A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1. Introduction

Under the Better Regional Migration Management Program, IOM is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora services/departments to implement a Returned Qualified Nationals (RQN), Diaspora Engagement activity in Ethiopia. The activity seeks to enable the voluntary participation of the Ugandan Diaspora to strengthen institutions in key socio-economic sectors agreed with the governments, such as computer science, health, agriculture, engineering, and financial systems.

The program offers support for three-month assignments with various institutions which will include Universities, TVETs, Hospitals, and private sector organizations. These organizations are chosen as the host institution for the Return of Qualified Nationals (RQN) program based on their demonstrated capacity to effectively integrate the expertise of the RQNs and their steadfast commitment to ensuring that qualified nationals can carry out their work seamlessly over three months.

The program welcomes professional diaspora from different careers and sectors, such as educators, organizational developers, mechanical engineers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

We are looking for experts from the diaspora who will be willing to share their expertise and abilities through short-term projects in development at the universities, TVETS and selected private sector.

B. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

·       Facilitating the engagement of the professional diaspora in short-term placements in the selected fields at the university.

·       Enhancing the skills, expertise, and knowledge of local professionals through interaction with diaspora experts.

·       Promoting the transfer of innovative practices, technologies, and methodologies.

·       Strengthening partnerships and collaborations between the diaspora and local agricultural institutions.

C: AREAS OF POSSIBLE INTERVENTION

1.       Computer Science: The professional diaspora in computer science will contribute their expertise to enhance technological advancements, digital innovation, and information systems in various fields.

2.       Medicine and/or Health Science: The professional diaspora in medicine and/or health science will collaborate with local healthcare professionals to improve healthcare delivery, advance medical research, and/or enhance public health practices.

3.       Agriculture: The professional diaspora in agriculture will work with local farmers, researchers, and agricultural institutions to promote sustainable farming practices, introduce innovative techniques, and improve crop productivity and food security.

4.       Business and Economics: The professional diaspora in business and/or economics will support local entrepreneurs, businesses, and policymakers in areas such as strategic planning, market analysis, financial management, and/or fostering economic growth.

5.       Engineering: the professional diaspora in engineering will support engineering students and practitioners in the various engineering fields to foster creativity and skills development

6.       For all the sectors, The professional diaspora will engage in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills, knowledge, and expertise of local staff across various sectors. This includes providing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to empower local professionals and strengthen institutional capacity.

D. REPORTING, OBLIGATIONS AND DELIVERABLES

·       Transfer of skills: The main responsibility of the qualified Ugandan Diaspora expert will be to ensure continuous and systematic transfer of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment.

·       Work plan: A work plan must be developed with the host institution supervisor during the first week of the assignment to provide clear and time-bound activities to successfully implement the outputs of the assignment. This work plan will be shared with the supervisor of the host institution, the IOM programme coordinator and IOM M&E officer. This work plan can be revised during the assignment to reflect new developments or changes.

·       Monthly Reports: Monthly progress reports will be submitted by the Ugandan Diaspora expert to the supervisor of the host institution, the IOM programme coordinator and IOM M&E officer.

·       Exit interview: An exit interview will be conducted to gather experiences and recommendations for future assignments by other experts

E. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCES

1.       Completed advanced degree (BA, or above) in any of the above fields - computer science, Medical or health science, agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, business administration, economics, finance, education, organizational development, or human resources or any other related field

2.       Currently living abroad and have a migration history from Uganda

3.       At least eight years of practical and relevant professional experience abroad in the field in which you would like to work during your assignment.

4.       Willing to undertake a short-term assignment of three months in a development-related area

5.       Excellent knowledge of English, including the ability to write reports clearly and concisely and to set out a coherent argument in presentation and group interactions

6.       Full computer literacy, including familiarity with research tools

7.       Problem-solving attitudes with a proactive approach to handling challenges

Technical/Functional Skills:

8. Technical and practical experience in the relevant field

9. Produce high-quality outputs promptly, while understanding and anticipating the evolving needs on the ground.

10. Assess situations or circumstances and draw sound conclusions.

11. Think strategically, manage competing priorities and be highly organized.

12. Work in collaboration with other departments and produce high-quality outputs.

13. Display sensitivity towards culture, gender, religion, race, and nationality.

14.   Must be a Ugandan citizen or Diaspora members with Ugandan origin currently living and working abroad.

15.   Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Luganda is an asset.

16.   Pay attention to detail and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

i)                    Competencies

Values

·       Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

·       Integrity and transparency: Maintain 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.

Core Competencies – behavioral indicators

·       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 action and delegated work.

·       Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

F.WHAT WE OFFER

·       Local support during your assignment from our team of coordinators in the university

·       Financial assistance towards expenses during the assignment

·       Paid round-trip travel expenses

·       A basic insurance package

·       Local support during your assignment from our team of coordinators

G. SUPERVISION

The expert will be attached to the universities and his/her daily work will be supervised by the contact person/supervisor allocated to him/her within the respective organization. The work of the expert will also be closely monitored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) during the duration of his/her assignment. 

H: HOW TO APPLY

To 9. How to Apply

To apply for this Short-Term placement opportunity, interested and eligible applicants can send a motivation letter, CV and contact information (email and phone number) of two professional references to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) EHoARORQN_UG@iom.int until 31 January 2025.

For more information and specific application details for the three universities, please visit the IOM Diaspora website. https://www.idiaspora.org/en/contribute/opportunities