SVN-EC014-2026-SMBFA Senior Movement Operations Associate (Beneficiary-Facing Activities)

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

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

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. 

IOM Ecuador is a key partner in supporting the Government of Ecuador and regional actors in addressing migration challenges and opportunities in the country. As part of the International Organization for Migration’s global mission, IOM Ecuador focuses on providing comprehensive assistance to migrants, refugees, and host communities through protection, integration, and durable solutions. Aligned with its 2022-2026 strategy, IOM Ecuador emphasizes sustainable, community-based interventions and strong coordination with local governments and stakeholders to promote inclusive development and uphold the rights and dignity of all migrants.

Under the general supervision of the Head of Operations, and the direct supervision of the National Officer Emergency and Humanitarian Assistance, and the technical supervision of the RMM Regional Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Senior Operations Associate is responsible for supervising movement operations activities in the field, with the following duties and responsibilities: 

1. Supervise a team of staff undertaking beneficiary-facing activities under the Field Support and Data Processing Pillar within IOM’s movement operations in the country, ensuring compliance with their respective standard operating procedures and programme requirements. This includes overseeing staff development processes such as hiring, providing training, assigning duties, and giving regular performance feedback to ensure high-quality work and accurate completion of activities.

2. Oversee the field support activities relating to IOM’s movement operations in an assigned area or areas in the country, 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. Oversee the coordination of transportation of beneficiaries to and from designated consolidation points, locations, and facilities in the country, 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. Coordinate liaison with service providers, supervise staff as they ensure the identity verification, readiness and organization of individuals being transported, and prepare and supervise relevant briefings. 
4. Oversee the timely and appropriate provision of food and other essential items to beneficiaries during IOM movement operations in the country. Lead the collaboration with the relevant IOM units and service providers to ensure that assistance meets established standards of quality.
5. Oversee the coordination of cases or indiviuals with with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support. In particular, monitor and ensure the staff members handle 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. Oversees the pre-departure formalities such as processing of travel documents and exit permits in close coordination with relevant external partner agencies, and authorities in the country.

7. Coordinate and/or 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.
8. Upon request from the government agencies, coordinate provision of the visa applicants with application assistance such as initiating contacts, scheduling appointments, capturing biometrics, filling the relevant forms, and collecting relating documents as needed.
9. Under the close supervision of the supervisor, assist liaison with other teams and units in IOM country office and with external partners such as airport and government authorities, embassies, and the UN agencies on individual cases at operational level. Provide regular feedback on work being accomplished to the supervisors and keep them immediately informed of any issues that arise.

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.

• High School diploma with six 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 four years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

•  Work experience in programs including movement operations component, is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated proficiency in IOM-RMM proprietary tools and systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of handling sensitive information and personal data.
• Experience with supervising a team.
• Airport experience is mandatory.

• Computer/software literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and lead a team.
• 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.
• Troubleshooting skills.
• Leadership skills.

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in Spanish and English is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

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

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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

Important: Add the cover letter in the “Supporting Documents” section of your application.