Job Identification (Reference Number): 18453
Position Title: JPO - Programme Officer (Search and Rescue (SAR)) - (Dutch Nationals only)
Duty Station City: Tripoli
Duty Station Country: Libya
Grade: P-2 step 1
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension up to 3 years)
Recruiting Type: Professional 
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 19 February 2026

Introduction:

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, 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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Context:

IOM plays a pivotal role in promoting protection-oriented and human rights-based SAR operations, addressing the mounting challenges of migration management. Through capacity-building initiatives, IOM strengthens the ability of national entities to respond to emergencies, provide lifesaving assistance to migrants upon disembarkation, rescue individuals stranded in the desert, and support those held in official migrant detention centres. Additionally, the program aids national migration authorities in implementing protection-focused measures to improve migrants' living conditions by ensuring access to clean drinking water, enhanced sanitation, and better hygiene standards in reception facilities, including disembarkation points, SAR vessels, and in detention centres.

Libya remains a destination country along the Central Mediterranean migration route, but also a key transit location and starting point for those attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. While work is underway for defining the future comprehensive, integrated border management system and Search and Rescue (SAR) architecture to be implemented in the country, national authorities remain challenged by difficulties related to the availability of adequate infrastructure, human resources and effective procedures that would enable them to handle major cross-border flows of irregular migrants and counter human smuggling networks.

Tripoli is classified as a non-family duty station due to prevailing security conditions. To ensure the safety of personnel, United Nations staff are required to reside within the UNCC compound, which serves as a secure accommodation facility. Movement outside the compound is strictly prohibited unless authorized for official purposes.

Within the UNCC compound, staff have access to basic amenities, including:

• Accommodation facilities designed for long-term stays.
• A restaurant providing daily meals.
• A designated social area for recreation and community activities.

For any work-related travel outside the compound, staff must adhere to the established security protocols. This includes obtaining prior clearance and following all prescribed procedures to mitigate risks.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Immigration and Border Governance), the Programme Officer (SAR) will support the implementation of IOM's Search and Rescue-related activities. The incumbent will contribute technical inputs and information to staff and partner Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) on effective and efficient implementation of activities, monitoring, reporting and internal and external coordination.