National Project Officer (IBG)

Job Description

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 internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)), and in close coordination with the IBG Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office as well as relevant Divisions, Departments, and Units at Headquarters (HQ), the National Project Officer – Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) will be responsible and accountable for supporting the day‑to‑day implementation of activities under the IBG portfolio in Timor-Leste.

For all activities related to the United Nations Office of Counter‑Terrorism (UNOCT), the incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section, Countering Terrorist Travel Section, ensuring full alignment with UNOCT policies, programme objectives, and reporting requirements.

The National Project Officer (IBG) will work closely with the Government of Timor-Leste and the donor to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the Immigration and Border Governance project, meeting the expectations of both the Government and the donor. The incumbent will also support the implementation of the UN’s Countering Terrorist Travel (CT Travel) Programme, which aims to establish a national Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) system in Timor-Leste.

The ultimate objective of both projects is to strengthen Timor-Leste’s migration and border management systems to counter organized crime, enhance national security, and support economic development. The initiatives will expand and enhance the Migration and Border Management Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), through the roll-out of the system to additional target Border-Crossing Points (BCPs), as well as support efforts to lay the ground for inter-operability between MIDAS and UNOCT goTravel solution, which supports the end-to-end process for law enforcement to obtain passenger data from (airline) carriers and conduct targeted analysis. 

In addition, both projects will deliver a csuite of capacity‑building activities for relevant national stakeholders, including training programmes and the development of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to strengthen institutional capacities and ensure sustainability.

Responsibilities

IOM 

1. Assist in the coordination and monitoring of the operational, administrative and financial aspects of the project in accordance with IOM policies and practices as well as donor’s requirements.

2. Participate in the development and adjustment of work plans, project budgets, Monitoring & Evaluation tools and standard operating procedures.

3. Coordinate the collection, verification and analysis of data and background information; update information management systems and social media platforms on project-related activities including project awareness and visibility, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials.

4. Coordinate the timely preparation and dissemination of project reports in accordance with IOM procedures and donor requirements.

5. Liaise and coordinate with donors, partners, United Nations agencies, local authorities, stakeholders and government counterparts.

6. Contribute to the planning, development, organization, and delivery of capacity‑building activities, and support the project in relevant conferences, workshops, working groups, inter‑agency coordination meetings, and other forums, targeting IOM staff, government counterparts, civil society partners, implementing partners, and communities.

7. Participate in the preparation of project proposals and a diverse range of communication products, concept notes and other planning documents.

8. Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc. 

9. Perform other related duties as required. 

            UNOCT

1. Support the development of Timor Leste’s national legal framework for Advance Passenger Information (API) by organizing and facilitating meetings of the Legal Working Group(responsible for drafting the API Decree Law and its supporting technical regulations),and supporting the compilation of inputs for the drafting process. Serve as Secretary to the Working Group, ensuring accurate documentation of decisions, effective follow-up on agreed actions, and timely tracking of legal deliverables.

2. Support outreach and engagement with the Government of Timor Leste, including lead implementing agencies, through the organization and coordination of national-level working groups related to the API programme.  

3. Support the establishment of Timor Leste’s National API Centre, including assisting with planning, organizing, and coordination of national workshops and training activities addressing both legal and operational aspects of API implementation.

4. Support engagement of air carriers operating flights to and from Timor Leste, including coordinating airline questionnaires to gather information on API technical capabilities, and assisting Migration and Civil Aviation authorities in identifying a pilot air carrier for API connectivity testing.

5. Maintain and update programme knowledge-management tools, including the Timor Leste national implementation SharePoint site for the Counter Terrorism Travel Programme. Support coordination with UNOCT Programme Mangement Officer and relevant ICT focal points on ICT infrastructure and interoperability between the national border management system (MIDAS) and the United Nations goTravel solution.

6. Perform other related duties as required. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,

• Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in project support, implementation, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation, especially in the field of immigration and border management, migration governance, aviation security, national security, or related areas;

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations; 

• Experience supporting coordination of multi‑stakeholder platforms;

• Experience in capacity‑building activities, such as organizing and/or delivering training, workshops, or technical briefings;

• Experience working with border management information systems (e.g., MIDAS) or other ICT tools used in immigration, aviation, or security operations is an advantage;

• Experience engaging with the aviation sector, civil aviation authorities, or airline operators is a strong asset; and,

• Experience working in a multicultural or international environment is an advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;

• Understanding of migration and border governance principles;

• Excellent coordination and organizational skills;

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills;

• Excellent communication and interperonal skills; and,

• Good knowledge of capacity‑building methodologies.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in Tetun and English is required (oral and written).

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.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

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

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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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