Senior External Relations Associate

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 are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of Head of Liaison and Project Support Unit, and working collaboratively with colleagues across the Country Office and the wider organisation, the Senior External Relations Associate will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of engagement activities with governmental and parliamentary stakeholders, international financial institutions, think tanks, as well as other key counterparts. This includes assisting with information gathering, preparation of materials, logistical arrangements, and follow-up to help the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a trusted advisor on migration-related issues and to contribute to building understanding and support for IOM’s work

1. Coordinate and support the development and implementation of a wide range of stakeholder engagement activities with United Kingdom (UK) Government departments, multilateral development actors (notably the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)), think tanks, and other relevant institutions, contributing to effective liaison and informed external partnerships.
2. Review and coordinate stakeholder information, prepare documentation, support meeting preparation, event follow up, handle logistical arrangements and assist senior colleagues at events to support maintenance of IOM’s profile as well as stakeholder and network relationships.
3. Monitor, analyse and summarise funding decisions, political positions and policy developments on current and emerging issues. Draft and update guidance documents and other resources for use by IOM colleagues in IOM UK, HQ, Regional and Country Offices.
4. Coordinate the collection and validation of IOM programme information and draft talking points, briefings, and other policy support materials, facilitating informed IOM UK’s policy engagement.
5. Support the preparation of visits involving UK government stakeholders to IOM’s overseas operations and offices, as well as with IOM staff visiting the UK for effective stakeholder engagement and institutional visibility.
6. Research donors, funding mechanisms and fundraising tools, and analyse emerging funding opportunities to support the organisation’s resource mobilisation efforts.
7. Liaise with relevant IOM country and regional units, offering information on UK funding opportunities and decision-making processes to support their UK-focused resource mobilisation efforts.
8. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies or related field from an accredited institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• High school diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

• Experience in providing administrative, coordination or substantive support in internal relations, public affairs, communications, or related areas;
• Experience in supporting meetings or engagement with parliamentarians, government bodies and/or multilateral development banks;
• Experience in organising and supporting events, including handling logistics and documentation;
• Experience in drafting, formatting, and editing institutional documents and documentation;
• Experience working on migration, humanitarian or development issues is an advantage;
• Prior experience working in the UN, NGOs or similar international organisations is desirable; and,
• Lived experience of migration or displacement an advantage.

• Strong drafting and communication skills with attention to accuracy and clarity;
• Good knowledge of UK political and parliamentary processes is an advantage;
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds;
• High level of professionalism with the ability to work independently and prioritise work to meet deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment; and,
• Demonstrated awareness of gender, diversity and inclusion principles.

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 (written and oral)

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