National Project Officer (Livelihoods Government Coordination)

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

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all and does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is a major actor in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, and as such is heavily involved in livelihood development and job creation programmes. IOM’s strengths lie in its field presence around the country and operational capacity to rebuild community infrastructure, conduct vocational and other trainings, providing grant funding at local level to support business development and a variety of other areas key to recovery. IOM Iraq livelihoods services comprise support to the private sector and individual livelihoods services. The incumbent must have familiarity and demonstrated experience in providing livelihoods for both individuals and the private sector.

The incumbent will serve as the focal point for coordination with government related to implementation of livelihoods and private sector development activities. The position is responsible for contributing to the engagement with relevant government authorities, with a primary focus on the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) as the main government beneficiary for IOM’s livelihoods projects. Operating within agreed legal, policy, and institutional frameworks, the position supports coordination to strengthen government ownership, facilitate program implementation, support project registration and compliance processes, and ensure alignment of IOM livelihoods interventions with government priorities. Under overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the overall supervision of Head of Livelihoods Technical team, and the direct supervision of National Livelihoods Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the point of contact for government engagement related to livelihoods and private sector development, with a particular focus on the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) as the main government beneficiary for IOM livelihoods interventions.
• Support the coordination with relevant Government of Iraq counterparts, including MoLSA, the Ministry of Planning (MoP), relevant line ministries, and sub‑national authorities to facilitate implementation of livelihoods activities and exchange information on relevant projects
• Support IOM Livelihoods technical teams on the day-to-day implementation of livelihoods related activities when required.
• Support the organization of workshops and events in partnership with the government of Iraq and national partners on matters of joint interests.
• Coordinate with government counterparts within agreed legal, policy, and institutional frameworks to support the operationalization of livelihoods project, implementation arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and government ownership of IOM‑supported programs.
• Participate in technical coordination meetings, working groups, and bilateral discussions with government entities on livelihoods‑related matters, and contribute to engagements by preparing briefs, analytical inputs, and talking points for IOM’s management.
• Support the drafting, follow‑up, and operationalization of cooperation agreements, MOUs, letters of support, and official government correspondence related to livelihoods programming, in coordination with relevant technical units and support functions.
• Support coordination with line ministries and governorate‑level authorities to facilitate coherence in the planning and implementation of livelihoods activities, including Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), individual livelihoods assistance, access to finance, and job creation initiatives.
• Maintain systematic records of government correspondence, agreements, and key discussions; prepare regular updates for internal use; and perform other government‑engagement‑related duties as assigned by the supervisor, in line with IOM priorities and standards.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in management, Business Studies, Economics, Social Sciences, Engineering, International Development, or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or
• University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Relevant professional experience in government engagement, public sector coordination, institutional partnerships, or development‑related work, preferably within an international organization, UN agency, donor‑funded programme, or comparable public institution.
• Experience in working in an international environment and in liaising with a variety of partners at all levels of the hierarchy.
• Experience working with government ministries or public authorities at national and/or sub‑national levels.
• Familiarity with government systems and public administration processes, preferably in Iraq or similar contexts.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

Skills

• Excellent English communication and writing skills, organizational skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports in English.
• Basic knowledge of monitoring and evaluation concepts, approaches and methodologies.
• Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of people including people of culturally diverse backgrounds is required.
• Incumbent candidate should have a proven experience in developing project proposals and donor reports to the highest standard and in line with donor’s specific requirements and guidelines.
• Experience and knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office tools is required, including on data analysis and presentation of data.
• Experience working in an organization that has funded projects with (inter)national organizations, including specific experience in grant administration, is an advantage.
• Ability to work with accuracy under constraints and pressure; high sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment.
• Personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results, creative thinking; and,

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 and Arabic 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

• 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

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