Expedited : Head of Sub-Office (P)

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.

This is an expedited recruitment process, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only. 

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in close coordination with the Programme Managers, Programme Support Unit, and Resources Management Unit, the Head of Sub Office will be responsible and accountable for the overall management and administration of the IOM Sub Office, as well as leading the promotion and implementation of the broad IOM programming in line with IOM policies, standards, and commitments.

1. Supervise and manage the Operational, Human Resources, Administrative, Financial and Supply Chain functions of the Sub-Office in accordance with the IOM’s rules and regulations and streamline the implementation of institutional procedures across the Sub-Office.

2. Lead the management, recruitment, training and capacity building of Sub-Office’s staff and third-party contractors, if applicable, based on programme assessment, available budget and performance indicators.

3. Represent IOM in meetings with Government Authorities, International Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), voluntary agencies, as well as public media and private sector.

4. Establish, promote and strengthen working relationships with national, regional and local governmental authorities, international organizations and NGOs, and other stakeholders in the field of migration management.

5. Lead the design and development of new projects in coordination with the CoM and other Programme Management counterparts. Ensure the implementation of an integrated, multi-programme approach with a strong focus on conducive conditions.

6. Ensure adherence to the safety and security procedures for IOM staff, premises and assets in the Sub-Office, in collaboration with the local Office of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and other relevant stakeholders, through regular participation in Area Security Management meetings.

7. Direct and monitor the implementation and reporting of all programme activities in the area in line with IOM standards and in accordance with the donor/grant agreements.

8. Advise the CoM on the progress on programme implementation, achievements, challenges, cluster/sector discussions, donor liaison issues, as well as on possible opportunities for geographical, operational and thematic expansion of IOM portfolio and other opportunities that might benefit the Country Office, IOM in the Region or globally.

9. Assess and identify key gaps and operational challenges, provide expert advice/guidance for programme implementation in coordination with the CoM/Senior Management Team to direct the programme implementation, ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness of staff performance.

10. Maintain oversight of programme deadlines, narrative and financial reporting requirements in accordance with IOM rules and regulations, as well as the donor/grant agreements, in close coordination with the Country Office, the Regional Office and other relevant IOM Offices

11. Ensure the visibility of IOM and the donors as established in donor agreements and as relevant to the context.

12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Humanitarian Affairs, Law, International Relations, Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Management, 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 in managing humanitarian, complex, and post-natural disaster emergencies at an international level;
• Experience in liaison with  government authorities, donors, national/international;
• Experience in project development and reporting;
• Experience in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation; and,
• Experience working in the Pacific is a distinct advantage.

• Demonstrated knowledge of migration management principles, concepts and techniques;

• Expertise in post-natural disaster/emergency operations;

  • Ability to lead and coordinate multiple activities and work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;

    • Proven ability to manage a larger operation in the developing world;

    • Ability to work well under pressure and in difficult conditions;

    • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, project development skills and ability to draft clearly and concisely; and,

    • A high degree of computer literacy.

       

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.

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

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. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in 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.