Digital Innovation Support Associate

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Tajikistan and the direct supervision of the Programme Support Officer, and in close coordination with Project Managers and relevant units within the Mission, the Digital Innovation Support Associate will support the design, testing, coordination and operationalization of digital and innovation-focused initiatives across the IOM Tajikistan Country Office portfolio.

The incumbent will contribute to the integration of innovative digital tools and approaches into programme design, implementation, reporting and knowledge management, with a particular focus on migration programming. The position will support digital product design and feasibility assessment processes related to AI-enabled chatbots, online fraud detection tools, mobile applications for safe migration, and innovation initiatives linked to border management and intelligence-led programming. The incumbent will also assist in strengthening internal systems for reporting, knowledge sharing and workflow efficiency through dashboards, templates, trackers, databases and other digital solutions.

The incumbent will work in close consultation with project teams, technical experts, consultants, service providers and relevant internal units to ensure that digital innovation initiatives are practical, user-oriented, context-appropriate and aligned with programme objectives, operational realities and organizational standards of IOM.

Responsibilities

1. Assist in the design and development process of AI-enabled chatbot under the project “Tajikistan: Enhancing the Detection and Prevention of Online Recruitment Fraud and Digital Risks Targeting Migrants”, funded by IOMDF, including support to chatbot development, user journey mapping, content structuring, testing and coordination with technical experts or service providers.
2. Support the design and implementation of digital tools under the “Central Asia Safe Migration” project, funded by UK, including assistance with the development of an AI-enabled chatbot and an online fraud detection tool for prospective migrants and at-risk users.
3. Assist in the implementation of the “AI Sandbox for Border Intelligence Analysis and Risk Profiling in Tajikistan” project, funded by UK, by supporting feasibility assessment processes, coordinating inputs, organizing documentation, and facilitating the work of the international expert and relevant internal and external stakeholders.
4. Support the assessment, design, development and operation of AI-based products within IOM initiatives, including mobile application for safe migration for Tajik migrants and AI-based migration management tools.
5. Provide technical assistance to project development that require the integration of digital innovation and AI.
6. Contribute to the development of innovative approaches for programme reporting, communication and knowledge sharing, including data visualization dashboards, infographics, interactive knowledge products, presentations and digital reporting tools.
7. Assist in exploring, testing and piloting the use of artificial intelligence and other digital solutions to improve workflow efficiency, data analysis, communication, reporting and internal collaboration across the Mission.
8. Support the development and maintenance of internal knowledge management systems and digital organizational tools, including databases, document repositories, automated trackers, standard templates and other systems that improve institutional memory and operational efficiency.
9. Conduct desk research and environmental scanning on emerging digital tools, innovation practices and technology trends relevant to migration governance, migrant protection, border management, humanitarian programming and development cooperation, and summarize findings for programme teams and management.
10. Retrieve, compile, clean, analyse and present information and data related to digital innovation initiatives, including preparation of briefing materials, concept notes, progress updates, presentations, visual products and background papers.
11. Support project implementation and reporting processes by helping streamline workflows, improve tracking mechanisms and identify opportunities for more efficient and innovative delivery.
12. Liaise with project teams, consultants, technology providers, designers and other stakeholders on administrative and coordination matters related to digital innovation activities, including meetings, documentation, follow-up actions and technical inputs.
13. Organize and support meetings, workshops, design consultations, user feedback sessions, demonstrations and training activities related to digital tools and innovation initiatives.
14. Ensure proper filing and documentation of digital innovation-related materials, deliverables, lessons learned and knowledge products in line with internal information management practices.
15. Provide guidance and practical support to colleagues on the use of digital reporting tools, templates, trackers and knowledge-sharing products developed in the mission.
16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Digital Innovation, Information Management, Software, Web or Application Development, Human-Centred Design / UX, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, or related fields with four years of relevant professional experience; or,
• School diploma with six years of relevant experience.

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

Experience

• Experience supporting digital tools, platforms or systems for programme implementation, reporting, knowledge management or communication is an advantage.
• Experience assisting with the design, testing or rollout of digital products such as chatbots, mobile applications, dashboards, databases, online platforms or automated trackers is an advantage.
• Experience in data visualization, presentation of information and preparation of user-friendly digital knowledge products is an advantage.
• Experience in conducting research, compiling findings and summarizing technical or operational information for decision-making is an advantage.
• Experience coordinating with consultants, service providers, designers, developers or cross-functional teams is an advantage.
• Experience supporting project implementation in an international organization, non-governmental organization, development partner, UN agency or government institution is an advantage.
• Experience working on migration, protection, border management, humanitarian, development or governance-related programmes is an advantage.
• Experience supporting innovation, digital transformation or process improvement initiatives is an advantage.

Skills

• Good knowledge of digital innovation concepts and practical applications relevant to programme support and migration programming.
• Ability to translate operational needs into practical digital solutions and user-oriented requirements.
• Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Excel dashboards, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with collaborative digital workspaces, databases, trackers and knowledge management systems.
• Ability to support the development and testing of digital products, including drafting user requirements, documenting feedback and tracking revisions.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and coordinate across programme, technical and operational teams.
• Knowledge of migration programming, programme support functions and donor reporting processes is an advantage.
• Awareness of responsible data handling, user confidentiality, digital risk considerations and ethical application of digital technologies is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with AI tools, no-code/low-code platforms, visualization software and digital collaboration tools is an advantage.

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 English, Tajik and Russian 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

• 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.

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