index – a research and analysis tool to analyse stability and associated displacement and return trends to inform programmatic recommendations on interventions.

Close coordination with Lake Tanganyika and the Great Lakes countries (such as Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo) is crucial for MECC/CAD/DRR programming. Given the interconnected nature of the ecosystems and the shared risks, as flooding and landslides, coordinated efforts ensure a more effective and timely response to disasters. Additionally, it fosters stronger diplomatic ties and mutual support among the countries, which is essential for sustainable development and stability in the region.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator in Bujumbura and, in close coordination with colleagues in relevant Units, and in consultation with Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) in Nairobi, the Project Officer (Migration, Environment and Climate Change) will be responsible and accountable for providing technical, administrative and logistical support and coordination for the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Migration Environment and Climate Change/Climate Adaptation/Disaster Risk Reduction (MECC/CAD/DRR) themes within the Country Office and in coordination with Government and other UN Agencies and external stakeholders in Burundi.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the implementation of MECC/CAD/DRR policies and programmes, including monitoring budgetary, administrative, and technical aspects, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures.
2. Support the design, set up, and roll out new data collection and research activities in accordance with global standards and methodologies specifically linking migration, environment, and climate change. 
3. Contribute to processes related to development and implementation of policies, strategic and programmatic recommendations in Burundi such as the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC), Post Disaster Need Assessment etc..
4. Contribute to the mainstreaming of MECC/CAD/DRR in existing programmatic areas of IOM including but not limited to emergency response, migrant protection, labour migration, border management, and health. 
5.  Maintain strong partnerships and liaison with government entities, UN agencies and other stakeholders in Burundi, including liaison related to the UNSDCF and related working groups.
6. Support regional coordination by facilitating the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices in disaster management and collecting inputs for regional reporting and programme management. 
7. Assist the Burundi CO’s Team in promoting MECC/CAD/DRR related initiatives through drafting/reviewing of reports, sections of proposals, press releases, newsletters, briefing notes, etc.
8. Support the Programme Coordinator in staff management and in monitoring the work of Consultants/Implementing Partners (IPs) recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities. Organize and facilitate capacity building activities to help build capacity of staff, partners, government officials, and other humanitarian actors.
9. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical working groups, as well as other forums; contribute to the presentation of IOM activities.
10. Undertake duty travel as required to support coordination and monitoring activities for programme implementation.
11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Coaching and Leaning Elements

As an integral part of the IOM assignment the Junior Professional Officer will:

• Gain experience in a UN Organization, including management and international cooperation activities, as well as understanding the dynamics of regional and international initiatives and working groups.
• Gain experience in migration policies of the region and of relevant migration governance strategies and responses.
• Acquire detailed knowledge of the EU institutions and their functioning.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of IOM operation and activities.
• Be able to draft and finalize reports, concept notes and project proposals.
• Gain experience in working with governmental, non-governmental and United Nations institutions.
• Enhance negotiation skills in a multilateral setting.

Qualifications

General Requirements:

1. Belgian nationality
2. Master’s degree
3. Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
4. No older than 32 years of age as of 31 December of the year of application (i.e. born on or after 01/01/1994).

Education:

• Master’s degree in development studies, Humanitarian Studies, Social Science, International Relations, Environment, Climate Change, Natural Resources Management, Disaster Risk Management or International Law from an accredited academic institution with minimum two years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience:

• Minimum of two years’ work experience either on project development, project management, project monitoring and evaluation relevant to migration, environment, climate change and disaster preparedness;
• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, project development, management and reporting;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, donors, academia, other national/international institutions and NGOs;
• Computer/software literate, preferably knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop; and,
• Work experience in the region is an advantage.

Skills:

• Understanding of migration in relation to environment, climate change and natural disasters;
• Sound knowledge of international fora and policy process in the areas of migration, climate change, environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, knowledge of frameworks such as UN conventions on climate change, ecosystems, desertification etc;
• Good writing, communication and negotiation skills;
• Good organization skills; analytical and creative thinking; 
• Proven ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges; and,
• High level of ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

Languages:

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

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

Notes:

This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by Belgium and is addressed to candidates with Belgian nationality. Candidates must be max. 32 years old as of 31 December of the year of application (i.e. born on or after 01/01/1994)

More information on the Belgian JPO Programme can also be found on the following website: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/travailler-au-spf-affaires-etrangeres/young-professionals/junior-professional-officer

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 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

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