VN-US10-2026-090 Movement Operations Associate (Field Support, Airport)

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.

1. Undertake field support activities in an assigned area or areas primarily at the airport(s) in Chicago , such as meeting and assisting group and individual arrivals of the beneficiaries at the airport, organizing transit and ground transportation, and completing administrative duties to ensure that the movement of beneficiaries under IOM are carried out in a safe, dignified, and humane manner. As required, monitor and guide teams of Movement Operations Assistants in completing field support activities. 

2. Meet the beneficiaries at the arrival gate and physically assist them with all aspects of arrival procedures at the POE airport. Duties include providing custodial care of travel documentation; verifying identities and documentation in the travel bag; assisting with airport formalities, including check-in, luggage formalities, immigration procedures, security screening systems and customs clearance; escorting arriving individuals to ground transportation and individuals with domestic flight connections to their gates; visually confirming flights have departed; ensuring individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support; and, as needed, sending update notifications via IOM proprietary tools and systems. This often requires meeting the beneficiaries at the arrival gate and walking with them through to the baggage claim area; assisting them with collecting check-in luggage at the baggage claim area; and carrying them to the onward transportation check-in point.

3. Communicate with airlines, CBP and other vendors as needed and resolve issues as they arise in coordination with the supervisor. 

4. Prepare and complete required paperwork in relation to domestic transportation and post-arrival formalities at the POE. Duties include but not limited to: assist with the preparation of flight packages, domestic bookings sheets, lanyards, promissory notes; mail travel packets after CBP processing; and undertake quality assurance checks of POE-relevant data as directed by supervisors; monitor and guide other staff as they undertake administrative duties.

5. Accompany medical cases requiring immediate assistance to the hospital and remain with them as requested by POE management, ensuring all necessary hospitalization documentation is completed and submitted to the supervisors.

6. As required, provide assistance at hotels for individuals in transit, particularly the vulnerable people, including for extended periods of up to 12 hours, during overnight periods and exceptionally on weekends; ensuring the needs of the individuals are met throughout their hotel stay. Promptly communicate with hotel representatives and POE supervisors if issues arise. 

7. As required, provide interpretation assistance for arriving migrants, including during their immigration and customs procedures, transfer to a domestic flight or ground transportation, transportation to a hotel or final destination. 

8. As required, certify, update and validate domestic bookings and air tickets information in IOM systems. Undertake quality assurance checks of relevant data and report any discrepancies for coordination with IOM Washington DC; and, as needed, train other staff to efficiently and effectively assist with air ticket validation procedures and quality assurance checks.  

9. Where needed, support provision of training relating to day-to-day operations for new team members to efficiently and effectively perform their duties. 

10. Prepare incident reports, such as lost luggage claims, and lodge them through relevant online system in accordance with the reporting procedures and provide necessary follow up.

11. Provide regular feedback on work being accomplished to the supervisors and keep them immediately informed of any issues requiring their attention.

12. 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 information in line with SOPs, Standards of Conduct and relevant data protection rules. Alert management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by staff members or partners.
13.  Undertake duty travel as needed to participate in POE-related meetings or training sessions, or to escort individuals transiting to their final destination.
14. 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.
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

* This position entails physical duties including standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling. Candidates must possess the physical capability to fulfil these tasks effectively and safely. The ability to meet these requirements is essential for successful performance in this role.

• 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; or

• High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.

• Operational experience at a U.S. POE is required, with a strong understanding of movement workflows and direct coordination with CBP. 
• ​Demonstrated knowledge of airline processes and CBP procedures relevant to the arrival and onward movement of IOM-assisted beneficiaries. 
• ​Prior Movement Operations, transportation-related and/or management experience are strongly preferred.  
• ​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.​ 

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 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.

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