Movement Operations Associate (Beneficiary-Facing Activities), Damascus

Since the inception of IOM in 1951, Movement Operations have been and continue to be a fundamental pillar of the Organization’s work. The organized movement of persons in need of international migration assistance is a primary mandate of the Organization and a cornerstone of IOM’s operations. Movement Operations Units in various IOM Country Offices, coordinated under the Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM) Unit in the Division of Movement, Resettlement and Labour Pathways (MRLP) at IOM’s Headquarters, are responsible for all aspects of travel for migrants and refugees under IOM’s auspices, in accordance with the various framework agreements with resettlement and receiving Governments and partners across the spectrum of the Organization's programmes.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes, the direct supervision of National Protection Officer , the Movement Operations Associate, is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

1. Undertake beneficiary-facing activities under the Field Support and Data Processing Pillar within IOM’s movement operations, which occur at various stages of refugee resettlement, relocation, humanitarian admissions, family reunification, voluntary repatriation, and other emergency humanitarian initiatives conducted by land, air, or water. When necessary, monitor and provide guidance to teams of Movement Operations Assistants in performing related activities.
2. Coordinate field support activities with relevant units, agencies and service providers to assist beneficiaries in an assigned area or areas, such as at an airport, seaport, transit center, third-party facility, camp-based operations or sub-office to ensure beneficiary movements are conducted safely and appropriately. If required, provide assistance for extended periods and during overnight periods and weekends, ensuring the needs of individuals are met throughout their stay.
3. Coordinate transportation of beneficiaries to and from designated consolidation points, locations, and facilities, working with relevant units and service providers to help ensure that vulnerable individuals are assisted in a manner that ensures their safety, security and comfort.
4. Assist in timely and appropriate provision of food and other essential items to beneficiaries during IOM movement operations. Collaborate with the relevant IOM units and service providers to ensure that assistance meets established standards of quality.
5. Ensure individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support. In particular, ensure the proper handling of sensitive cases in accordance with IOM’s policies, and existing institutional guidance, including the assistance to unaccompanied and separated migrant children and at-risk cases.
6. Work with units and departments and beneficiaries on pre-departure formalities such as processing of travel documents and exit permits in close coordination with relevant external partner agencies, and authorities.
7. Enter and update relevant data in the appropriate systems and ensure vulnerable individuals are assisted in a manner that ensures their safety, security and comfort. Report all issues immediately to the appropriate supervisor(s).
8. Provide selection mission support and/or interpretation services for individuals at
   airports, in transit centers, camps, consolidation points and third-party facilities or during transport by air, ground or water.
9. Upon request from government agencies, provide visa applicants with application assistance such as initiating contacts, scheduling appointments, capturing biometrics, filling the relevant forms, and collecting relating documents.
10. Undertake duty travel as required and delegated to participate in meetings, trainings and other programme activities.
11. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of applicable SOPs, related systems and databases, and IOM Standards of Conduct. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant paperwork in line with SOPs, Standards of Conduct and relevant data protection rules.
12. Uphold RMM Protection Mainstreaming Minimum Standards while carrying out all duties and responsibilities and demonstrate the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with migrants and colleagues per the IOM Standards of Conduct and instruction on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). Alert the supervisor or management of any non-compliance to SOPs, RMM Protection Mainstreaming Minimum Standards or IOM Standards of Conduct by IOM personnel or partners.\
13. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• High School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Prior Movement Operations, transportation-related and/or management experience
• Work experience in programs including movement operations component, particularly in resettlement programs
• Experience with communicating with beneficiaries.
• Past experience with Movement Operations-related databases and systems (including iGATOR, MiMOSA, SAR and Amadeus) is a strong advantage.

Demonstrated knowledge with handling sensitive information and personal data.

• Experience with guiding and leading junior staff members.

SKILLS

• Computer/software literate with good knowledge in Microsoft Office.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to organise.
• Self-motivated, objective driven and able to use own initiative and work under pressure with minimum supervision.