Programme Officer

Volunteering Admin Crisis & Emergency Response Programme & Policy

Overview

Support disaster management and emergency response operations in Legazpi.

You have:

• Experience in disaster management, emergency response, or DRR, preferably in contexts with cyclical or recurrent natural hazards.
• Experience coordinating with logistics, supply chain, warehousing, or field operations.
• Experience supporting processes for programme implementation is an advantage.
• Prior experience with UN, IOM, or other humanitarian actors is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain;
• Sound security awareness;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Legazpi, which functions as the mission’s Emergency and climate Hub for Luzon Region. The hub hosts the national warehouse and pre‑positioned emergency stocks, serving as the operational base for rapid deployment to areas frequently affected by typhoons, flooding, volcanic activity, and other cyclical natural hazards.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in the Philippines, and under the primary supervision of the National Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer for all emergency‑related matters—and the secondary supervision of the Head of Programmes for other programmatic issues—the position will ensure continuous operational coordination with Manila‑based programme, supply chain, finance, and emergency teams, while maintaining day‑to‑day field presence to support preparedness, response, and logistics operations from the Emergency Hub.

Programme Development & Planning • Contribute to the design of disaster management and climate mobility projects, including preparedness, early recovery, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), anticipatory action, and response ensuring alignment with country priorities and donor requirements. • Support the development of concept notes and proposals, including technical inputs on hazard trends, rapid needs data, risk modelling, and logistical feasibility. • Assist in mapping recurrent hazard cycles and integrating seasonal contingency planning into programme designs.

Programme Implementation • Coordinate day to day implementation of disaster and climate-related activities in the sub-office area of responsibility, ensuring compliance with IOM standards and donor agreements. • Facilitate operational planning with supply chain, procurement, fleet, warehousing, and field logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of relief items and services.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting • Support the development and roll out of M&E tools for emergency and climate programmes, including situation reports, distribution monitoring, post distribution monitoring, and lessons learned processes. • Contribute to donor reports, weekly updates, and internal dashboards related to disaster response operations.

Coordination & Representation • Facilitate seamless coordination between field operations in Legazpi and the Manila‑based programme and emergency units, ensuring regular information flow and alignment of operational decisions. • Represent IOM in sectoral/cluster meetings as delegated (Shelter, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), WASH, Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Logistics, or DRR coordination platforms). • Maintain regular communication with local government authorities, community structures, UN agencies, and partners involved in disaster preparedness and response.

Preparedness & Emergency Response • Support the update and activation of contingency plans, early warning triggers, and pre positioning strategies for recurrent hazard cycles. • Participate in rapid assessments and emergency deployments within the country. • Contribute to maintaining emergency rosters, mapping suppliers, and pre arranging logistical pathways for fast moving responses. • Oversee routine operational checks of the Legazpi warehouse, including stock levels, pre‑positioned kits, and readiness of deployment assets, in coordination with Supply Chain colleagues.

Resource Management & Compliance • Assist in planning and monitoring programme budgets, ensuring proper use of resources and adherence to donor and IOM rules. • Ensure compliance with environmental, protection, and accountability standards.

Other Duties • Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

MANAGERIAL 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. • 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.

• Experience in disaster management, emergency response, or DRR, preferably in contexts with cyclical or recurrent natural hazards. • Experience coordinating with logistics, supply chain, warehousing, or field operations. • Experience supporting processes for programme implementation is an advantage. • Prior experience with UN, IOM, or other humanitarian actors is desirable. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in migration volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

The IOM Legazpi Sub‑Office, located in Legazpi City in the Bicol Region, operates in a dynamic environment shaped by both its vibrant local culture and its exposure to natural hazards, particularly due to its proximity to Mayon Volcano, one of the Philippines’ most active and iconic volcanoes.

Security & Safety: Legazpi is generally considered safe and peaceful, with a stable security environment. However, staff must remain aware of potential natural hazards—such as volcanic activity, typhoons, and heavy rainfall—given the region’s geographic profile.

Access & Travel: Legazpi is accessible via air travel, with daily commercial flights connecting to Manila. Overland travel is also possible, though long, due to distance and weather‑related road conditions.

Climate: Legazpi experiences a tropical maritime climate, with high humidity and two pronounced seasons: Rainy season: June to November (typhoons may affect operations) Dry season: December to May Temperatures typically range between 25°C to 35°C throughout the year.

Cultural Awareness: The local culture is warm and community‑oriented. Modest attire is advisable, especially during fieldwork or community engagement. Alcohol is available but consumed moderately; staff are encouraged to follow local norms and IOM conduct standards.

Cost of Living & Accommodation: Cost of living in Legazpi is comparatively lower than major Philippine cities. Accommodation options range from apartments to guesthouses, with generally reliable access to food markets, public transport, and essential goods. Utilities & Infrastructure:

Electricity, water, and internet services are widely available, though outages may occur during severe weather. Staff should be prepared for intermittent service, especially during typhoon season.

Medical & Banking Facilities: Legazpi hosts several hospitals and clinics that can address general medical needs. For specialized care, referrals to bigger cities (e.g., Manila) may be required. Banking services and ATMs are present within the city center.

Communications: Mobile coverage is stable, and major telecom providers operate in the area. Internet access is adequate for office and teleconferencing needs, with occasional disruptions tied to weather.

“Legazpi is a unique duty station that combines a rich cultural environment with the operational challenges of a disaster‑prone area. Working in IOM Legazpi offers an enriching professional experience, particularly in emergency preparedness, response, and community engagement. At the same time, it requires a mature level of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and resilience. Flexibility and the willingness to work in conditions that may involve physical hardship, natural hazards, and limited comfort at times are essential to successfully support IOM’s humanitarian mandate in the region.”

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: unv.org