Chief of Mission (P) - Call for Expression of Interest

Introduction

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 .

Eligibility for this call for Expression of Interest (EOI) is limited to internal and external candidates who are currently part of the Pathways Pool. The selection for this assignment will be carried out through the Pathways Pool process.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM is the leading organization in the field of migration and has a staffing complement of 16,000+ staff in more than 580 locations worldwide.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD) and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of the Country Office with Coordination Functions (COCF), the CoM will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM, overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programme, and financial management support to the Country Office (CO).

In programme countries, the CoM also reports to the Resident Coordinator (RC) with respect to the IOM contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) objectives and the collective results of the UN development system towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda at the country level, in accordance with the Management and Accountability Framework.

The CoM will be responsible and accountable for developing and promoting IOM's Strategic Plan and Programming in the country within the overall Regional Framework and Strategy.

In addition, the CoM will be responsible for keeping the COCF and the Regional Office (RO) informed of relevant governmental concerns, specific migration dynamics and programmatic developments. The CoM will also be responsible for developing new projects and programmes in the country, for planning the development and implementation of the Organization's activities in the country and for managing the related budgetary, financial and administrative functions of the CO.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

- Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

- Experience in general management as well as project and resources management;
- Experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions; and,
- Experience in managing a range of migration programming, both in the context of emergency and development programming.

Skills

- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
- Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization;
- Demonstrated liaison and negotiation skills;
- In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
- Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
- Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures and Frameworks;
- Effective resources management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management;
- Ability to deliver during crisis response; and,
- Good level of computer literacy.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link . Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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 3

- 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 3

- 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.

Notes

The eligibility criteria for expressing interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool have been widened, as outlined in the Pathways Pool guidelines .

- Current staff members who are members of the Pathways Pool will now also be able to express interest in relevant roles at lower-level grade(s);
- Current staff members who are not members of the Pathways Pool may also express interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool if the positions they encumber are due to be abolished as part of structural adjustments and if they meet certain requirements (as per Pathways Pool guidelines section 4). However, they will have to undergo a Fast-Track Pathways Assessment if they are being considered for the role.

For any questions, please contact [email protected].

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the  IOM WAVE system  (for internal candidates link here ). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. 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 .