Head of Sub-Office

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

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the Head of Sub-Office will be responsible and accountable for coordinating the day-to-day management and administration of the IOM Sub-Office and the implementation of programme activities in line with IOM policies, standards and commitments. The incumbent will maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts and other stakeholders to support the implementation of migration-related programmes and activities in Hong Kong SAR, China, and facilitate collaboration relevant to IOM programme objectives.

1. Coordinate the day-to-day Operational, Human Resources, Administrative, Financial and Supply Chain functions of the Sub-Office under the guidance of the CoM, in line with IOM rules, regulations and institutional procedures.

2. In coordination with the CoM, maintain and strengthen working relationships with national, regional and local governmental authorities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders in the field of migration management.

3. Participate in meetings with government authorities, international organizations, NGOs, voluntary agencies, and the private sector.  

4. Contribute to the implementation of institutional priorities within the Hong Kong SAR context and support outreach efforts that promote awareness of IOM programmes and services among relevant stakeholders. 

5. Contribute technical inputs to the design and development of new projects in close coordination with the CoM and other Programme Management counterparts. 

6. Coordinate the implementation, monitoring and reporting of programme activities in the Sub-Office in line with IOM standards and donor requirements. 

7. Provide regular updates to the CoM on the progress on programme implementation, achievements and donor liaison issues. 

8. Contribute to establishing the visibility of IOM and the donors as per donor agreements and as relevant to the context. 

9. Supervise and provide guidance to assigned staff, including monitoring work performance, identifying learning and development needs, and ensuring effective delivery of assigned responsibilities.

10. Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned. 

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Humanitarian Affairs, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

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

• Experience in building partnerships with the government authorities, donors, national/international institutions and multi-stakeholders in Hong Kong SAR, China;  

• Experience in project development and reporting;

• Experience in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation; and, 

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and/or supervising staff

• Knowledge of migration management principles, concepts and techniques; 

• Good understanding of the Hong Kong SAR’s political system and migration dynamics;

• Demonstrated interpersonal, coordination and influencing skills with the ability to engage effectively with government authorities and other stakeholders in Hong Kong SAR;

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

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

• Good communication, coordination and negotiation skills, with demonstrated ability to develop projects and draft clear and concise reports and correspondence; and, 

• A high degree of computer literacy.

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 and Chinese (Cantonese) is required (oral and written).

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.

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 certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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