Regional Desk Officer (South America) (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

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

In support of the responsibility of the Executive Office to provide institutional guidance, set institutional goals and priorities and maintain global oversight of IOM’s activities, the principal function of the successful candidate is to support effective coordination, communication and coherence between Headquarters (HQ), Regional Offices (ROs) and Country Offices.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Member States and Stakeholder Engagement Division as part of the Member State and Stakeholder Engagement Division (MSSD), and in close cooperation with the Executive Office, the Leadership Team, other HQ Offices/Departments and Regional and Country Offices, the Regional Desk Officer (South America) will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities in South America and possibly other sub-regions.

1. Contribute regional knowledge and expertise to the Executive Office to advise the Director General, the Deputy Directors General and other HQ Offices and Departments, in coordination with Regional Offices and Country Offices on policy issues and strategic matters.

2. Prepare and coordinate briefings and background information on regional and national issues for meetings of the Director General and Deputy Directors General, including special reports as requested by the Executive Office.

3. Contribute to and coordinate efforts to ensure that regional and country issues and concerns are reflected and advocated for in global forums and bilateral meetings.

4. Support the Executive Office, the Strategy and External Engagement (SEE) and other HQ Offices and Departments in maintaining regular liaison with Permanent Missions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, international organizations, regional institutions, and other relevant bodies, in Geneva and in the Region, in accordance with the interests and purposes of the organization.

5. Support matters related to IOM Governing Bodies including liaising with Permanent Missions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, international organizations, regional institutions, and other relevant bodies, in Geneva and in the Region.

6. In support of SEE, Regional Offices and Country Offices, contribute regional expertise to regional consultative processes and multilateral forums and foster intra- and inter-regional coherence and coordination.

7. Serve as regional resource person for various Offices and Departments at HQ, Regional Offices and Country Offices, as required, in matters related to publications, donor relations, communications, and press briefings so as to ensure consistency, credibility and image of IOM in the Region.

8. Provide assistance and guidance, as needed, to Regional Offices and Country Offices including identifying, promoting and encouraging strategic partnerships and new program activities. Support interventions for increasing regional visibility and enriching partnerships.

9. Facilitate the cross-regional sharing of regional and country level experiences, innovation, and good practices internally and with key partners at the global level towards ensuring IOM’s efficiency and effectiveness.

10. Contribute to further strengthening long-term policy capacities within the Region.

11. Support the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, and the Organization at international and regional conferences as well as internal/external meetings.

12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above with nine years of relevant professional experience.

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

• Experience in the field of migration issues including operational and field experience, IOM project development, and management;
• Experience in international relations, migration and in international development matters; and,
• Extensive experience in fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;
• Knowledge and experience of regional issues is an advantage.

• Sound knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.

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 Spanish is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French and Russian) 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, 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