Job Identification (Referenceย Number): 15499
Position Title: Programme Officer (HLP and Legal Assistance)
Duty Station City:ย Erbil
Duty Station Country:ย Iraq
Grade:ย P-2
Contract Type:ย Special Short Term (Up to 9 Months)
Recruiting Type:ย Professional
Vacancy Type:ย Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 Months
Closing date: 22 July 2025
Introductionย ย ย
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 first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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 Call for Expression of Interest, the following are considered first-tier candidates:ย
Internal candidates Candidates from the following non-represented member states:Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Second-tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Context
The IOM Iraq Legal Assistance Programme addresses the critical need for identity and civil documentation and Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights among internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities. The programme's main objectives are to enhance access to legal services, support reintegration and strengthen resilience to conflict drivers. It provides legal counseling and representation, awareness-raising sessions, and capacity-building for government authorities and community organizations. Additionally, it conducts research to inform evidence-based interventions and engages in advocacy to eliminate systemic barriers. Beneficiaries include IDPs, returnees, women, and vulnerable groups, with activities focusing on facilitating documentation, empowering communities, and promoting equitable legal frameworks to ensure sustainable reintegration and long-term stability.
Under the overall supervision of the Peace, Justice and Security Coordinator and direct supervision of the HLP and Legal Assistance Programme Manager, and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office (RO) for MENA in Cairo, and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Officer (HLP and Legal Assistance) will support and coordinate the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the Legal Assistance Programme in IOM Iraq Country Office.
Support the overall implementation of the legal assistance programme in Iraq, including its financial, administrative, and technical implementation, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements, agreed timeline and deliverables.In coordination with the HLP and Legal Assistance Programme Manager, coordinate the work of staff assigned to the COโs legal assistance programme, as well as consultants, implementing partners and service providers recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.Maintain close collaboration and contribute to the strengthening the partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as Government entities, national authorities, donors, development partners, United Nations agencies, and civil society.Draft and produce progress and other reports and ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the programmes between IOM, the programmesโ donors and other stakeholders.Provide technical support in analyzing migration related trends and issues, with a specific focus on legal assistance and access to civil documentation, in view of strategic, programmatic, and programme-specific funding opportunities.Contribute to the identification of donorsโ priorities and strategies, explore the possibility to develop follow up initiatives and/or initiate new programme development process in Iraq and draft projects proposals, in relation to expressed governmental needs, donorsโ priorities and in line with IOMโs mandate and strategy.In coordination with the HLP and Legal Assistance Programme Manager, facilitate adequate information management on COโs activities through regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials that promote IOMโs visibility in Iraq.Assist in conducting contextual analysis to identify potential activities to be implemented as part of the legal assistance programme in line with IOM mandate and the priorities established by the Government and partners in Iraq.Contribute to the development of relevant monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to track policy mainstreaming initiatives and measure progress and effectiveness, make recommendation on suitable course corrections, and supporting further development and improvements.Ensure adequate information management on programme related activities including awareness raising and visibility; provide regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials, in coordination with the donor and IOMโs Public Information Department.Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical working groups, as well as other forums, to facilitate proper coordination and presentation of IOM activities.Participate in relevant UN working groups and activities to encourage the mainstreaming of migration related issues into United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Educationย
Masterโs degree in Law, International Relations, Political or Social Sciences, International Development, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.ย
Experience
Experience in programme management, implementation and project development;ย Experience in coordination of various projects implemented in parallel and quality assurance of programme implementation;Experience in liaising with government authorities and other national/international institutions;Experience in emergency settings with in-depth knowledge of IOM/UN programme/project life cycles;Experience in Legal, Civil Documentation, and HLP programming;ย Experience with UN and International Agencies, international or local NGOs preferred; and,ย Work experience in the MENA Region is highly desirable.Skills
Knowledge of UN/IOMโs regulations, policies and procedures;Knowledge of project budgeting and financial management;Knowledge and experience in working with PRIMA is an advantage;Sound writing, communication and negotiation skills; and,ย Good ย organization skills, analytical and creative thinking.Languages
IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. Working knowledge of another UN Language (Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
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 โ 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 Competenciesย โ Behavioural indicators Level 2
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโs 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 Organizationโs goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.ย
Notes
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
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.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
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 theย IOM e-Recruitmentย system (for internal candidates linkย here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacanciesย