Senior Programme Associate Housing, IOM Moldova

Special Vacancy Notice 2024-21(extended)

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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. Well qualified candidates, particularly women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV are particularly encouraged to apply.

Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope:

Following the launch of military operations across Ukrainian territory on 24 February 2022, substantive flows and displacements across Ukraine and toward neighbouring countries have been reported countries in the following days. In response to the Ukrainian crisis, IOM Moldova has increased operational activities which requires additional administrative staff.

Housing and settlement are basic human needs and key components to social, emotional, and economic well-being; in Moldova, access to adequate housing is considered among the third priority needs for refugees renting accommodation (30%). For the refugees that have been able to cover the rent, they rely on cash assistance, income (wage, salary, pension), and personal savings to cover the payment of the rent. IOM has leveraged its experience in emergency response, hence providing the humanitarian response as part of a multi-sectoral Shelter, Cash, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention. IOM is also transitioning to focus on medium to long-term solutions for the displaced, including transitional shelter (Rental assistance) and social inclusion, strengthening local institutions to increase stability, resilience, access to durable solutions, and diaspora engagement.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes, direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator Shelter and Settlement, and technical supervision from the Project Officer Shelter and Settlement, the incumbent will play a key role in IOM's efforts to support refugees, migrants, and vulnerable people in Moldova.

 Responsibilities and Accountabilities:  

1. Collaborate with the Program Coordinator Shelter and Settlement to identify and develop sustainable social and affordable housing project opportunities, contributing to the formulation of assessments, concept notes, and project proposals aligned with program objectives.
2. Provide ongoing support to the Programme Coordinator Shelter and Settlement in planning, implementing, and monitoring housing solutions efforts suitable for Moldova, ensuring alignment with project goals and stakeholder requirements.
3. Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of Moldovan housing legislation, regulations, administrative processes, and state programs, focusing on areas such as the regulation of co-owners of multi-apartment buildings and other types of maintenance companies for multi-apartment buildings to inform project strategies and compliance.
4. Offer legal advisory services on housing purchasing, construction, and reconstruction procedures in Moldova, ensuring adherence to legal standards and promoting transparency in project activities.
5. Collaborate with the Project team to develop innovative, cost- and energy-efficient housing models and schemes for diverse subprojects and interventions, incorporating best practices and stakeholder input to effectively address housing challenges.
6. Lead, in partnership with local stakeholders and other agencies, in conducting needs assessments and focus group discussions on selected regions to accurately estimate the scope of IOM's housing interventions, including repairs, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and capital construction of housing units.
7. Support drafting essential legal documents and official correspondence required for the successful execution of project interventions in the communities and beneficiaries in legal documents for property renting or ownership.
8. Provide expert guidance and advice to government officials on emerging trends, policies, standards, and best practices in housing solutions and energy efficiency. These are crucial for the government's initiatives to address the housing shortage effectively and curb energy vulnerability.
9. Monitor international, national, and local legislative developments relevant to the Housing Project and shelter programs, analyzing implications and presenting key findings to inform strategic decision-making and program enhancements.
10. Provide support in ensuring the quality control of legal obligations by officials and housing unit owners during and after repairs, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and capital construction projects.
11. Assist the Programme Coordinator Shelter and Settlement in planning, executing, and overseeing project activities, including monitoring contractors and implementing partners to ensure adherence to national Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) requirements. Collaborate closely, providing timely reports on project activities to the Programme Coordinator Shelter and Settlement.
12. Support the Government and Legal Engagement Officer in managing relationships with key stakeholders, mainly the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and the Basic Needs working group. This includes assessing social risks and impacts and facilitating grievance mechanisms. Participate in public hearings and community meetings to address social concerns and promote transparency.
13. Work closely with the basic needs working group in the Refugee Accomodation Center (RAC) consolidation exercise, finding longer-time housing solutions for people living in RACs.
14. Adhere to IOM's policies and procedures, including the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), fostering a respectful work environment, and promoting a culture of integrity and professionalism within the organization.
15. Contribute to information gathering and management support for the Housing project and related shelter initiatives, ensuring data accuracy and timely reporting on project progress and outcomes.
16. Perform any other duties that may be required.

Required Qualifications and Experience 

Education:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Management, Civil engineering, Social Sciences, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience;
• High school diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:  

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Outlook;
• Attention to detail, ability to organize paperwork and documentation in a methodical way;
• Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willing to learn new things; and,
• Experience in project/office management in emergency and development environments.
• Experience in implementing Housing/shelter/NFI activities in a humanitarian emergency.
• Previous experience with IOM and other UN specialized agencies is an advantage.

• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions; experience with project implementation, scheduling, and deployment of resources.

 Skills:  

• Strong management capability and experience, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance.
• Familiarity with financial and business administration.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Good computer literacy.
• Knowledge of Computer-aided design programmes as well as design programmes, such as AutoCAD and Adobe InDesign is an advantage.

 Languages: 
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

REQUIRED:

Fluency in English and Romanian is required (oral and written).  

DESIRABLE:
Working knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian is desirable.

Competencies 

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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 wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency maintain 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

Mangrial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2) 

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s 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.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Internals of the Organization and NMS candidates will be considered as first-tier candidates. This vacancy is also open to second-tier candidates.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances, and a valid COVID certification.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered.

In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are invited to send the IOM Personal History Form and cover letter in English to: hrchisinau@iom.int

Please, indicate the position you are applying for and reference code in the subject line of your message.

Those candidates who have already applied in response to earlier advertisement will be automatically considered and do not need to apply again. 

Closing date for applications is 22 August 2024.

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts the applications duly completed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Posting period:

From 08.08.2024 to 22.08.2024