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 a diverse and inclusive environment. Applications from qualified female and LGBTIQ+ candidates (persons identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, or any other identity associated with having a diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics – SOGIESC) are especially encouraged.
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 Operations and Emergencies (DOE) 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.
Under the general supervision of the Protection National Officer, the direct supervision of the Associate Movement Operations Officer, the Operations Assistant – Team Leader (Field Support) is responsible for undertaking movement operations activities in the field, with the following duties and responsibilities:
- Undertake field activities in an assigned area or areas, such as at an airport, transit center, third-party facility, camp-based operation or sub-office, or in relation to transportation. As required, monitor and guide teams of Operations Clerks and Operations Assistants in completing field support activities.
- In coordination with the Associate Movement Operations Officer, perform airport services when required, such as providing custodial care of travel documentation; verifying identities and documentation, including exit permissions, visas, tickets and other items in the travel bag; assisting with airport formalities, including flight arrivals, curb-side assistance, check-in, luggage formalities, immigration procedures, security screening systems and customs clearance; escorting arriving individuals to ground transportation and departing individuals to their gates; visually confirming flights have departed; ensuring individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support; and, as needed, sending notifications using relevant systems.
- Liaison with airlines, local immigration authorities, sanitary dependencies and other counterparts at the airport to guarantee smooth departure/arrival or transit of IOM beneficiaries.
- Ability to properly assess travel documentation for different type of migrants, including unaccompanied minors, foreign nationals, people with different migratory status in Colombia, etc.
- Lead Field Support Teams as they assist individuals at transit centers or third-party facilities, including upon arrival with sign-in, verification of identity, orientation, food and non-food items and room assignments; during their stay with food and non-food items, instructions, briefings, activities and resolution of issues; and upon departure for medical appointments, return travel or onward travel with briefings, luggage support and transition to transportation. 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).
- Assist in the coordination of timely and adequate services for meals, snacks and water for individual staying at Transit Centers, third-party facilities or during transit in airports and other locations. Work closely with the service provider to ensure meals are culturally appropriate and to reduce the level of waste while keeping the quality of the food at the highest standard.
- Work with units and departments and beneficiaries on pre-departure formalities including but not limited to travel loans, luggage, prohibited items, bag tags and clothing/shoes. Assist with daily discussions with beneficiaries on cleanliness, litter and hygiene. Keep all posters and informational messages up-to-date and placed in visible locations.
- Provide assistance at transit centers and third-party facilities for extended periods of up to 12 hours and during overnight periods and weekends, ensuring the needs of individuals are met throughout their stay. Communicate promptly with third-party facility representatives and/or supervisors if issues arise.
- Lead the coordination of transportation from consolidation points, transit centers and third-party facilities, including liaising with service providers, ensuring the identity verification, readiness and organization of individuals being transported, and providing relevant briefings. Ensure baggage sorting, tagging and handling is done appropriately and arrange for individuals to be escorted on transportation as needed. Ensure people with special needs are provided with appropriate services and report any issues to supervisors immediately.
- Provide selection mission support, exit permit support and/or interpretation services for individuals at the airport, in transit centers, camps, consolidation points and third-party facilities or during transport by air, ground or water.
- Provide regular feedback on work being accomplished to the Associate Movement Operations Officer and keep supervisors immediately informed of any issues requiring their attention.
- Alert Associate Movement Operations Officer or management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by IOM staff members or partners.
- Perform such other related duties as required by the supervisor.
Education
- Three years of working experience with a Bachelor’s degree in movement operations related fields.
Completed secondary (high school) education required and five years of relevant working experience.
Experience
Prior Movement Operations or transportation experience. Proven experience working with migration authorities and other relevant national and local counterparts.
Thorough knowledge on exit permits and travel documentation required by Colombian migration authorities. Understanding of airlines policies for passengers, including the rights that beneficiaries have when cancelations or delays occur. Previous experience assisting AVR/R beneficiaries. Ability to understand the airlines fare construction and check if all taxes are included.
Skills
Strong computer skills - Word, Excel and Internet.
Languages
For all applicants, fluency in English (C1) and Spanish is required (oral and written), United Nations Language Framework.
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 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 1)
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
The IOM only accepts properly completed applications submitted through IOM's online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. This position is subject to local recruitment. Only those with a valid residence and work permit for Colombia will be eligible for consideration. COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for IOM staff hired. As part of the mandatory medical clearance at the time of service authorization, candidates will be required to provide proof of full vaccination. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, and training). Similarly, the Organization does not request any information related to bank accounts. All internal candidates must attach their last two PEPs/PERs in the attachments option. If you would like to know an IOM salary reference, please check the following link Referencia Salarial OIM Colombia.