Operations Associate (Movements)

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. This mandate has resulted in the international transport of more than 15 million migrants and refugees worldwide. Movement Operations departments in various IOM missions, coordinated under the division of Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM) in the Department of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion at IOM’s Geneva 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.

  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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
  Context   Under the general supervision of the National Project Officer (RMM) and the direct supervision of the National Movement Operations Officer, the Operations Associate (Movements) is responsible for undertaking movements activities, with the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Coordinate, schedule and book travel for individuals upon receipt of travel-ready status and/or request in accordance with travel requirements, including but not limited to the distribution of Advance Booking Notifications (ABNs), updates, domestic flights, cancellations and departure notifications.
2. Organize and complete all bookings in a timely manner and in accordance with the Handbook of IOM Tariffs (HIT) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) from the Division of Resettlement and Movement Management (RMM). Under the supervision of the  distribute travel information to internal and external stakeholders. 
3. Compile and analyze descriptive statistics, using iGATOR/ATOMS to capture costs and prepare travel loan paperwork as specified in SOPs and in accordance with host government’s procedures. 
4. Create movement data files, by ABN, for all individuals in accordance with SOPs and for IOM accountability. 
5. In accordance with local practices and RMM guidelines and standards, and in close coordination with supervisors, identify and assign escorts to accompany vulnerable individuals. 
6. In coordination with National Movement Operations Officer process exit permission paperwork and ICRC Travel Documents in accordance with established standards and the local guidelines. 
7. Conduct identity and document verification prior to the distribution of travel documentation to refugees, immigrants and migrants.
8. Conduct pre-departure counselling on pre-embarkation procedures and special needs during travel (such as meals, medication, wheelchairs and medical conditions) as needed. Identify beneficiary vulnerabilities and coordinate appropriate action to ensure they are addressed.
9. Provide regular feedback on work being accomplished to the National Movement Operations Officer and keep supervisors immediately informed of any issues that arise.
10. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of relevant Movement Operations SOPs and Movements-related systems and databases (including iGATOR/ATOMS, MiMOSA, SAR and Amadeus), as well as the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with migrants and colleagues per the IOM Code of Conduct and instruction on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
11. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant paperwork in line with standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert direct supervisor or management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by IOM staff members or partners.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Education
    • Completed secondary [high school] education required wit five years of relevant working experience; or
    • Bachelor’s degree with three years of working experience Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • Prior Movement Operations or transportation experience is a strong advantage. Skills
        • Computerized Travel Reservations Systems (Eg. Amadeus)
        • MiMOSA Application
        • Integrated Global Airline Ticket order Record (I-Gator) Application
        • Costing of Travel Arrangements
        • Microsoft Office Applications
        • Assisted Voluntary Return and/or Reintegration
        • Refugee Resettlement Languages

          Required: Fluency in English is required (oral and written). Very good command of German is required.

          Desirable: Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and  Spanish) is an advantage.

          IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. 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.
13. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.