Job Identification (Reference Number): 18453
Position Title: JPO - Programme Officer (Search and Rescue (SAR)) - (Dutch Nationals only)
Duty Station City: Tripoli
Duty Station Country: Libya
Grade: P-2 step 1
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension up to 3 years)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 19 February 2026
Introduction:
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
Context:
IOM plays a pivotal role in promoting protection-oriented and human rights-based SAR operations, addressing the mounting challenges of migration management. Through capacity-building initiatives, IOM strengthens the ability of national entities to respond to emergencies, provide lifesaving assistance to migrants upon disembarkation, rescue individuals stranded in the desert, and support those held in official migrant detention centres. Additionally, the program aids national migration authorities in implementing protection-focused measures to improve migrants' living conditions by ensuring access to clean drinking water, enhanced sanitation, and better hygiene standards in reception facilities, including disembarkation points, SAR vessels, and in detention centres.
Libya remains a destination country along the Central Mediterranean migration route, but also a key transit location and starting point for those attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. While work is underway for defining the future comprehensive, integrated border management system and Search and Rescue (SAR) architecture to be implemented in the country, national authorities remain challenged by difficulties related to the availability of adequate infrastructure, human resources and effective procedures that would enable them to handle major cross-border flows of irregular migrants and counter human smuggling networks.
Tripoli is classified as a non-family duty station due to prevailing security conditions. To ensure the safety of personnel, United Nations staff are required to reside within the UNCC compound, which serves as a secure accommodation facility. Movement outside the compound is strictly prohibited unless authorized for official purposes.
Within the UNCC compound, staff have access to basic amenities, including:
Accommodation facilities designed for long-term stays. A restaurant providing daily meals. A designated social area for recreation and community activities.For any work-related travel outside the compound, staff must adhere to the established security protocols. This includes obtaining prior clearance and following all prescribed procedures to mitigate risks.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Immigration and Border Governance), the Programme Officer (SAR) will support the implementation of IOM's Search and Rescue-related activities. The incumbent will contribute technical inputs and information to staff and partner Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) on effective and efficient implementation of activities, monitoring, reporting and internal and external coordination.
Assist in planning and supporting the implementation of activities under the Search and Rescue-related projects, identify synergies, and facilitate linkages with other mission activities.Contribute to analysis and suggest revisions to the project strategy, as required, in close coordination with the IBG Programme Coordinator and the Mission’s Programme Development and Support Unit (PDSU). Monitor the project’s budgetary, administrative, and technical aspects in line with IOM policies and procedures and donor requirements and bring conclusions, deficiencies and gaps to the attention of the supervisor along with recommended actions. Facilitate the monitoring of the procurement and distribution of all materials and equipment as well as the rehabilitation activities, through timely facilitation of all necessary administrative, organizational, and tender processes, in coordination with the Resource Management Unit and local partners. Contribute to monitoring project implementation and the work of local implementing partners. Propose appropriate corrective action and make recommendations to improve effectiveness as necessary; draft and contribute to regular project and activity reports and prepare and provide input to donor narrative reports. Coordinate meetings and capacity-building activities for partner government agencies, local partners and other stakeholders associated with the project.Contribute to the implementation of communication and visibility activities of the project in close coordination of the Public Information Unit.Support and strengthen coordination efforts with government entities, i.e. the Libyan Coast Guard, the General Administration for Coastal Security (GACS) and the Directorate for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM), embassies, implementing partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders involved in carrying out SAR activities in the country. Maintain up-to-date records of cases and distribution lists for the project’s activities.Contribute to trend analysis and desk research, support the development of new programme/project possibilities by providing input and information, and draft identified sections of proposals in close coordination with the project development unit, tracking and following up on submission to donors. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Coaching and Learning Elements
Upon completion of the assignment the JPO will have/ will be able to:
Gain experience in a UN Organization, including management and international cooperation activities, as well as understanding the dynamics of regional and international initiatives and working groups. Gain experience in migration policies of the region and of relevant migration governance strategies and responses.Acquire in-depth knowledge of IOM operation and activities.Be able to draft and finalize reports, concept notes and project proposals.Gain experience in working with governmental, non-governmental and United Nations institutions and enhance negotiation skills in a multilateral setting.The JPO training programme includes the following learning elements:
JPO Induction Week (Year 1): Participation in the mandatory JPO Induction Week in Geneva, providing an overview of the UN system, IOM’s mandate and operations, and the JPO Programme.Targeted Technical Trainings (Years 1–3): Access to targeted trainings relevant to JPO functions, including Project Development and PRIMA, available from the first year onwards.Career Development sessions (Years 1–3): Participation in career development sessions and other specialized trainings organized, focusing on competencies such as leadership, communication, and career planning within the UN system.Mentorship (Years 1–3): Opportunity to participate in IOM’s mentorship programme, pairing JPOs with experienced IOM staff to support professional development, institutional learning, and career guidance throughout the assignment.The JPO position includes a Duty travel and training allowance (DTTA) of $4000 per year which may be used for learning activities related to the assignment and career development.Content and methodology of supervision
Supervision is implemented through structured and consistent processes to ensure accountability and support.
Methods
Reporting: Staff submit progress reports and activity updates prior to scheduled supervision meetings.
Evaluation Procedures: Performance is assessed against agreed work plans as per IOM standard Performance Appraisal Plan. Feedback is documented and shared during review sessions.
Additional Support: Ad hoc consultations are available for urgent issues or guidance on complex tasks.
General Requirements:
Dutch nationalityMaximal age of 32 years as of 31 December of the year of application.For the minimum qualification requirements see the website of Nedworc Foundation:
Junior Professional Officer Programme - Nedworc FoundationPlease read the criteria and FAQ section carefully before considering applyingEducation
Master’s degree or equivalent in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Human Rights, International Relations, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; orBachelor’s degree with equivalent studies from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.Equivalent studies in the National Armed or Security forces of country of residence with four years of relevant professional experience.Experience
Experience in the field of migrants’ assistance with a government or UN agency, or a regional or international organization in a peacekeeping/ peacebuilding environment.Experience in project administration.Work experience within the UN system should not exceed 1 year, including UNV, (paid) UN internship and UN consultancy.Relevant Internship experience will only be counted towards the minimum years of required experience if it were full-time and it took place within the UN system, a multilateral institution, public sector, nongovernmental organizations or formal volunteering organizations.Skills
Knowledge of social and development issues as well as general migration related issues.Languages:
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable and another official 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 – 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.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 the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link 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: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies