โThis position is open to \"Internal and Separated Staff onlyโ
Job Identification (Reference Number): EXPEDITED VN-US10-2026-021
Position Title: Movement Operations Associate (Movement Management)
Duty Station City: Washington D.C.ย
Duty Station Country: United States of Americaย
Grade & Salary: G5 (USD 5,508.33 Monthly)
Contract Type: One Year Fixed Term
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Noticeย
Initial duration: 12 Months
Since the inception of IOM in 1951, Movement Operations have been and continue to be a fundamental pillar of the Organizationโs work. The organized movement of persons in need of international migration assistance is a primary mandate of the Organization and a cornerstone of IOMโs 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 IOMโs Headquarters, are responsible for all aspects of travel for migrants and refugees under IOMโs 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 Senior Operations Officer and direct supervision of the National Operations Officer, the Movement Operations Associate (Movement Management) is responsible for undertaking movement operations 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 direct supervisor, distribute travel information to internal and external stakeholders.
3. Compile and analyze descriptive statistics, using ATOMS to capture costs and prepare travel loan paperwork as specified in SOPs and in accordance with host governmentโs 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 the supervisor, process exit permission paperwork and 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.
Responsibilities at the Ports of Entry (POE) in the USA
9. Provide in person assistance to beneficiaries at the U.S. POEs, including meeting them at the arrival and facilitating all required arrival procedures. This includes facilitating immigration and customs formalities, assisting with baggage claim and where applicable escorting beneficiaries to ground transportation meeting points, contracted hotels for overnight stay or through TSA security screening to their domestic departure gates to ensure smooth transit and connection.
10. Communicate with airlines, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and other airport or transportation authorities as needed and resolve issues as they arise in coordination with the supervisor.
11. Prepare and complete required paperwork in relation to hotel bookings, meal orders, domestic transportation and post-arrival formalities at the POE ensuring accuracy and timely submission in line with internal protocols.
12. Provide regular feedback on work being accomplished to the supervisor and keep the supervisor immediately informed of any issues that arise.
13. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of relevant Movement Operations SOPs and Movements-related systems and databases (including 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 Standards of Conduct and instruction on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).ย
14. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant paperwork in line with standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert the supervisor or management of any non-compliance with SOPs or standards of conduct by IOM staff members or partners.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned
Education
- High school diploma with 5 years of work experience; or
- Bachelorโs degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with 3 years of relevant work experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.ย Experience
- Prior Movement Operations, Airline bookings, transportation-related and/or management experience are strongly preferred.
- Operational experience at a U.S. POE, with a strong understanding of movement workflows and direct coordination with CBP is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of airline processes and CBP procedures relevant to the arrival and onward movement of IOM-assisted beneficiaries.
- Knowledge of Airline/flight reservation system, global distribution system, Air ticket pricing or experience as travel agent is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of any IOM proprietary tools and systems is an advantage.
- Work experience in programs including movement operations component, particularly in resettlement programs.
- Experience with guiding and leading junior staff members.
- Experience with communicating with beneficiaries.Skills
- Computer/software literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to organize.
- Self-motivated, objective-driven and able to use own initiative and work under pressure with minimum supervision.
- Team leading skills
OTHERS - Must meet the badging and security clearance requirements at the respective POE, which includes a background check and fingerprinting as per airport authority regulations.
- Must reside in the U.S., with preference given to candidates who meet local or state residency requirements applicable for badging at POE.Languages
- IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish; all staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). - Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.ย Required Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย 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.
- IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish; all staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
- 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.
