Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

Organizational Context and Scope

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. 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 IOM’s 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 overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of Senior Movements Operations Associate, the Movement Operations  Associate, is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities. 

Responsibilities

1. Undertake beneficiary-facing activities under the Field Support and Data Processing Pillar within IOM’s movement operations, which occur at various stages of refugee resettlement, relocation, humanitarian admissions, family reunification, voluntary repatriation, and other emergency humanitarian initiatives conducted by land, air, or water. When necessary, monitor and provide guidance to teams of Movement Operations Assistants in performing related activities. 
2. Coordinate field support activities with relevant units, agencies and service providers to assist beneficiaries in an assigned area or areas, such as at an airport, seaport, transit center, third-party facility, camp-based operations or sub-office to ensure beneficiary movements are conducted safely and appropriately. If required, provide assistance for extended periods and during overnight periods and weekends, ensuring the needs of individuals are met throughout their stay. 
3. Coordinate transportation of beneficiaries to and from designated consolidation points, locations, and facilities, working with relevant units and service providers to help ensure that vulnerable individuals are assisted in a manner that ensures their safety, security and comfort.

4. Assist in timely and appropriate provision of food and other essential items to beneficiaries during IOM movement operations. Collaborate with the relevant IOM units and service providers to ensure that assistance meets established standards of quality.

5. Ensure individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support. In particular, ensure the proper handling of sensitive cases in accordance with IOM’s policies, and existing institutional guidance, including the assistance to unaccompanied and separated migrant children and at-risk cases.

6. Work with units and departments and beneficiaries on pre-departure formalities such as processing of travel documents and exit permits in close coordination with relevant external partner agencies, and authorities. 

7. 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).

8. Provide selection mission support and/or interpretation services for individuals at 

   airports, in transit centers, camps, consolidation points and third-party facilities or during transport by air, ground or water.

9. Upon request from government agencies, provide visa applicants with application assistance such as initiating contacts, scheduling appointments, capturing biometrics, filling the relevant forms, and collecting relating documents.   

10. Undertake duty travel as required and delegated to participate in meetings, trainings and other programme activities.

11. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of applicable SOPs, related systems and databases, and IOM Standards of Conduct. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant paperwork in line with SOPs, Standards of Conduct and relevant data protection rules.

12. Uphold RMM Protection Mainstreaming Minimum Standards while carrying out all duties and responsibilities and demonstrate 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). Alert the supervisor or management of any non-compliance to SOPs, RMM Protection Mainstreaming Minimum Standards or IOM Standards of Conduct by IOM personnel or partners.

13. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

   

   

Experience

• Prior Movement Operations, transportation-related and/or management experience

• Work experience in programs including movement operations component, particularly in resettlement programs

• Experience with communicating with beneficiaries.

• Past experience with Movement Operations-related databases and systems (including iGATOR, MiMOSA, SAR and Amadeus) is a strong advantage.

Demonstrated knowledge with handling sensitive information and personal data. 

• Experience with guiding and leading junior staff members. 

 

Skills

• Computer/software literate with good knowledge in Microsoft Office.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Attention to detail and ability to organise.

• Self-motivated, objective driven and able to use own initiative and work under pressure with minimum supervision.

 

Languages

IOM’s 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). 

 

SECTION 6

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.

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 - Behavioral 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.

 

---- If direct reports (10th row above) for PAS is greater than zero, then the managerial competencies below are inserted.----

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES - Behavioral indicators –  N/A

 

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.

Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.

Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

 

 

How to apply:

The candidate must submit their application through the web.

The application must include:

-Curriculum with 3 references.

-Letter of interest (1 page long)

-This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.

-This position will initially be for 1 month, with the possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds.

-The recruitment is subject to the availability of funds.
 

Candidates must submit their offer by June 30, 2026. No applications will be considered after this date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

-Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

-This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.

-Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

-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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application

You can check the Post Description on https://costarica.iom.int/es/vacantes

 

 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, racial identity, religious beliefs, among others. IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and therefore its staff come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and world perspectives. Candidates from women, people of African descent and LGBTIQA+ people who are qualified and meet the requirements of each vacancy are especially encouraged.

La Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM) no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad, edad, identidad y expresión de género, orientación sexual, nacionalidad, identidad racial, creencias religiosas, entre otras. La OIM está comprometida con un entorno diverso e inclusivo y por ello su personal proviene de una amplia gama de entornos socioeconómicos y perspectivas del mundo. Se alienta especialmente las candidaturas de mujeres, personas afrodescendientes y personas LGBTIQA+ que se encuentren cualificadas y cumplan los requisitos de cada vacante

 

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Special Short term ungraded (Up to 9 months)
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Call for Applications
Recruiting Type: General Service
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No