Naim Cherifi
Chicago
Summary
Operations professional with 15+ years of experience supporting airport-based humanitarian and migration operations with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at O’Hare International Airport. Strong background in flight management, federal agency coordination, SIDA compliance, staff supervision, and incident response. Known for maintaining high operational standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering effective partnerships with CBP, TSA, DHS, CDC, airlines, and airport authorities.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Associate
International Organization for Migration, IOM
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - 03.2025
- Coordinated daily operations for the Port of Entry (POE) Chicago Office, ensuring efficient staffing, workflow, and service delivery for arriving and transit flights.
- Maintained accurate operational records per SOPs; prepared monthly work schedules and submitted timekeeping data for HR payroll processing.
- Ensured compliance with TSA, CBP, and airport authority regulations by managing staff Airport ID (SIDA) records; served as signatory for ID issuance and submitted quarterly hologram SIDA badge reports to CBP.
- Trained new and existing staff on procedures, documentation accuracy, and operational standards.
- Collaborated with DHS, CBP, CDC, TSA, airlines, service providers, and airport authorities to ensure smooth operations and resolve issues.
- Communicated with federal authorities regarding flight schedules, regulatory updates, and procedural changes.
- Prepared and responded to incident reports in coordination with Senior Operations Assistants and Flight Management teams; escalated critical issues and recommended service improvements.
- Participated in duty travel for POE-related meetings and training.
- Served as Operations Focal Point for Flight Management for IOM POE Chicago.
Operations Assistant – Flight Management
International Organization for Migration (IOM), O’Hare International Airport
Chicago, IL
03.2016 - 03.2020
- Supported flight management operations for refugee and migrant arrivals and departures.
- Coordinated with airlines, airport authorities, and internal IOM teams to ensure smooth transit and arrival processes.
- Assisted with documentation, incident reporting, and communication with federal partners.
Operations Assistant
International Organization for Migration, IOM
Chicago, IL
03.2009 - 05.2016
- Provided operational support for daily POE activities, including passenger assistance, documentation, and coordination with CBP, TSA, and airport stakeholders.
- Ensured compliance with IOM procedures and contributed to efficient processing of arriving migrants and refugees.
Education
Master of Arts - Archeology
University of Algeria
Algeirs. Algeria09-1991
Skills
- Airport Operations & Coordination
- Flight Management
- Federal Agency Liaison (CBP, TSA, DHS, CDC)
- SIDA Badge Compliance & Recordkeeping
- Staff Training & Supervision
- Incident Reporting & Resolution
- SOP Compliance & Documentation
- Customer Service & Passenger Assistance
- Timekeeping & Scheduling
- Communication & Interagency Collaboration
Websites
Languages
Arabic
Full Professional
French
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Berbere
Full Professional
Timeline
Operations Associate
International Organization for Migration, IOM
01.2020 - 03.2025
Operations Assistant – Flight Management
International Organization for Migration (IOM), O’Hare International Airport
03.2016 - 03.2020
Operations Assistant
International Organization for Migration, IOM
03.2009 - 05.2016
Master of Arts - Archeology
University of Algeria