Chief of Mission (CoM) (P) – Call for Expression of Interest at IOM – International Organization for Migration: (Deadline 22 April 2026)
Job Description
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.
Tender posting service
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
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 15,000+ staff in more than 580 locations
worldwide.
Under the overall guidance of the Director General and
direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) as well as in close
cooperation with relevant Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Chief of Mission
(CoM) will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM, overseeing
and providing policy, administrative, programme, and financial support to the
Country Office (CO). In programme countries, the Chief of Mission 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.
Strategic country programme development and planning
1. Develop, contribute to and promote IOM’s overall
mandate and strategy and spearhead strategic planning, results orientation and
operational excellence, project development and implementation following
appropriate consultation with the Regional Office (RO) within the overall
regional framework, Headquarters, Member States and other relevant
stakeholders.
2. Play an integral role in policy discussions and
apply approved policies in the national activities, in line with IOM’s
Strategic Vision.3. Stimulate, catalyse and support project development through
a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy which includes multilateral and
bilateral donors, national and local government and public/private
partnerships. In programme countries, work closely with the Resident
Coordinator (RC) to contribute to joint resource mobilization efforts.
4. Ensure appropriateness and effectiveness of
programmes in line with IOM’s Strategic Vision and Strategic Results Framework,
as well as the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UNSDCF. Ensure accuracy of
results reporting, and recommend process improvements including the
systematization and transfer of capacities and experiences in support of IOM’s
global knowledge management. This includes incorporating lessons learned into
the next planning cycle.
5. Advise RO and HQ as well as the Office of the RC on
national policy and migration trends in the country and in the region as well
as governments’ migration policies affecting the activities of IOM and prepare
proposals for appropriate action.
6. Advocate and support the authorities and key
stakeholders on the development of appropriate policies and strategies on
migration management including mainstreaming into the national plan and budget,
as well as into the joint UNSDCF. Support their proactive engagement in the
global/regional processes such as, for example, the, Global Forum on Migration
and Development (GFMD), the implementation and follow-up of the Global Compact
for Migration (GCM) for Orderly, Safe and Regular Migration and the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development, as well as the Secretary General’s Action Agenda
on Internal Displacement.
7. Advocate for and promote risk management plans
aligned with IOM’s framework and policy. Ensure that risks to the Country Office’s
objectives are regularly assessed, with priority risks identified and risk
treatment plans are in place and embedded in the Country Office’s activity
plans.
Country programme oversight and accountability
8. Direct and monitor the project design and implementation.
9. Take full responsibility for the successful
execution of on-going operational programmes and the development of new ones
including a strategy for identifying new opportunities.
10. Supervise the implementation and assure high
quality performance of a large variety of migration related projects, also as
part of increasing their impact within the UNSDCF.
11. Support the regional and international processes
and dialogues on migration. Ensure the participation of government officials in
theses initiatives.
UN inter-agency engagement
12. Participate actively within the UNCT under the
leadership of the Resident Coordinator (RC), with a view to ensuring full
consideration of all relevant migration-related issues in the CCA and UNSDCF
processes and the coordination of the UN Migration Network.
13. Play an integral role in policy discussions with
internal and external stakeholders, participating in UN Country Team (UNCT)
meetings, and ensure approved policies are appropriately integrated in and
represented by IOM’s activities.
14. Actively pursue opportunities for joint
programming, where relevant to IOM’s role within the UNSDCF, IOM’s country and
regional strategy, and the IOM Strategic Vision.
15. Report to the RC on issues linked to the
implementation of programmes stemming from the UNSDCF and led by IOM, the
individual IOM activities as relevant to CF results, and the collective UNCT
results based on the UNSDCF (or the UN Development Assistance Framework, where
relevant).
16. Where a Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) exists,
participate actively in the HCT once established, contributing actively and
providing support to inter-agency planning process and the overall humanitarian
strategy. Ensure that IOM’s obligations within the humanitarian cluster system
are carried out including on reporting and capacity and reported upon regularly
if the cluster system is activated.
17. Proactively engage with the UN/HCT on issues
related to the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse and
sexual harassment (PSEA/SH), as well as xenophobia and discrimination, in order
to strengthen the interagency collective response.
Resources Management
18. Direct the operational, human resources,
administrative, budgetary and financial activities of the Country Office and
oversee those of the Project offices in accordance with the Organization’s
rules and procedures.
19. Report regularly to the Director General, Regional
Director and other interested partners on progress achieved and developments.
Prepare regular and special reports including narrative, impact, policy,
financial, evaluation and statistics covering IOM activities, including as part
of the interagency platform UNINFO. Prepare briefings and background
information requested by the Regional Office, HQ, the Government and other
entities.
Knowledge management
20. Facilitate knowledge generation and management
through the identification of best practices and lessons learned to ensure more
comprehensive and efficient delivery.
21. Coordinate the Country Office’s knowledge products
development and knowledge service delivery, and contribute to UN interagency
knowledge management platforms as relevant.
22. Conduct regular field visits and build strong
working relationships with local or regional authorities, as relevant,
represent IOM at events and meetings and monitor programme activities within
the country where IOM operates.
23. Facilitate learning through organization of
competency advancement training initiatives.
Representation and strategic partnerships
24. Develop partnerships within and beyond the UNCT, and
promote liaison with governmental authorities and diplomatic missions,
international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil
society, the private sector, and public media in the country, particularly with
a view to identify migration-related areas for developing common activities/
projects in a complementary manner.
25. Identify needs and priorities for cooperation and
project development as well as for fundraising purposes.
26. Support the Regional Office and when relevant HQ in
the preparation and implementation of high-level meetings, with a view to
ensuring high level participation of the Government.
27. Represent the Organization at national and
international conferences, events and meetings.
28. Develop public relations and media activities to
promote IOM’s image and programmes.
Other
29. Ensure that safety and security management of IOM
personnel, facilities and assets are addressed, in coordination with the
Regional Field Security Officer and that safety/security oversight in COs is
provided. Ensure establishment and regular maintenance of Business Continuity
Plans (BCP) and risk mitigation and management mechanisms are in place.
30. Lead the PSEA/SH Strategy for IOM at the country
level, ensuring that PSEA/SH is mainstreamed in all operations and programming
and is a part of the organizational culture, including but not limited to
PSEA/SH awareness raising and training for staff and partners, safe and
accessible complaints and referral mechanisms exist within programming and
within the office environment, and policies on the reporting of sexual and
other types of misconduct are followed.
31. Perform such other duties that may be assigned.
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 ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University
degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional
experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education
Database.
Experience
- Significant
experience in general management as well as project and resources
management;
- Significant
experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in
liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international
institutions; and,
- Experience
in delivering large and diverse programmes in complex settings in a range
of migration programming, both in the context of emergency and development
programming.
Skills
- Excellent
communications skills, both oral and written; Ability to prepare and
deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization;
- Strong
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
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be
fluent in one of the IOM’s official languages (English, French, Spanish).
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and
written).
Working knowledge of French 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 pathwayspool@iom.int.
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to
be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.
Tender posting service
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy
notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the
candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or
visa requirements, security clearances.
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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority
and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation,
religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment
process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does
not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted
through the IOM e-Recruitment 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
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY
Post a Comment